Mallory Grace

Dear Mallory,

Today is your last monthly milestone. In one month you will be a year old. It is so easy to look forward to what is to come rather than savor the precious moments that are in front of me right now. I don’t want to wish away a single minute; you are perfect just as you are. The eating and sleeping will soon fall into place, but that eleven-month-old face will be changing more quickly than I’d like.

Our days are filling up fast with new adventures. This month you graduated from the “Bugs” class at the little gym and became a “Bird.” When Miss Jessica played the graduation march, I could feel a small tug at my heart. All too soon you’ll be off to school. You left behind some friends in that class, but were eager to introduce yourself to the bigger kids that awaited you in the next level. Your new teacher is Miss Jen and she couldn’t stop telling me what a smiley little girl you are. Of course no one believed that you were almost eleven months because you are so tiny.

Each week we continue to meet with cousin Carter and Vito. Azul from our gym class has joined in to even the score with the boys. I wish I could say that you are content to sit and play with the other kids, but that would be fibbing. You love nothing more than a good romp around someone else’s house, quickly pointing out which items need to be put away. A few weeks ago you made friends with Carter’s puppy, McGraw. What a patient, dog. He endured lots of pulling and not-so-gentle petting.

We’ve started a new routine at bedtime. Since you don’t like to sit on my lap and listen to stories, I’ve been reading to you from the rocking chair in your bedroom. You sit on the floor with your own book and mimic me by turning the pages. This half-hour of quiet time helps to set the mood for a peaceful night’s sleep. Sometimes.

Now that you are steady with your walking, we’ve begun to play hide and seek. You are always the seeker. I can’t believe how perceptive you are. If I hide in the den behind the door and forget to leave it open the same amount, you know exactly where I am. It warms my heart to hear you signature cackle when you find me.

With the record high temperatures we’ve taken some wonderful afternoon strolls around the neighborhood. You are content to sit and watch the world go by. Last Saturday Dad and I took you to the park and you enjoyed a ride on the swing and slides. It was unbelievable to watch you explore the park with your own two feet. Our last visit was Labor Day. My, how you’ve grown. Getting a glimpse of the amazing days that await us this spring put us all in good spirits; but for now we will continue to enjoy the amazing baby you are and see what happens day by day.

Love,
Mama