A Letter to Payton – 11 Months

My Dearest Payton,

I have found this months letter to be the hardest to write. Hence, why it is finally coming to fruition one week past your eleven-month birthday. Saying, or even thinking the term ‘birthday’ brings so many emotions on me. Everyday I think of where I was last year at this time and how anxious I was to finally meet the little girl I had always been in love with even before I knew you were mine. I think of the moment when I sat down in your complete nursery for the first time and tears swelled my eyes because I was “ready”. I remember getting to Thanksgiving when I went on maternity leave and I was so ecstatic to go shopping on Black Friday to get last minute items for you and then hearing that one Christmas song. Hearing the first song of the season gave me the same emotions last year as it did this year. It was like I had gone back eleven months, I was experiencing the same emotions, yet this time I could see you; and you could see me. We have fallen in love with each other and those songs that have brought me to tears everyday for the past week are tears of complete and udder joy. Each day you bring more happiness upon me and I am amazed with every intuitive move you make. You get this from your Daddy, you know. Your curiosity amazes everyone, you are well beyond your age already and this scares me. It has all gone so incredibly fast and I am more than thankful that I have documented your life because as much as I have tried to remember every minute of your life many are slipping away, just like the baby in you. My dearest Payton, I never want you to grow-up. I wish I could freeze these last few weeks before you turn one but sadly, I cannot. You will grow-up and I will get older. I only wish that you never forget how to be a child and be thankful for all that God has blessed you with. You are one amazing child and I am more than thankful to call you mine.

– You say: “Hi”, “kiki”, “momma”, “Dada”, “oh”, “num-num”, “lilah”

– You can wave “hi” and “bye”. We are teaching you how to blow kisses and you have given a few high-fives.

– You have learned how to walk, run and pick yourself up all in a matter of two weeks.

– You do not conform to being held behind a gate and always find a way out.

– You are starting to listen to things like, “go get the ball” or “bring me Elmo”.

– You have finally gotten back to being cuddle bug. You give hugs every morning right away and say, “hhhhhiiiii!”. This also happens right after nap time. Actually, “hi” is your favorite word.

– You can throw and kick a ball. You also have started doing exercises Daddy teaches to his basketball team.

– You are very social! You go up to other babies and give them hugs and hold conversations with them. You are a crack up. I think you will be the social butterfly of the family seeing as Daddy and I are more introverts.

– You have eaten more table foods, but you mainly love your veggies and fruits. You eat more than me on some days!

– You are a dare devil. You love free-falling and you still continue to test your limits with opening and closing doors. Especially the patio door!

– Size 18-24 months, size 3 diapers (still why I have no clue, no booty?).

We love you Peanut!!