2

Dear Otto,

Two years ago, I was in the throes of labor: sweating, panting, walking the halls...gripping the husband's hand for dear life. It was a cold, stormy day, a lot like today actually. But I was hot and very alive... and ready to get it over with already. :-)

But it was so, so worth it.

Happy Birthday, love.

One Year

Dear Otto,

Today you are 1 year old. That mere fact completely blows my mind. I know its cliche to say things like "It seems like just yesterday...." and "time flies" but REALLY! It does and it does.


We had a small celebration for your birthday last Saturday- just family and a few friends who happened to be in town. You are still very suspicious of strangers or people you don't see often, but we had a fabulous time. You have received some really neat gifts (mostly books- SCORE!) and I am touched that people are remembering that a year ago today, I went through HELL to get you here. Heh.

I say this every month but you are SO much fun right now. Every day leads to new discoveries and our sides practically ache from how much you make us laugh.

Here's a list of things you can do:

-WALK!! Granted, you only go a few steps (maybe 7 or 8) before plopping down or grabbing on to something but we are impressed. And the distance you can walk increases every day. Won't be long before I'm chasing you in supermarkets and cursing under my breath.

-Say stuff. So far, you can say the following: Dad, shoes, cheese, teeth, this, there he is (sounds more like he-is), yes, and I SWEAR I heard Mama this morning. Oh, and you can meow like a kitty and tweet like a bird.

-Sign. You are great at "milk" and are practicing "all done," "yes," "eat," and "water". I need to be better about signing please and thank you because I think you will pick those up soon. You are also nodding your head "yes" and shaking your head "no." (Um...the "no" thing? HILARIOUS. And sometimes frustrating. )

-Get jokes: You are starting to make your own jokes and laugh at them. Just last night, you were smacking my leg and laughing uproariously. You love it when I crawl around the room, chasing you, and think its incredibly funny when we use the coffee grinder. (Now that I think about it, you're probably just laughing at the fact that its decaf and we still seem so desperate.)

Your 12 month doctor's appointment is on Friday, so I guess we'll find out at that point what all your measurements are. I also plan on asking the Dr. for input on pump weaning and giving you cow or some other milk while at daycare. I'm ready to be done with the pumping already!! But I am incredibly proud that we got through the first year and never ONCE has formula touched your lips. Go us!!


Speaking of food, you are turning into a great little eater. Your number one, super-duper Favorite food is frozen blueberries:

You are also wild about mandarin oranges, banana, chicken, frozen peas, carrots, crackers, rice, pancakes, and I'm pretty sure you were in 7th heaven with the piece of birthday cake you had the other day.


Things you DO NOT like so far include stir-fry that your dad makes, salsa (mild), and broccoli.

Also, cat food is apparently quite delicious. Who knew?


You are still not a great sleeper, a fact that I have just decided to accept. I don't have the time or energy right now to 'sleep train' and I question a lot of those methods anyway. You still wake up 2-3 times a night and sometimes we can get you back down without nursing, but a little milk remains the quickest way to put you back in dreamland. You are still spending half the night in bed with me and as long as you actually sleep, and I can function at work the next day, its really not that bad. We are works in progress, no?

Oh, and your hair gets redder by the minute:



All in all, you are a fantastic little person and I'm so pround to be your Mama. You amaze me every day with your intelligence, perseverance, affection, learning and your overall adorable-ness.

Happy first birthday, my love!

Mama

11 Months

Dear Otto,
Once again, I am a bit late posting your monthly letter. ( An idea, as I have mentioned before, shamelessly stolen from other bloggers. Deal.)

This month, one away from the BIG 1 YEAR, you are blossoming in a way that is truly astounding.

First in physical development: You are on the fast track to walking. You are currently practicing standing unassisted...which you do for a moment or so and then begin this drunken hula-hooping movement that inevitably results in you falling on your diapered butt. You crawl with lightening speed but I can tell that you'd really love to be running. Don't worry. All this practice will pay off and you'll be laughing and running away from me in stores in no-time.

You also seem taller and leaner...a result, I'm sure of growing (er...yeah. D'uh.) and moving around so much. You are on the go ALL THE TIME. Even in your sleep...you crawl around and then fall into hilarious poses involving your previously mentioned diapered butt sticking straight up into the air. Cute.

