Stats

Brees Elizabeth is 10 months old!!

This was the month that Brees went from being a little baby to a moving,
grooving, independent little person.  She was everywhere, into everything, always
on the move.  Her likes and dislikes have become very distinct and her personality
is all her own.

Here are her stats:

Feeding:  Brees became much more adventurous with her food choices this month!
She is eating 3 full meals a day plus an afternoon snack.  She is still nursing 6-7 times a
day, sometimes more depending on what kind of night we are having.  This month,
she discovered the joys of pasta, graham crackers, and whole wheat waffles.  We tried
giving her apple juice with her afternoon snack but she didn't care for it and so breast
milk remains her drink of choice.  She got a little rambunctious while nursing this
month, sometimes pinching me, a few bites here and there, and twirling my hair.  She
is so active, even lying still while breast feeding seemed impossible.

Sleeping:  Brees experienced some separation anxiety this month and our efforts to put
her in her crib next to our bed went right out the window.  She spent most of this
month sleeping right by my side, one hand around my neck and the other hand on my
chest.  She cried inconsolably when we tried to put her in her bed and woke up every
couple of hours to nurse.  I rocked her to sleep most nights and we spent many hours on
the floor bed we created in her room.  She became very attached to her lovie and has made
it an important part of her night time repertoire.  Though it is common for babies this age
to go through a separation anxiety phase, it doesn't make it any easier.  This was a
long month in the sleep department, leaving us tired and hoping for better nights.  We
are currently in the process of making some changes and will hopefully have a better
report soon.

Health:  We realized this month that Brees's acid reflux seems to be almost
nonexistent!  She is no longer taking Prevacid and only spits up once every couple of
days, typically when she is jumping up and down and acting like a wild banshee too soon
after meal time.  She did experience a constant runny nose and itchy eyes that
we determined were caused by seasonal allergies.  We live in a very wooded area and
this time of year is peak allergy season.  Her pediatrician and the allergy specialist that
Shawn and I both see recommended giving her a daily pediatric dose of Children's Zertec
for the duration of the season.  A week later, her sinuses are totally clear and she has
stopped scratching her eyes.

Milestones:  Brees took her very first step one day before her 10 month birthday!  She
also learned to clap her hands, dance when we play guitar, and give real, big girl kisses.

Playing:  This little girl is such a busy body!  She plays very intently and is so curious.
She moves from one task to another and is very content with the simplest things.  She
loves playing Barbies with her sister, tearing off their heads and eating their hair.  Bath
time is her favorite and she would gladly play in the water for hours if we let her.  She
can destroy a room in 2 minutes flat and gets herself in some pretty interesting
situations.  She loves to unpack my purse, tear down curtains, unfold clothes, climb into
the dishwasher, and chew on any single thing she can get her hands on.

A few photos of her handy work...

She also loves to undress herself and take her diaper off.  We frequently find her clothes
in a trail across the house, her diaper in her bed as she lies there bottomless, shoes and
socks left behind as she zips away.  She is a hippie at heart, this little one, and  just
wants to be free...

This month Brees:

• Was very attached to Mama and Daddy, wanting to be held and cuddled constantly
• Followed her big sister around everywhere she went
• Learned to play peek a boo
• Started holding her own bottle, much to our babysitter's delight

Here's to ten wonderful months little one!  
You have the most amazing spirit and 
bless us all with your love!