10 months

(This photo is slightly goofy looking, but she would not sit still!)

Little Mia, you are 10 months old today!

Here is what's been going on:

• You weigh between 17 and 18 pounds and are about 28 inches long.

• You are wearing size 3 diapers.

• You are wearing 9 month clothing.


• Hello, teeth? Where are you? It has now been 4 months since the first two popped through and you're still flashing that same, adorable, 2-toothed grin.


• You are back to consistently taking 2 naps a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with each one lasting about 90 minutes.


• Morning seems to be your favorite time of day. Which is why you often want to start the morning around 6:30. Sometimes I can get you back to sleep until 7:30 or 8:00, but other mornings I just have to load up on the caffeine.


• You started a kick this month where you want to feed yourself all the time. No more spoon-feeding for you! You mostly eat table food now. Some favorites, in addition to the tried and true yogurt and oatmeal, include grilled cheese sandwiches, string cheese, graham crackers, and chicken. You love pretty much all carbs--a girl after my own heart!


• You still get 4 bottles a day, but they're much smaller in size and more like "snacks."


• Stairs! We've had to rearrange where we have gates because you LOVE to climb up the stairs. You also have figured out how to open cabinets, and so we've baby-proofed the kitchen and left a few cabinets unlocked for you to safely play in.


• One of the biggest big-girl accomplishments of this past month has been that you're standing on your own. You stand independently for 15-20 seconds now. Still haven't taken a step, but we can see you thinking about it.


• One of the sweetest moments has been in just the past couple days when I've taught you to give kisses. Now I'll pick you up and announce, "Kiss!" and you'll lean in with a big, wet, sloppy, open-mouthed kiss. I love, love, LOVE this!


• "Day-ee!" (Daddy) is your new favorite word. You also say, "Mumumu" when you want me, and "Keeee!" for the kitties.


• A sad milestone: you've stopped wanting to be cuddled before bed. We used to cuddle and rock as you had your final bottle and went to sleep. No more. You're Miss Independent and want to take care of yourself. I miss our cuddles. But...

We love you, Mia-mia! You're becoming such a big little girl!