Happy 11 Month Birthday, Peanut!

Hi, Sweetie!

Happy 11 month birthday! (well, it's just after midnight now, on the 9th...oh well!) You took your first step yesterday, unassisted, on July 7th. I caught you out of the corner of my eye, as you quickly moved from the office chair to the edge of the bed--one little tiny itty bitty step without holding onto anything! Way to go, Kairis! You have officially tumbled down the stairs now too, but thankfully only from the third step up. I was right with you too, just didn't get you in time. You're alright though. :) You are teething big time right now--you still only have your two bottom teeth. Your sleeping habits are a bit off because of your pain, but we're adjusting fairly well, and trying to be there for you consistently as you deal with this awful pain of growing teeth. I've heard it be compared to child birth, and that it's a "right of passage"...so, your dad and I are just trying to do our best to support you emotionally and physically. We're enjoying taking evening walks together for an hour or so while you fall asleep in our arms--after that, you're usually out for the rest of the night. I say usually, but really, you've only slept through the night without waking up 2 times in the past 3 weeks. Eeek! It's alright though, we love seeing you day or night. :)

You are eating nearly everything now, with the exception of honey, peanut butter and egg whites. I'm limiting tomatoes too, as they're still hard for your little digestive system. You love to eat, and I'm loving making you healthy concoctions. Today, I discovered that I can screw on a glass ball jar to the blender blade, and away it grinds/purees/mixes....all without using the big glass blender! I'm super excited about this new discovery, and what it means for our kitchen efficiency! I mixed up cooked brown rice, black beans, wheat germ, cooked egg yolk, applesauce, peaches, and soy nuts for you, and made it into a super porridge meal. You *loved* it! I am going to start making you more protein packed breakfasts, as it's very good for your growing body. I love keeping our family healthy.

One of your favorite things to do in the mornings is come back to bed with me and snuggle. Two mornings ago, you surprised me and actually fell back to sleep in my arms in bed! What a treat for me! You love to crawl all over the bed and fling yourself backward and giggle as you hit the pillows--your laugh is so cute. You are also enjoying rolling and playing with a plastic ball Grandma and Aunt Linda gave you.

Well, it's time for bed....I love you very much and can hardly believe that in one month you'll be 1 year old.

Love,
Mom