Seven

Tadpole,

This week, you turned seven months old.  The past few weeks found you busy exploring, learning, and growing.  As always, Daddy and I are amazed by all that you are.  We are so excited to be with you every chance we get and love to be a part of your world.

Throughout this month, you mastered the skill of rolling over.  You roll to obtain toys you desire and to simply break up the monotony of lying down. You also sit independently now, too.  While sometimes your balance is not the best, you’re a champ and are always eager to get up and try again. You lift yourself up often, as if ready to crawl, but only rock back and forth at this time.  While we are eager for your independence, we are so thankful that you are not yet completely mobile, as we already have a hard time keeping up with all that you want to do.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear continues to be your favorite book.  You recently discovered the pictures of Brown Bear, Red Bird, and Blue Horse that I made for your nursery when you were only a few weeks old.  Since you discovered these pictures, you seem to have an increased appreciation for the space and much to my delight; you seem to like your room.  Speaking of Brown Bear, Aunt K showered you with a library full Eric Carle books for Christmas.  Your first Christmas was a magical one.  You were captivated by lights, the spirit of the season, and Daddy’s train.  You were also completely spoiled with attention and gifts too.  Finally, your first tooth found its way in out on Christmas Eve.

Your palette is now more refined, as we’ve slowly started introducing various foods into your diet.  While you still enjoy Mama’s milk, you’re also a big fan of oatmeal and most fruits.  You like sweet potatoes and squash too.  You can do without green beans though. We still make you try them though.

You spend a great deal of time jumping in your jump-a-roo. You also like to spend time reading, singing (especially to early 80s Madonna), and going for walks.  You spend more time playing independently than you once did. You seem to like the time alone and love your toys. In addition to playing with rattles, you also like balls, stuffed animals, and anything that makes silly noises. You sure wish the kitty would play with you a bit more though.

School remains a strong influence in your life.  You love the ‘girls’ at school and smile each day when Ms. E says, “May I help you, handsome?” before helping you over the gate.  While you’re only at school for an hour or two each day, we miss you while you’re there.  We also know, however, that it is good for you to get a break from the house and to explore new environments.

G and N got you a zoo pass for Christmas. We went there for the first time today.  As we expected, you loved the bears.  You liked the lemurs too.  You had little interest in most of the other animals though, but did find the preschoolers around us to be most fascinating.  I suspect that we’ll go to the zoo often, as you seemed incredibly excited to be there. 

In general, you remain incredibly engaged and sweet.  You are generally well-behaved, incredibly patient, and SO silly.  You love flirting with anyone (just like your Daddy) and know when someone finds you to be adorable.  You’ll milk any situation for all it is worth, which I suspect may serve you well later in life.

Today marks the last day of the year.  Daddy and I can honestly say that, because of you specifically, this has been the best year of our lives.  We’re so excited to share 2013 with you and look forward to celebrating each moment with you.

Love,

Mama