Hey 11 Months Mama!
For 10 days, while Mommy was in Europe for work, you and I lived on our own. I’m glad it is over, but I feel empowered and proud of being able to care for you for that extended period of time. I don’t want to do it again for that long, but I know that I can. There were many times I just had to put you in the pack and play to fix things, get ready for a walk or bath, and then get you when I was ready. We all missed Mommy.
You got a Care Package from Grammy Diann today! Grammy sends the BEST packages. Some new utensils, a plate, some filled-in picture albums with fresh family shots, clippings for Mommy and Daddy, Aunt Jemima pancake mix for weekend mornings, some doggie poop bags for Boo, Cheeze-its, and a personalized note from Grammy and Grandpa Chuckles.
Things you are doing: you are crawling super fast now. I used to have time to watch you crawl for a while before getting up to bring you back. Now you are at the dog bowl, front door, and stairs before I know it. Now, If Mommy or I point to something, your eyes follow our signal and see what we were pointing to. You like to offer us Cheerios, binkys, and toys with your outstretched arm. Then when we get closer to take a bite or take what you offer us, you don’t quite know what to do, sometimes curling your arm back or letting us eat from your hand.
Sharon said you started a drumming band with your daycare friends. They followed you and stood at the couch and banged on the mattress with both hands.
Sharon’s friend Frank treated us to a boating evening.
Today when we were getting gas, a man with his son and dog walked past us. The little boy was no more than three, playing with a piece of cardboard while his Dad carried the dog. I didn’t think more about them until we pulled out and headed for home. The cardboard had a “homeless and need help,” message on it. The little boy played with the dog while his dad held the sign at the corner, hoping to receive something from people walking or driving by. You and I pass beggars often on our way home, standing at the best stoplights to be on the generous side of a fellow Seattleite. Sometimes I give them money or trader Joes Cliff Bars.
Today in class a student asked me how to send a letter! She was preparing applications for college and had never mailed something before! She didn’t know where where the stamp went, how much it cost to mail, nor where to take the letter to mail. She was only 18, yes, but I was shocked at this. I guess my Mommy and Grammies trained me well.
Here are some confessions…things I did while Mommy was away:
I gave you a cheese stick in your pack n play. We really needed to get out the door and you were hungry.
After you were done eating and it was clear you weren’t hungry for most of the things I gave you, I made a lunch out of your leftovers: squash, meatballs, I even finished the rest of your banana blueberry spinach pouch. It was very tasty
What’s happening in the news: The Ebola crisis in West Africa and 3 cases in the US, same sex marriage is now legal in 37 states.
Next episode: Your First Birthday!
Love, Daddy