Sweet little girl, here we are again. You’re 10 months old, Claire Elaine — and Mommy is nearly 3 weeks late writing about it. Back before you joined our world, I would have had a whole lot of guilt over this fact…but another one of the thousands of things I love about you is the way you’ve helped me re-prioritize life. Songs and stories and baths and toys and laughing and crawling and kisses and snuggles have a way of helping me forget that I committed to this little blog.

That said, we have SO much to tell. And as we sit here in the midway point between 10 and 11 months, I realize I have to get my thoughts down now. There’s no telling what milestone you’ll hit tomorrow, as each day with you is a whole new adventure!

For example…taking your 10-month picture. (Let’s just say I learned my lesson about trying to shoot it without Daddy’s help.) You’re typically the happiest baby on the block. But today, you weren’t one bit impressed with my funny faces and silly noises.

And of course once you found the sticker, it was all over. We’ll try again for a smile next month 😉

A few nights ago you were sitting in your highchair and playing with your bib when it was time to bless the food. Assuming you weren’t paying a bit of attention, Daddy simply put his hand on your arm and started to pray. Wouldn’t you know it only took a second for you to stop what you were doing, look up at Daddy, and reach for his hand? And my goodness Claire, we melted.

You’re watching, you’re learning, you’re changing, you’re growing, you’re full of surprises, and boy…you’re the absolute light of our lives.

Here are a few highlights at 10(ish!) months old:

Weight: Around 20.8 pounds – it seems your growth is leveling off now that you’re such a busy bee! Height: Long and lovely!

Eating: Mealtime is still a highlight of your day. In fact, you’ve become so dependent on solids that you get “hangry” when we’re a bit off-schedule. Your “dislike” list is small – mainly just eggs (in any form), lima beans (although we’ll need to try again, you didn’t give them a fair chance), olives (good call!), and anything trying to compete with frozen peas (which are your absolute favs).

It amazes us how well you can eat with only two teeth! We’ve been certain for weeks that your next set would be coming in soon…you chew on washcloths, drool, and gnaw toys with vigor. As with all baby-related things, though, we’re sure it’ll happen when you are ready.

I’ve noticed our nursing sessions getting shorter and shorter as you’re much more interested in moving, going, and doing. (These days breastfeeding is a bit acrobatic, too, as I try to cradle your long, wiggly body around mine.)

But no matter how busy our day is (and how off-schedule we may get), wake-up and bedtime nursing sessions are still special moments as you seem a bit less hurried, and I can still feel you relax while you eat.

I’ve stopped trying to multitask during these times…no more reading or checking emails one-handed. This is partially because I don’t want to distract you from the task at hand, but it’s also because I know we only have a few more months of this one-on-one Mommy/Claire bonding time. I’m savoring, sweet pea. And, once again, counting my blessings.

Sleeping: Ahh, sweet sleep. Your schedule has shifted a bit lately…you’re going down around 8 p.m. and wake around 7 a.m., plus you give us two or three good naps throughout the day. This does wonders for Mommy’s work productivity, and I’m grateful!

We’ve moved you into the “big girl” bathtub, which is adorable, and that has become a part of our nighttime routine again. We also still use the white noise app on the Kindle, which you may or may not need…but we’d hate to risk ruining something so good 😉

Playing: When you rise, you absolutely shine! You are the happiest, busiest, most curious baby I’ve ever been around, and there are no limits to what you’ll explore. We love this about you, and are learning to keep up!

You’ve mastered crawling and speed from room to room giggling all the way. You can climb up the stairs (carefully supervised), and we’re fascinated by your determination. If you want something (whether it be the second floor, the kitty cat, or the remote control), you make it happen. You aren’t yet walking unassisted, but you zip around the room with your pink car walker and can cruise holding onto the furniture and walls.

Daddy and I were really excited to buy a big play yard that we thought would keep you contained occasionally while we cooked or worked…but let’s just say you aren’t a huge fan of confinement and would much rather spend your day exploring. Right now, your favorite thing is to pull every item out of boxes, baskets, or even the trash can — you take your time investigating your “treasures,” and although many things still get tasted, you do seem to be improving in that area.

Thankfully, it’s finally summer…and girl, you LOVE the water. We’ve had a blast with you on the boat and at the pool, and we adore your happy, splashy grin. You’re absolutely fearless, and you certainly keep us on-guard.

We’ve started planning your first birthday party (how can it be?!), and we can’t wait to gather friends and family to celebrate your big day. In the meantime, we’re treasuring these last 6 weeks or so of infant-hood. It’s passing in a flash.

All our love, Mommy and Daddy

P.S. I forgot to post this picture before…but it’s a gem. On the left is me and Daddy on my 30th birthday when I was pregnant with you. On the right, the same spot on my 31st birthday — this time holding our big girl!