You make all kinds of faces at the moment...many of the funniest are when you are finding circumstances to be decidedly UNFUNNY. I try not to laugh but, sorry, sometimes it can't be helped. Especially when you are pouting and stick out your lip and your tongue. Its ridiculously adorable.

Word-wise, you are an old pro at "Uh-oh" which has evolved from "Uh-uh-uh-uh-uh" to a very distinguishable two syllables. You say "Dad" ALOT, "shoes," "meow" like a kitty cat, and yesterday you said "Cheese" over and over again at the grocery store. You say a heck of a lot more, lecturing us on what I'm sure are very interesting, in-depth opinions on everything under the sun, but we don't understand much. We just nod and smile and hope you keep on talking. Because we love it.

We are currently planning your 1 year birthday. It seems surreal to be even thinking about it but there it is...2 1/2 weeks away. Where has the time gone? In some ways it seems like you just got here and in others like I've been diapering your little ass forever.

Watching you grow the past month has been a blast. You are so much fun right now and I really think its just going to get better.

I love you up to the sky and back again a million bazillion times,

Mama

9 Months

Dear Otto,

On Tuesday, you turned 9 months old. You've been out as long as you were in. Heh.

Here's the update:
You are SO CLOSE to crawling. Really. You can get on all fours, rock back and forth, scoot backwards...pretty much everything but crawl forward. You get so frustrated when you can't get to your goal. Stick with it, honey. You'll get it. Sooner rather than later, I think.





You are also starting to show more attitude every day. You get mad when I take something away from you or when I walk out of a room. You are suspicious of strangers. You laugh at all sorts of things- the dog, the cat, me looking at you funny, your Dad coming home from work. You are more into food, but look out: if you are done, you are DONE. No ifs ands or buts. The end.

Your 9 month appointment is not until next week, so I'll have to come back and post your stats. I'll predict right now that you are at least 21 lbs. Not sure how long you are, but I'll bet you are 90th percentile or higher. You're kind of a big little dude.

Our major breakthrough this month has been a beginning to weaning from co-sleeping. I originally thought we might go longer, but it just feels right. Neither you or I are sleeping real well lately and I think that sharing space has something to do with that. Right now, I put you down in your crib about 7:30 pm and then when you wake up (usually around 10 or 11) I bring you into bed with us. Baby steps. And, perhaps selfishly, I still really love waking up to your sweet, warm little self all snuggled up to me.



The weather has finally begun to cooperate and we are spending more and more time out of doors. You love animals (especially dogs) and are fascinated by vehicles going up and down the street. Just wait until we take you downtown to see the trains. Your little brain might explode.

I'm sure there is more to write...I'm drawing a blank. The main thing is that we love you so so much. You bring such light and joy to our lives- every single day.






Kisses,
Mama

7 Months

Dear Otto,
This month has been one of CHALLENGES. Between the 3 of us, someone has been constantly sick since what feels like FOREVER. And you HATE taking medicine but really, who can blame you? Through it all,however, you have been a little trooper. Your light is really starting to shine and I love the child you are becoming.

Physically you have really grown this month. You outgrew your infant car seat and are now in your fancy-pants Britax convertible. You weigh over 20lbs. and are a tall baby- wearing 12 month sizes in just about everything.

You love to sit up and play but can't quite sit up from laying down yet. Don't worry- you'll get there. You also love just rolling and scooting around on the floor. Very independent. I know its only a matter of time before you are crawling all over the place. You have also perfected the lunge- reaching with lightening speed for anything and everything we have when you are in one of our laps. We are quickly learning, however, to keep things out of reach! (Although, sometimes we slip up like last week when you nearly ingested half of my grocery list. Oops.)

You are also starting to really get into food. Your favorite so far, hands down, is pears. You are mostly self feeding at home but eating homemade purees at daycare. I've really enjoyed making baby food for you and between the frozen breastmilk and babyfood cubes, you are kind of taking over our freezer. You have one tooth now, and I think you're working on your second. Sometimes we call you "Toofus."

