Dear Lottie Bella: 11 months old

Dear Lottie Bella

So baby girl, only a month left of your first year! And what a year it has been.

You may notice that you’re in two different outfits for this month’s photos. That’s because silly mama tried to photograph you before lunch and you were hangry (you’re really not you when you’re hungry) and then your recent independent streak saw you eating your own lunch and covering yourself in it in the process.

Anyway, this month has been a difficult one as your grandad (my dad) has been very poorly and in hospital. As a result, your routine has been all over the place and you’ve been on adventures with lots of different people. And you haven’t batted an eyelid. You’ve been on best behaviour at Auntie Anj’s house, despite never being left anywhere except home without me before, and everyone has loved having some time with you. I’m so proud that you are so settled and happy and that you don’t make a fuss.

You’re saying more words now, including dadadadadad and gandad and I’m pretty sure you say ‘oh no’ too. But you will say them on your terms: only when you are at home, only when you want to, and certainly not on demand. That’s you to a T though – your own little person, who will do what you want, when you want to. I think we may have some battles when you start to properly talk!

I don’t think you’ve understood until the last few days what summer is, as it’s been pretty dreadful weather, despite being halfway through June. But every time we see a glimmer of sunshine, we are out exploring and playing and you are definitely a summer baby – you’re so much happier out and about than being couped up indoors.

There are still no more teeth yet. But they are moving at the moment and you have been super grumpy this week with the pain. We don’t mind, just wish we could ease the pain for you. Hopefully another one will come through soon and you’ll get a bit of relief.

On the whole though, you are a happy, contented little thing and only miserable if you’re tired, hungry or teething.

This month, you are loving:

The horses – For some reason, you think the horses are hilarious. You only have to look at them and you are cracking up laughing. You also have no fear of them and will reach out for them as soon as you get near enough.

Feeding yourself – You’re not a huge fan of being spoonfed any more, except breakfast and yoghurt and little miss independent would far rather feed herself.

Clapping other people’s hands – If someone puts a hand out, you will happily amuse yourself by clapping with them for ages. But you don’t clap your own hands yet…

Sitting in the supermarket trolley – You’re so much higher up and you think it’s very funny to grab other people’s trolleys as we pass. Awkward.

Dogs – Anyone and everyone’s dogs are a source of constant fascination to you. You love going to nanny and grandad’s and watching theirs.

Your first festival – We went to the 3Foot People Festival as one of my clients was there and you absolutely adored it. I can’t wait to take you next year, when you’ll be able to really get involved.

Daddy daughter time – Daddy will spend hours swooshing you around, playing games and singing and you absolutely adore it. You’re a proper daddy’s girl.

Family – You’re never happier than when you’re being the centre of attention with family. You adore your big cousins and nanny and grandad are two of you favourite people ever.

I’m pretty sure I say this every month and if you ever read these posts back, you’ll be rolling your eyes at me, but I am so proud of the little person you are becoming, Lottie Bella. You are happy, confident, know exactly what you want and you adapt brilliantly to new situations. You’re a pleasure to be around and I’m proud to take you out and watch how you react to people and places. You’ve got your dad’s placid genes with my stubbornness and it’s turning into a winning combination.

My next update will be on your first birthday. Part of me is sad that your baby days are passing so quickly, but a bigger part of me is excited to see what adventures and milestones your next month will bring. I can be sure of one thing, you’ll be bringing a smile to lots of faces every single one of the next 30 days.

Love you baby girl

Mama xxx