Dear Lucia: 10 months

Dear Lucia:

You are 10 months now. I looked back to see when my last letter was and it was 4 months ago. We've been busy around here, traveling and renovating the kitchen. But, things are slowing down a little and we are getting ready to enjoy this early spring. We are going to have lots of fun this summer because you are starting to move around. After sitting up and watching the world intently for a while you have decided to start moving around. It's still slow, cautious and studied (I suspect this is going to be a theme in your life) but you are beginning to bum scootch/crawl to things to check them out. You can stand up, supported by something, but tend towards dramatic falls and so we have to keep a close eye out. I do this too, and I'm still here so I think you will survive. The other day at church you were sitting on the floor while your brother ran circles around you. You: content to watch, him: always on the move. Don't worry - he is always going to be faster than you but I suspect you are going to be bigger shortly. This will even things out.

You have started to use some little words. You say "papapapapap" and "di..di..di..di" to call your father and brother. You have also started to try some signs. We think we have seen the sign for 'change' and 'all done' and maybe 'food'. You have definitely figured out that this will work and are just working out the kinks between brain and hand/eye coordination.

Everyday interactions with you become more complex, you are passing toys and looking for 'lost' things. You are calling out to people to get their attention and responding to cues. We are playing 'ojitos' and clapping. You are also sharing a room with our brother now. You are still getting up 2 or 3 times in the night but your father and I are sleeping more soundly and Diego loves the company. Last night he went to sleep before you and complained that he was "lost" because you were not in bed yet... this may have just been a tactic to put off bed time but it is also a sign of how much he loves to share with you. Remember that when you are older and you both start to fight.

You have four teeth now and more on the way. This has been disrupting everyone's sleep even more lately but we're surviving. We'll be glad when they come through. That's why this month's pictures all seem to have drippy noses. You always get a drippy nose when your gums are bothering you.

You are beautiful and intense and serious with the power to transform the room with a huge smile when you want to. Your father is smitten and I like you pretty well too little lady. Keep growing and exploring.

Your mama.