11 Months

Once again, noting that this monthly letter to Mateo is not my idea, and a really good idea...

Querido Mateo,

If I've said it once, I've said it a million times: humans should be born with teeth.  I know, I know, there would be some occupational hazards for your breastfeeding mother, but right now, the risk looks worthy.  We are pretty sure that there are some molars in the works for you, but at the bare minimum, you have two more top teeth almost in.  Eventually this will be great because it will expand your solid food options, but in the meantime, it has wreaked havoc on your little digestive system.  To cope with the the side effects we've taken to giving you milk baths, which I think you find fascinating, as your splashing quotient has redoubled.  (Inanely, I can't help but sing "My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard" when you go crazy with the splashing.  Da-da-da-da-daaa.)

In more upbeat news, this month marked the beginnings of some pretty exciting changes on the horizon.  We met with your to-be teacher for when you start "school" in September.  She is warm and kind, and you took to her right away.  It will be tough on me those first couple of days that I drop you off, but knowing that she will be caring for you and about you will make it so much easier.  We also finally decided to find an occasional babysitter to take care of you, and once again, I think we are all in agreement that she is really terrific.  Not only did you try to scale her, but you couldn't stop flashing her your increasingly winning smile, one that looks a little like this:

As for the walking-talking update, you are loving "uh-oh."  Of course, accidentally dropping something has very little to do with the word.  It's pretty hilarious when you're in your highchair and purposely throw food over the side to Maximus, and the split second before actually letting go of the food, yell out "uhhhh-oh." Maximus, as a result, is now deeply in love with you.  Here he is, trying to make out with you:

Walking-wise, you're not quite there yet, but you're interested in testing your balance, and have now perfected both pulling yourself up on things and getting down.  (The down part is relief for all of us!)  Here's a nice pic of you standing from a recent playdate with Savanh, both of you looking guilty.  (Please, remember that even if I'm not there, you're totally busted.) 

And finally, no summary of this month would be complete without a mention of the weather.  We have been completely slammed by storm after storm this month.  The good news is that this has meant more time for us to spend together as a family (the beauty of working for educational institutions), but I think you dad wants you to start pulling your weight around here and help with the shoveling! 

I love you,
Mamamamama