Girl’s Life

Happy 13 months, Sophia! Yesterday you turned 13 months old, and we celebrated with a trip to the pumpkin patch. OK, the trip wasn’t exactly to celebrate you growing another month older. It was to get together with some friends and tromp through fields of pumpkins for some good photo ops. We did this little outing last year, too, when you were just one month old, (I still can’t believe we did that!) and you were quite a bit more awake this time around. You had the time of your life, actually, and I didn’t even make you dress up in a costume this time. You’ve come a long way since last year, baby girl. Check you out!

This past month has flown by. It was a whirlwind of birthday celebrations, visits with relatives, family outings and colds. I can’t believe how much of a toddler you are these days. And I have to say, you’re pretty good at it, too. You started walking a couple week ago, but then you got sick and didn’t want to practice your new skill. I can’t say that I blame you. I just want to lie around and be lethargic when I’m sick. But that’s not actually want you wanted to do. You were still your same fun and energetic self, yammering away and crawling everywhere, which is still your preferred method of transportation. You just don’t want to walk more than a couple steps at a time without holding my hand. But when you do take those few steps from time to time, it’s so worth the wait. It’s lumbering Frankenbaby meets crazy Elvis baby, complete with hip gyrations and all. I love it!

You are beginning to communicate so much, too. Your favorite thing to say is still woof, woof, followed up by doggy. We definitely know who’s your favorite in the house. But you’re trying new words every day — many that totally surprise me (like elephant, for one). And the other day you totally floored me by doing sign language with your little friend, Chloe. But I think my absolute favorite of your forms of communication is your Sleestak-style language, where you breathe in and out with your jaw clenched and such a serious look in your eye that I know you’re trying to tell us something so important. Guess I better get my hands on some old episodes of Land of the Lost to see if I can translate what you’re saying.

This past month you also experienced the reality of your first funeral. My uncle Vern (my mom’s brother) passed away on September 17th. I know you are very young to experience this part of life and that you won’t understand this sort of thing for a long time. But I was thankful to have you there because your bright smile was able to bring comfort and cheer to family members who were grieving. There is joy sometimes even in the darkest places. Thank you, baby girl, for always helping us see that part of life.

Other updates so far: teeth — still none(!); entertainment — you’re getting really into Elmo, you love the song at the end of Sesame Street (it’s your favorite part of the show), and you rock out to any and all music; food — you’ve tasted french fries and there’s no going back, yogurt is still a fave, and you’ve also added bananas as a new addiction; friends — you’ve been playing a lot and interacting with Justice (3 months younger) and Chloe (1 week younger); fun — playing on your singing chair and reading/sorting your many board books are favorite pastimes, but your favorite thing of all is to just hang out with your mommy and daddy. We took you up to Oak Glen apple country last week and you had a blast just being with us all day, looking at new things, seeing the fall leaves and mostly blowing bubbles with daddy.

I thought all that baby stuff was fun, but this toddler business just keeps getting better and better. You’re a great kid — full of life and adventure and independence. You make me proud to be your mom every day, and I am having so much fun teaching you about the world. Keep on exploring, and I’ll stay following close behind trying to keep up! Love and hugs, sweet girl.