Letter to Lizzy- Eleven Months

Lizzy Loo,

In the last few days, I feel like you have really started to look and act like a toddler, rather than a baby. You just look so different, even from a couple of weeks ago. You have also been babbling and talking to yourself constantly. People even comment about what a talker you are when we're out and about. And you are--right now, you say Ma-Ma, Da-de, Bo (which means Bones, our cat), ki-kah (kitty cat), ohhhh!, and hey!. You also shake your head "no", which sometimes means yes, and are working on the signs for "all done" and "more".

You're still mostly interested in books, and know which shelf on the bookshelf contains your books. Every morning, you like to pull all your books off the shelf, and spend hours each day reading your favorite ones. Right now, your favorite is "Llama, Llama Red Pajama"--I think we've read it at least 20 times a day since we checked it out from the library, and any time I put it down, it spurs a tantrum that lasts at least 10 minutes.

Typically, you aren't too interested in the TV. We've attempted watching some borrowed Baby Einstein movies and whatnot, and for the most part, you could care less. However, there is one video that has lots of footage of live animals, and you're just starting to become intrigued.

The other day, while watching the animal video, I decided to take some photos of you, because you literally don't sit still ever anymore. And I'm so glad that I did, because you were making the silliest faces ever, and I ended up getting my favorite picture of you to date:

You're also at the point where I literally cannot turn my back on you for a second, even if I'm in the same room. Case in point--the other day, you were playing on the floor. I was in the same room, but turned my back to grab some laundry to fold. By the time I turned back around, you had climbed up on the couch and then up the couch to the window ledge to look outside.

Sweet girl, you've also been testing boundaries and limits in a major way this month. For example, you know that you're not supposed to play with the Christmas tree. But yesterday, you'd toddle up to the tree, say "Mama!", and then shake your head no. I'd say "That's right, we don't touch the Christmas tree." You'd reach out, touch, it, and then run away laughing.

You've also been intentionally hitting and pinching lately, and laughing when that person squeals in pain or says "ouch". I know that you're at the appropriate stage developmentally--knowing things you're supposed to do versus not supposed to do, but not always following the rules. But we've still been trying to set the stage with appropriate discipline, which is hard sometimes, because you're a born entertainer, and find ways to entertain yourself even when you're in time-out.



But let me tell you sweet baby girl, even when you're testing our patience, your dad and I love you so much. You are so silly, and make us laugh every single day. You don't like to snuggle much anymore, so sometimes if you happen to fall asleep on us, your dad and I will both hold you rather than laying you down in your crib like we probably should, because there is just nothing better.

Love you forever and for always,
Your Mama