You love music, that much is clear. Your favorite song for me to sing is "Itsy Bitsy Spider." And playing piano is a favorite activity. Well, its more like banging piano at this point, but its fun nonetheless. You also LOVE reading stories. Our favorite at the moment is Big Red Barn. We read at least 3 books everynight and you just snuggle up to me and hold your blanket. Its awesome.

Also, you are developing a real sense of humor and love it when we suprise you- with funny faces or by throwing you up in the air or turning you upside down. You love it all. And we love your belly laughs.

You are still sleeping with us and I love it for the most part except for when you are awake and kicking me at 5am on a Saturday. Let's see what we can do about that, kthanks.

Love you to pieces,

Mama

6 months *Now With Pics!*

Dear Otto,

On March 24, you had your half birthday. 6 months! Seriously, buddy, that blows my mind.

We are having so much fun together, lately. I love it. You are developing quite a sense of humor- and I am your favorite comedienne. (Don't worry, I know it won't last- but I'm enjoying the ego boost.) Last night in the bathtub, I had you in absolute hysterics just by splashing my hand in the water and going "ooooooh!" And pretty much ANYTHING that comes out of your father's mouth is at least smile-, if not chuckle-, worthy.


You've been slightly fussy in the evenings lately, which I was attributing to teething? (although we have yet to see any little toofers emerge) but I suspect it was actually due to the ear infection that the doctor found at your 6 month visit. An EAR INFECTION! How could I be such a horrible mother- I had no idea!! So now you are on antibiotics and the fussiness has diminished. Sorry honey!

Speaking of the Dr., you weighed 18lbs. 9 oz. and are 28" long. That is tall. In fact, you are about to outgrow your infant car seat! And most of your clothes. Pretty soon it will be warm, though, and you can wear nothing but a diaper and just ride on the hood of the car. Problem solved!!





We've been very active, socially, this month. La leche league meetings, baby showers, going-away parties, dinners out...you've done it all! And you're having some stranger anxiety which I think is developmentally appropriate but makes me feel bad when a well meaning person leans in to say hi and you erupt in a Mt. Vesuvius of screams.

You can sit up on your own for a little bit now and are getting really good at grabbing stuff with lightening speed. And! You started solids recently! So far, you've had banana and sweet potato. You weren't really sure what to do at first, but now you are tackling your chunks of banana like a pro. And you love sippy cups with water. Who knew?

All in all, you are so much fun and such a little darling. Your Dad and I just look at you sometimes in awe..."we made THAT???" Its mind-blowing. I can't wait to see what you do next.






Love you love you love you,

Mama

5 Months

Dear Otto,
You are now 5 months old. And then some, because I am kind of late posting this. You'll have to forgive me for that...we've been real busy. I know I always say that but between working full time, having you, and having a life (sort of) its just hard to keep up!

(Megan- that picture is for you- see how much we love The Office?!)

This month, you astonished me with your rapid growing and changing. You've started babbling ("babababababmamamamasalkdjfaoisehnfasnef" seems to mean "FEED ME") and you are increasingly alert and attentive- you look around as if you are trying to memorize all your surroundings. Hopefully this is not so you can go to court and divorce us for being bad parents who somehow let you get pink eye. (Yep. We are home with pink eye right now. Oh the joys.) At the doctor's office today (again, thank you, pink eye!) I weighed you- with your clothes on you were a little over 18lbs. Tubby.

The big news , however, is that you rolled over!! Yay! We were beginning to wonder when that would happen. You did it once before, actually, when you were really really little (like 8 weeks or so) but hadn't done it since. Finally, a week ago you very purposefully propelled yourself from your tummy to your back. And then looked at us like we were crazy for applauding like dorks. Whatevs- we were excited!





This month has been one of traveling and visits- you've seen your grandparents, uncles, an aunt, cousins, and friends and you are definitely a little schmoozer. But I love you for it.

I'd like to write more, but I just heard you poop your pants. And you just gave me that "Mama! I pooped my pants!" grin, so I guess I'd better go.






I love you, Poopie.

