Dear Charlotte,
The other day I watched you walk, WALK halfway across the living room, reach into a storage bin of toys, pull out the toy you wanted, and sit down to play with it.



What?!  Surely you can’t be the same little squishy, pink creature who first opened her eyes and could hardly grab my finger in the hospital 10 months ago, but you are.

I know I say it every month, but you have been amazing!  It was an eventful month for you, Miss C.  You went to the beach.  You got your first two teeth.  You graduated to the “Older Infants” class at school.  You took your first steps.

It’s funny.  You will take five little unsteady steps, plop down on your booty, and then crawl the rest of the way to your destination of choice.  This is usually a place Daddy and I would prefer you avoid, as you attempt to play with something we’d just assume you never touch.

Usually you like to swat, grab, or pull up on Ginger.  Your dog is one tough little trooper!  She graciously lets you pull her fur as Daddy and I say, “No Charlotte!  Be gentle with your doggie!”  You get so excited when you see Ginger and she gets so excited when you get in your highchair so she can clean up the inevitable mess around you.




I’ve dubbed meal times as “60/40 events”.  I would say about 60% of the finger foods you attempt end up on the floor.  I think about 40% gets in your belly.  We’re still feeding you Stage 3 baby food as well, but you are seriously more interested in feeding yourself puffs, cheese, veggies, deli meat, pasta, and with persuasion, bananas.

Daddy and I are so proud of you and all your little milestones.  You’re such a good baby.  We count our blessings everyday and thank God you are a healthy, strong child.

I love you, my darling, darling girl.

Love,
Mama

Charlotte took her first step.  

We were in our Saturday morning Mama and Baby yoga class.  We’re in the “Movers” class after a brief stint in the “Non-Movers” class.  A few months ago Charlotte crawled over and got all up in the business of an innocent little 8 weeker who’s mother gave me the stink eye.  The teacher suggested we move up.

Saturday, among all the crawling and toddling of the Movers class, Charlotte stood up.  She’s been standing independently and cruising for awhile now, but no independent steps.  It just sort of happened that everything stopped.  All the mothers and the teacher turned to watch Charlotte.  The tension built as she stood, bouncing her knees.  Time slowed down.  It went silent.  She lifted her little size 1 foot and stepped.  

::Cheers::  ::Applause::

One of the moms said, “See if she’ll do it again!”  I looked at her like she was insane and said, “What?!  No way.  I’m not perpetuating this.  She’s only 9 1/2 months old, it’s a little early for walking.  I mean, I’m proud of her and all, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

I got two responses. 

Some of the mothers looked at me like, “Yeah Girl, I feel you.  That’s a little early.  You could really be in for some long baby-chasing days.” 

Other mothers looked at me like I was an evil witch who couldn’t stand to see her baby grow up so I purposly stifle her progress.

Whatever.  They’re just bitter their babies aren’t as advanced as mine.