9 in, 9 out

I am not prepared to write this post. It's been 9 months since Anneliese was born. I'm having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that she's been an 'outside baby' for as long as she was an 'inside baby'.

Anneliese, I remember being so ready for you to be here. I was so done being pregnant. I was tired of the "you must be pregnant with twins" comments, the "you look ready to pop" when I had an entire month (+ 3 days) left to go.

So what has changed in the last month? You are enjoying life. Your laughs & giggles light up my day and I'm so happy I finally get to spend the day watching you learn & grow.

You have moved on from the army crawl & boy are you fast (and always getting into stuff). I feel like I should be much thinner just from chasing you around all day.

You refuse to lay still. Or sit still. Or do anything in one place, really. You want to pull up on everything. And you are a little determined daredevil, adventure-seeker. We went to a playgroup and when you saw something you wanted, you didn't let anything, or anyone, stand in your way. At one point, you climbed over a 6 month old that was laying on his belly, just to get to a toy. Then you climbed over one of the mom's legs to get to a different toy. I have a feeling you've inherited your dad's strong will and determination.

You talk all day long. You don't actually say many words aside from dada, nom nom, lala & baba, but I like to pretend you're holding a conversation with me so I always talk back to you.



You love trying new foods. How different this is from last month, when you would still gag & throw up when we put anything thicker than a liquified puree in your mouth. It's so funny to watch you try new things. Even if you hate the taste, you will continue to eat it. You're so goofy.





And as always, my love for you continues to grow. You're not sleeping well & I have been grumpy, but the minute your flash me that goofy two-tooth smile, I just melt. I love you so much and I can't believe your first birthday is right around the corner. You are my greatest achievement and my biggest joy.

PS Since we're talking about Fi's 1st birthday, we're letting you all know that her party is scheduled for April 14th so you have plenty of time to request off of work & plan a trip to NC!