11 months

WOW Danica does time fly and each day you change. How is it even possible??? I feel like I miss something if I blink. One thing remains the same you are the happiest baby. Your smile is so contagious with those big blue eyes, double dimples, and two teeth! Did I mention your little boobies? We went to see Dr. Charles and he said not to buy you a sports bra, you just have a little extra estrogen and no problems. So let me tell you, it is quite a physique you have, you are curvy in all the right places-- or should I say a chubba wubba in all the right places! You are definitely starting to thin out with the amount of activity you do from crawling so fast to scaling all the furniture and tables, getting yourself in trouble with the toilet (with Charli's help)and you can already stand up on your own unassisted; I know walking will be here before we know it! You are quite the communicator and a such people person. You love to be around people and are so very nosy, I think your picture could be in the dictionary next to rubberneck! If you are not within reach of someone you are not a happy camper. You love to be stimulated and giggle and laugh and you sound like the Pilsbury dough boy. When music is on you just dance and you can keep the beat with your head and your body and have a permanent smile. What a little entertainer! You scream for things and I am talking blood curdling scream which then Charli imitates and then you both laugh, this is not a good habit but at home it sure is funny--at restaurants not so much. You also have quite the little temper when you want something which makes for a household of hotheads- oh boy that includes the dogs!        Your words increase everyday as you copy what we say and it is amazing. Hi, Bye, Mom, Dad, Doggy, baby, dolly, no, kiss... this are all words you attempt and come close to saying. You even know when the dogs next door are barking you want to say "no barking doggy" you curl your lips and you get a very serious face, oh you are too much! You intelligence is quite astounding for 11 months whether it be communicating, playing with your toys, your alertness while out and about; you have such an understanding of what is going on it really is amazing. Whenever I tell you "Danica is so silly" you laugh on cue and just love it, we could do that for hours. Another love of yours is to swing at the park and go in the pool. Grandma had the hot tub filled up and you floated around in your princess floatation device just kicking your feet and laughing. What a great time we had, Charli was so proud to be in the water with you and she is so excited for you to get "bigger," especially next summer at the "play pool."
     There is not enough room in the pack n play for you both we have learned. We have also learned to not turn our back for a minute- Charli thinks she can pick you up and carry you and if she could she would take you outside and just play. We have had a few talks with Charli this month you can imagine, but she is the greatest big sister and loves you so so much. This is why morning walks have been a daily summer activity  with you both in your stroller and you kicking your feet the whole time.  The dogs go on the walk with us and you have taken such a liking to them both and want to pet them and crawl all over them and although you don't understand personal space they too are trying to understand you. Boy is it cute watching you pet River and just giggle, he just wags his tail trying to figure you out.
     I have watched you problem solve ways to get out of the rigged areas of the house which is crazy smart, but nothing more than when you were in a baby mobility seat at Grandma's walking all around and you wanted to pick up a toy, you were able to move the toy with your foot up to your hand to pick it up. This is something kids at soccer camp can't do until age 5. I was shocked and very proud! I think you are definitely an athlete and like your sister fearless when it comes to doing and trying new things. We went to see the Pietrowski family and you were up their stairs in the blink of an eye!
      As far as strangers you are in the stranger danger mode and definitely cannot have Daddy or I out of your sight. This still makes for sleepless nights as you are up about two times a night. I am hoping in the next 3 weeks when we start you on real milk that will fill up your belly and you will sleep "like a baby" through the night. Otherwise I think your Dad and I will still agree there is nothing like rocking you to sleep.  Although once you are in the car it is magic you are out like a light. ---You are just so sweet honey.---As I mentioned starting you on milk it reminds me of just how much you eat and I think at this point you are in love with green beans over any other food. You ate an entire can and wanted more! Nice work! When it comes to baby food whatever you don't eat Charli wants to so I guess it is a win-win. You are not very fond of your high-chair but we make it work and when you have had enough food without fail you hit our hand and the food flies everywhere- nice reflexes Danica!
     You and Charli are in love with each other and I hope it lasts, she can fit in your clothes and you can't---does that make any sense? You are so tall and about 22 lbs. I mean that makes for beyond cuteness and more of a reason when Charli tries to hold you and pick you up its not a very safe idea. Thinking of you while writing this makes me smile and just want to grab you and give your kisses. You love kisses right on your cheeks and you lean right in, that is the best feeling Grandma can agree! You are so loved by everyone who lays an eye on you- and I know Grandpa's heart would have grown a million times if he was here to see you, he wouldn't even know what to do with you and Charli. I know wherever he is he is smiling. We are truly blessed for you to be born in August and to help heal all of our broken hearts, I think you were the greatest gift for all of us.  We love you more than words...