Dear Elizabeth,
Today marks 10 months since you officially joined us. That means we’re only two months away from your first birthday. Time is flying by faster and faster than ever, and there’s so much fun happening as we watch you grow and begin interacting more and more with us and the rest of your little world.
For starters, you’re about to see your first tooth breaking in. Selina told me today that you were making clinking sounds as you drank water from your water glass. It’s not quite visible yet, but will be very soon. You’ve been teething already for a couple months, and at times that has meant howling in pain, severe moodiness, and we’ve done all right through most of it, but we’re also ready to see some of those adorable little pearly whites and look forward to your ability to begin chewing. For you that will mean a whole new level of foods that we can introduce, too.
One of your favorite things to do just the past week or so has been to play with the fasteners on your diaper, to the point of taking the whole thing off. This has resulted in a few surprises for your mother and me. Several days ago we were busy chatting as you played alone in your play pen. I turned to see you jumping up and down, happily watching us, with something bulky and white in your hand, waving around like a newfound toy. We quickly discovered it was your diaper. From that moment, it’s meant several times you’ve removed your diaper. Once even involved a poopy one, and you had already gotten to your little mess before Mom could intervene. We’ve tried adding an extra layer outside ever since. And last night, you got your very first time out as a result of your insistence on opening your diaper. I didn’t like having to be so firm with you, but you’ve already shown that you have both your mom and dad’s stubbornness–“no,” even gently smacking your hands, despite your cries of protest still didn’t stop you from trying to open and remove your diaper. So you ended up alone in your crib, screaming and wailing. I think it worked.
We’ve also been allowing you out of your playpen to romp around parts of the house, mainly the living room. You find this so exciting and seem to never tire of it. We’ve thus begun babyproofing that area, starting with installing baby gates on the extra bedroom and kitchen. (Once I figure out how to get videos into these, I’ll have a bunch more to show you of these fun milestones.)
One of your newfound hobbies is removing and playing with Mom’s shoes.
In your swimming class, you’ve advanced to level 3. That’s actually pretty impressive considering you’ve been in class only once a week and since only May. And you love being in the water. Grandma also came along one time to your swimming class. She seemed to like watching you and Selina playing in the water.
Here are a few photos from last week, with your classmate Yo-yo and his mom, Lily. (We’ve recently become friends with them.)
It’s been rather cool for September, so we’ve started clothing you at times when we go out. You haven’t liked that much, but it’s made many close to us breathe sighs of relief.
I finally got our bicycles ready, the rack all ready on the car, and we’ve been out a couple times riding in our neighborhood. You seem to enjoy it a lot. If the weather continues to be nice, we’ll venture a bit from home and make a day of it soon. It cost a fair sum of money getting all this stuff, so we definitely want to make use of it before winter hits.
You’ve also become especially attached to me, which has been a bit tough at times. This has meant increasing separation anxiety when I leave for work. In fact, oftentimes just leaving the room to go to another room, to use the toilet, shower, etc., causes an eruption from you. And as soon as I walk in the door, you want me to pick you up that very moment. But I also love the extra attention and affection from you. So much of my time as a father has been spent enjoying the simplest of things: holding you and carrying you around the house, watching you sleep, playing and playing and playing, as well as all these fascinating little milestones and characteristics you’re beginning to develop.
Here are a few more recent photos of you.
At our favorite hot pot restaurant, in Bade
Hanging out and playing with Grandpa and Grandma
More fun with Mom’s shoes
All dolled up
Your playpen, v. 2
My two beautiful ladies
Playing with yogurt
You just keeping doing what you do best, my darling Elizabeth–being adorable.
Love,
Dad
Letters to My Kids 