Babies to the Max: 12 Months

Dear Sarah,

Here it is. One year. One short year and I already cannot imagine life without your sweet smile. But before we get to the birthday event, I want to document your last month as an infant.

You are so curious about the world around you and getting in to everything. Notice a swath of destruction throughout our house? No need to look any further for suspects - the "Baby Monster" has been at work! Pulling things out of cabinets, ripping up train tracks, taking the books off the shelves, opening drawers, and upending baskets are all examples of your handiwork. You can be persuaded to put things away if it is presented as a game and involves clapping at the end. The Baby Monster is easily soothed by applause!

Sarah, you are regularly exerting your independence and sense of control. At least that is how I would interpret your actions from a professional viewpoint of child development. Another interpretation might be that you are driving us crazy by dropping toys behind the dresser while on the changing pad and food from your highchair to signal you are finished. Every few days, we have to move the dresser to reach the assortment of diapers, small objects, wipes, diaper creme, snot sucker, etc. that you have enthusiastically flung. And the only time I wish for a dog is when sweeping the collection of cheerios, sweet potatos, apples, etc. from the kitchen floor 67 times per day. Don't even talk to me about my formerly organized pantry.

Our girl likes to chatter. The babbling continues non-stop, but your close family is able to discern a few more words. "Maaaaaa" for Max is distinctly different from "Mama" and "Uuuuuughhhp" for Up when you clearly want to be lifted up. However, most of your communication is accomplished through forceful pointing. You comprehend so many things and have a great memory. One day you picked up the top of a toy that had been disconnected and scooted over to place it back in its rightful place. When looking for toys, you go directly to "your" basket in the den, even though they all appear identical from the outside. You seem to understand the way things are supposed to work and can find a way around any obstacle. Big Head = Big Brain.

Most importantly, you remain our happy baby. Smiles, laughs, cooing - we delight in every moment. Even a THIRD ear infection this month couldn't turn your sunny disposition. Reading books (Brown Bear and Karen Katz are the current favorites), cooking in the play kitchen, rolling balls, playing outside, bubbles, anything with water, laughing at Max, and stalking the kitties are just a few of the activities that keep you entertained.