Surfin' Bird

Cleo teaching herself how to surf using the tray from her high chair.

Cleo sent her first email today!

I'm the luckiest mom ever! Notice how she practically spelled "hi Mom" in the subject line. She's totally a genius.

One month away. Otherwise known as: 11 Months!

Cleo -

You're 11 months old, and as always, I'm floored at how quickly this time has passed. I recall days when you were first born where I wondered if I'd have the strength to get through your babyhood, and yearned for the future when you would be three years old, and in my mind, something I could handle. Now I live on the other end of the spectrum, wanting to slow down each day, each minute, to stretch it as long as possible with you. You change so much, so quickly. Each day bringing a new skill or expression.

For all intents and purposes, you are walking. Well, I shouldn't go that far. You are stepping. You stand up on everything and take several steps before falling down. Your current record is seven steps in a row. You have really amazing balance and you fall very well. By that, I mean that you fall gracefully, and have the muscle control to stop yourself from falling in a way that might hurt you.

You are also hysterically funny. You continue to make the scrunched nose face, which makes me think that if you looked up mischievous in the dictionary that your sassy smile would be there. You always seem to be having a great time. You're extremely outgoing and haven't exhibited any shyness of strangers or fear of anything really. You seem to be more interactive than most of your friends, but I say that with the caveat that I'm extremely biased, and it's possible that I just recognize your subtleties.

You're starting to say a few words. Distinctly and consistently you've been saying hi and often wave along with it. I also hear you say Daddy and we think you've said Dan. We've heard you say Mom, but I still am not sure that it's in relation to me instead of just making a noise. You continue to sign for milk, more and all done. I've been lazy about teaching you other words because these seem to be working well for us. The cutest thing is that you've learned to say moo when we ask you what the cow says. Seriously, it's really cute.

I have more to say, but at this point am holding out in anticipation of your Birthday post. Suffice it to say that the party planning has begun.

Sweet lady baby - I love you so much! As your Daddy often says, you are such a cool person!

I love you,

-Mommy

Correction: A Guide to Pretentious Parenting - Volume 1, Issue 11

Cleo, technically Annie Hall was not your first costume party. You went to a party last October dressed as a fetus.

A Guide to Pretentious Parenting - Volume 1, Issue 11

Cleo and Eli went to their first costume party yesterday. Enjoy!

The inspiration photo:

Grandma and Grandpa Ledbetter

Last weekend Cleo's Grandma and Grandpa Ledbetter came for a visit. Cleo had an amazing time, in case you can't tell by the picture.

In other news, Cleo got her first balloon, thanks to a very nice checker at Trader Joe's. She LOVES it.

Rama Lama Ding Dong - Ten Months!

Babs -

Well, I'm a bit late on the ten month post, but it was worth the wait. Yesterday, you took your first step! You stood up, holding on to the coffee table, turned toward me, let go of the table and took a step. You stopped, steadied yourself and then sat down. Congrats my love! I'm so proud of you! You are incredibly nimble and daring. You could be a stunt baby.


You are learning so rapidly it is overwhelming. We've been showing you a bit of sign language to help you communicate. You now know and use three signs: milk, more and all done. I'm planning on adding sleepy and/or nap to your repertoire, in the hopes you can cue me in when you're ready to rest. We'll see how it goes. You also clap and have blown kisses a few times. A lovely mom friend swears she heard you say "no" and "hi" last week. This morning I thought you said "more" while you were signing it. Baby, you are incredible.


Speaking of kisses, giving me and your daddy kisses is one of your favorite activities. When you first wake up in the morning we bring you in bed with us for milk and a cuddle. Once that's done, you're ready to play. You go back and forth between us bestowing kisses and giving me zerberts. Your kisses are "fresh" as your daddy says, as you haven't yet learned how to pucker, so they are open mouthed and involve drool. That being said, they are the sweetest kisses in the world! Making them even sweeter, is the fact that you've just started sleeping all the way through the night! It took just a few nights of sleep training and you had it down.

You investigate everything thoroughly and especially love cords. We have to keep a close eye on you all the time. Due to your slender frame, you can squeeze into small areas, giving you access to things we thought were protected by strategic furniture arrangement. I can only hope that your interest level in off-limits items will wane with age. Probably not, but I can certainly hope.

Babs, you rock. You are the highlight of all my days. You are funny, smart and incredibly cute. I love watching you learn and grow.

Love,
-Mommy