11 months

Dear Maggie,

I cannot believe you are almost 11 months old. How did this happen? You are getting so big. When I lay you down in your crib you look huge. I remember when your crib seemed so big around you but now it looks normal.

You continue to be the sweetest little girl that ever was. Everyone loves you. I am shocked by the number of people who come up to meet you and talk to you. Men, women, children, old people. It's amazing and you just smile and laugh with all of them.

You are already a stealer of hearts. You have your Grandpa (my Dad) wrapped quite tightly around your little finger. Not only him but your Uncle Jeff and Gran (my stepdad) and GrandMo and Nana and Memaw. And of course Aunt Laurie and your Daddy.

But let's not forget Mommy. I love you so much. Seeing your face is always the best part of my day. I love everything about being with you. I love playing with you, feeding you, nursing you, watching you. You are very attached to me and will often cry if someone else holds you instead of me. People make fun of me because I rarely let you cry and will almost always come back and get you. But, what do they know? You're my baby.

You can do so much now. You can crawl, pull to standing and cruise. As of yesterday you can stand without holding on to anything (for a few seconds). And as of today you can stand without holding on to anything (for about one second, but still). It's amazing how fast it all happens.

You can also talk up a storm. You can say mama and dada and make tons of sounds and mimic sounds people make at you. And you love to just chat. It's just baby jabber but you talk, talk, talk. It's so cute.

You are so happy. You are almost always smiling and laughing. You will play with anything and you are good in even the worst situations. Like being on a plane for 4 hours. We went to Maine last month and you were an angel. You did great on the flight there and back and in the car. It was wonderful. And at least a dozen people came up to you on the outgoing flight (when it was just you and me; Aunt Laurie and Uncle Jeff were on the same flight as us going home) to talk to you or play with you or just marvel at what a good baby you were.

I go back to work on Monday. I am not looking forward to it. We have had so much fun this summer. Spending time you with has been such a joy. But I know how much you love Nana and Gran so I know you will still have fun and be well cared for.

I love you so much Maggie. You are the best, most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. Everyday I thank God I have you.

All my love,
Momma