11 Months

11 months and still in awe at how fast time seems to pass. As we near the end of Charlotte's first year, I'm finding that I'm much more emotional the second time around. Maybe because I know the bedtime snuggles don't last forever. Maybe because I know just how fast the chubby cheeks seem to fade. Maybe because there's just something about babies that makes me smile. Whatever the reason may be, I'm not ready. I want to hold on to her sweetness and wonder just a little longer...
Charlotte has been busy this last month. At eleven months, Charlotte:

• is officially WALKING!! She started taking a few steps a couple of weeks ago and is now walking all over the place. It is amazing how fast it happened!
• is trying hard to communicate. She is pointing at everything and gets quite upset when you don't respond to her cues.
• is still a pretty good eater. Breakfast is definitely her favorite meal of the day, but she does okay with lunch and dinner as well.
• finally has her top two teeth. It took forever for them to break the surface, but they are finally in!
• is getting ear tubes in a few weeks. We took her to an ENT a few weeks ago and decided to go ahead with the surgery. Her ears haven't been clear since January, so we decided it was for the best.
• is still not sure about books. She looks at about 2 pages before trying to either rip it apart or eat it. Lets just say that we have some work to do in the reading department.
• loves being outside. She loves exploring in the grass, swinging at the park and playing around the water table in the backyard.
• still takes 2 naps. She definitely takes better naps at school than at home. I think it's because she doesn't want to miss out on anything.
• plays really well independently...much better than I remember Claire doing at this age. I think some of it has to do with being the second child.

We love you, Charlotte! And while we will miss your baby days, we can't wait to watch your personality evolve! Happy 11 Months!