To Stella, ten months old

Dear Stella,

Today you and Grandpa are sharing a birthday. You are 10 and he is 816. When I put it that way, it doesn't seem like you are all grown up but sometimes when I look at you, I can't believe how big you already are.

The past month we really turned a big corner. Such a big corner, in fact, that Daddy and I broke down and bought a video camera so we could make real movies, long movies, not just the little ones that we were making with the digital camera. What we have found around this new corner is a little girl who not only shakes her head no but nods her yet yes (even though she doesn't appear to know what this means). You also regularly wave hello and goodbye. Your friend Lila who you play with in the park has been doing this for awhile so we're glad you've caught up. You also started clapping your hands this weekend. You actually did it for the first time at Clara's birthday party and it was very exciting as I've been clapping for you and playing pattycake with you for quite awhile. Daddy also taught you how to make a fish face that kind of makes it seem like you are blowing kisses. It is so cute and when you first did it, you practiced it compulsively and made us all smile a lot. You have also started blowing bubbles and raspberries which I even think is funny when you've got food in your mouth. But I know I have to be a good mom and not laugh when you do it during meal time because it makes a big mess. When I do laugh then, Dad yells at me to stop encouraging you. He is apparently going to be the better disciplinarian. And in most exciting news, YOU WALK. Yup, you heard that right. A few days shy of your ten month birthday, you started walking. Throughout the month you took a few steps here and there but this weekend you really made big progress and now you can cover quite a distance before falling. Daddy had a great time with you in the park a few weeks ago, not only because you are a lot of fun but also because there were mothers in the park who could not get over the things you could do at your age. While it is silly, comparing babies since they are all so different, it is also really satisfying when you see that your baby is better. And Daddy and I see that constantly, all the time, everwhere we look. I know, I know, everyone thinks their kid is the cutest, the smartest, the most adorable. But the difference is, OURS REALLY IS.

Since I am not really working now, we've been spending a lot of time together -- going to the park and playing around the house. You are more fun than ever. You really let it be known when you are not happy about something but most of the time you are pretty content. And when you are happy - or when something strikes you funny - you give us the biggest two tooth grin ever. You light up the room, little one. Before you came along, Daddy and I were a couple but now we are a family.











You've started eating a lot more recently, too. You seem to like pretty much everything. It is very gratifying to cook you a little meal of some kind of mush and watch you gobble it all up. Your pincer grasp has also markedly improved this month. So much so that now you can pick up your Oatios and get them into your mouth all by yourself. I know...I know...one minute oatios, the next minute jelly beans. Thankfully, Grandma and Grandpa have not yet tried to introduce you to candy. Grandma Roz, however, has introduced you to the foam from her cappuccino and white bread.

Speaking of grandparents, last week your great grandpa Joe passed away. While I was pregnant I remember really hoping that he would live to meet you. He wasn't doing so great for quite awhile so I was a little worried. He held on, though, not just to meet you but to actually get to know you over these past ten months. You won't remember him when you are older but you should know that you brought him a lot of joy -- he really couldn't get over how beautiful, active and adorable you were. Thanks for that.













I am so excited every day to wake up and see what new things you are going to learn. I would, however, be even more excited if that waking up happened at 6 rather than 5. Or better still, what about 7? I never thought I'd live to see the day when sleeping until 7 felt like a luxury. If you could work that out, Daddy and I would be very grateful. But, truth be told, if I've got to get up at 5, there's nothing in the world better to get up for than you.

I love you.
Love,
Mommy