Dear Samuel: 10 Months

Dear Sam,

How can you already be so close to one? Lately, it seems like you are zipping past milestones like they are child's play and seeming so big.  What happened to that squishy newborn that was just dozing on my shoulder?

This month you've graduated from a wobbly walker to a confident one. You still topple over quite a bit (there's quite a bit of evidence of this on your forehead!), but you are becoming quite speedy--probably because you are trying to keep up with your brother. One of your favorite things to do is chase him. You do this adorable giggle and squawk like a bird when you toddle behind him. Luke seems to think it's great fun too. Now that you are walking, he invites you to play more often, and it's fun to watch you two connect and play together.

You also moved over to your brother's room during the night and most naps and have done really well with sharing a room. Even though you sometimes still wake up and cry for a lost pacifer in the middle of the night, you go back to sleep quickly. Thankfully, Luke snoozes through it all. Plus, you've been sleeping in a little longer (most days!), so we think that's a pretty fantastic thing.

Sam, every day you surprise me. You gobble up life (and food), have such a curious personality, and are generally cheery and goofy. Recently, you've learned to wave good-bye, play the tambourine, do little dances, and push toys all over the floor. When you had a little tummy bug and felt sick, you often cried out "Mamamama" when you needed me. You love tickles from your daddy, playing with your brother's hair, and that light up toothbrush. I think you carried around that thing for two days straight :)

As this year draws closer to the end, we often think about how this year turned out differently than we anticipated--it surprised us. But, even though 2016 has given us many challenges, it started out with giving us one of the best gifts of all--

you.

Sam, I hope you never stop moving through life with your curious tenacity and an unstoppable spirit. We can't wait to see where it will take you.

Love you,

Mama



(again, I'm a little behind since you turned 11 months today...but oh well!)