Julianne is 12 Months Old!

Dear Julianne-

Sorry I missed writing your month 11 post. We were on the go visiting the various grand-parentals and it just didn't get done. I am sure you know by now that Mommy has good creative intentions but sometimes her busy pace puts creative time on the back burner. So here is my attempt at the final installment of "Dear Julianne" at least on a monthly basis.

Now that you are 12 months old you practically don't need me anymore! That may be an exaggeration, but when I think back to this:

A season when you cried and pooed and nursed 24-7, I can't believe we are here:

A season where you go where you please (in the house), feed yourself, and say "Da-Da" constantly. You are pretty much all grown up! There's another exaggeration, and if we're honest, most people think you are 9 months old. Still, it blows my mind how far we've come in such a brief time. I say we because the Lord knows I have learned right along with you and may have changed more than you have over the past year.

Even though I am grieving a bit over the fact that infancy is over, I am finding so much joy in raising a 12 month old! You are a delight and have really come into your personality over that last month or two. Everywhere we go you seem to make friends or try to. This is usually accomplished by waving continuously toward an unsuspecting, oblivious person and saying "Ha" until you get their attention. It brings delight to these individuals once they notice you. I find it so kind that you have a heart for other people even though they might not know you exist at first.

You are also becoming quite mobile. A couple of months ago you were barely pulling up and now you cruise all over the house. Some older and wiser people have made predictions you'll take your first steps soon, but we'll see. I love that you are still crawling and we are delaying the bumps and bruises I am sure will ensue as soon as you begin toddling. Plus we have a Wesson and tile floors to contend with....you just take your time.

I predicted in my last post (10 months) that you would be saying Ma-Ma by now. Unfortunately I have to report that I have not really heard it yet. Sometimes when you are in a whinny mood I'll here "MMMM", but most of the time when I ask you to say "Ma-Ma" you say, "Da-Da". Daddy thinks it is really funny, but seriously it would be great if you could try to work on that. I would LOVE to hear you say my name! Your vocabulary is growing though especially through sign language. You have mastered "more please", "hungry", "hi" and "bye", and we are working on some others.

It's been a big year. It has been incredible getting to know you and watching you grow and learn. We thank God all the time for blessing us with you. We are overwhelmed and humbled that He would ask us to be parents of a beautiful, healthy, smart baby girl.

Love,
Mommy