Mama

Four Months

Dear Otto,
You are four months old! You have gone from being a sweet, angelic little newborn to a loudmouthed, drooly, roly-poly baby who loves to snuggle and shove things in your pie-hole. Not that you aren't still sweet and angelic. You've just added to your skill base. At the doctor's office yesterday, you weighed 16 lbs and are almost 27" long. That's the 95 percentile for length. I think I'll start calling you "Stretch." Or "Chevy Chase." I haven't decided.

Among your favorite things to do at the moment are: the aforementioned shoving of things into your pie-hole, snuggling, sleeping in the crook of my arm, jumping in your 'jumperoo' (oh my GOD how you love the jumping), listening to conversation and music, and being worn:


You are, of course, still fairly enthusiastic about boobs. And the cat might be warming up to you. Or she's contemplating homicide. I suppose we'll never know.

You delight us every day with the new sounds, faces, and movements that you make. (And by movements, I am of course not at all referring to the horrible diarrhea you had last week, the diarrhea that necessitated a trip to the hospital lab with a stool sample. You're fine now- it was apparently just a virus. But CRAP. You were pissy.)

Anyway, in all seriousness, you are pretty much my favorite person ever.

I love you,

Mama

3 Months

Dear Otto,
You turned 3 months old on Christmas Eve. Of course I'm just getting around to posting this because we had a crazy busy holiday full of trips to Grandma's house, car rides, lunches out, and quiet evenings at home in front of the tree. It was lots of fun. You got so many presents! Books and puzzles, sleds and pajamas, quilts and toys....Your grandparents sure spoil you!


This month, you are full of smiles. And the other night you had an actual, real laugh as I lifted you up in nothing but your diaper and zzzerberted your soft tummy. You are also more sensitive lately, noticing your surroundings more. Consequently, you're kind of a light sleeper these days which is a drag for your Mama and Dad! Also you're having trouble napping for anyone but Mama, much to the frustration of Dad and your new friends at daycare. But I know you'll get the hang of it.

Speaking of daycare, your first day was yesterday. It was so hard to leave you! I cried all the way to work. And when I came to pick you up at noon, you took one look at me and burst into tears. I'm so sorry, baby. But I am working so that we have a nice place to live, food to eat, and clothes to wear. But don't think for a moment that I'm not wishing I was with you each and every minute we are apart.

You really love going places - We have lots of fun going to the grocery store. You ride around in the sling and look at all the bright lights and shelves full of interesting things. You bat your big blue eyes at anyone who stops to talk to you, winning them over every time.

In addition to almost rolling over, you are starting to grab toys, clothes, hair, and pretty much anything within immediate reach. These things then make a bee-line for your mouth. Oh, and you drool. Alot.

All in all, you are such a bright light in our lives. We love all your vocalizations, your gurgles and coos and your smile melts our hearts every time.

I love you so much,

Mama

2 Months**

Dear Otto,
This week you are 2 months old. Its really hard to believe and yet it seems like you've always been here. We went to the pediatrician yesterday and you are a big kid!! 13 lbs 4 oz., over 25 inches long...wow! Obviously, you love breastfeeding! Also, both of your parents are very tall so I think you will be too.

You have some of the bluest eyes I've ever seen. Those, you got from your Momma. You got your dad's nose, though, for which I am thankful.



Every day you get more expressive- your face lights up when you see me or Dad and you gurgle and coo and have long "conversations" with us, especially when you are warm and happy and recently fed. You have started sucking on your knuckles (always the right hand) and you have begun to reach out for toys which is pretty neat. You have even rolled over from your tummy to your back twice...I can only imagine what it will be like when you are actually mobile! (Note to self: I should probably at least begin thinking about baby proofing...!)



One of your favorite times of day is evening when Dad is home. The two of you have a great time dancing and listening to Rock n' Roll records. You also really love your "gym," which is what we call the little Fisher Price thing that someone gave you.

I only have 2 1/2 weeks of maternity leave left which makes me sad. And as we are still waiting to hear about getting into a daycare, it makes me nervous too! But Dad is going to stay home with you the week before Xmas and then I will be off until after New Years so we still have a little time.

All in all, you bring us so much joy. And poopy diapers. But mostly joy.

I love you,
Momma

**Ok, so I am a copy cat. But I love how other bloggers, like Dooce and Cecily post monthly letters to their adorable children. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...right?