Eleven

You're 11 months old today, Pook.  I cannot believe you are that old.

Happy 11 months, India Josephine!

Every stage with you has been so fun!  And mostly everyday with you has been so rewarding.

You are still intense, determined, love attention, vocal and sweet.

You really, really, really like me.  Sometimes I love it, sometimes it breaks me down.

You love to share your food!  Speaking of food, you are getting quite picky.  Strawberries, watermelon, bananas are all things you will no longer eat. Mama's not too happy about that, but hopefully it's just a phase.

You say Mama, Dada, hi, ohh! and ohh?, 'ta sat?' (meaning, what's that?), and a version of 'who's that?', 'Ayyy' (Yay) and 'Na na na na na na na na na' when you don't want to do something.  You also have a fake laugh and a fake cough and you love to entertain people with both!

You still charm everyone, winning over everyone with your smile and your cute waving to say hi or goodbye.  You give kisses and cuddles to those you are really close with. 

Your Daddy and I sit and watch you and laugh as you mimic us, tease us, chase us and show off.  The only toys you play with is your Baby, Sophie the Giraffe and balls. 

You clap after you are praised, you give high fives, and love to point to things when asked where they are.  Your favorite things to point to is Mama's eyes, nose and mouth and the lights!  You understand some words in Chinese - yogurt, water, breastfeeding, dog, cat, phone, kiss, eat, apple and ball. 

You still have our hearts and we'd do anything for you. 

It feels like just yesterday you were nestling into my neck, making newborn baby noises, so soft and sweet. I can't believe in one month, you will celebrate your first year of life.  My heart aches and beams with joy all at the same time.

Thank you for teaching us how to love deeper, Pooka.  You have no idea how much you mean to us...