Dear Lottie Bella
It’s been an exciting month and you’re now three quarters of the way through your first year. I know I sound a bit like a broken record, but I can’t believe you are growing up so quickly. You never fail to amaze me with how laid back you are and how you take new experiences in your stride.
We’ve been away to Norfolk for your first ever holiday, which you loved (mainly for all the attention from daddy I think!) You went to the beach for the first time. Although the weather wasn’t brilliant, so you were a bit perplexed as to what on earth we were thinking and just stared at us for most of the first visit. The second was better and you enjoyed seeing all the new things, playing with the sand and watching the sea.
We’ve been swimming for the first time, which you are also in love with. You adore being on your tummy and kicking your legs and swooshing around and are not at all bothered if you get splashed by other children. You’re not a massive fan of the shower, and duck down as soon as the water hits you, looking very confused.
We’ve had some good weather this month, so we’ve been out and about lots. You’ve decided you now love the swings and you are now sitting upright in your pram and watching the world go by. You’re really happy when you’re out and about.
You are also getting the hang of finger foods and like nothing more than a bit of toast in the morning.
And you also have a third tooth. It’s caused you rather a lot of pain coming through, but it’s through. Three down, 17 to go….
This month you’re loving:
Rolling over – You’ve totally got the hang of going from back to front now and you do it constantly. You also tend to sleep on your tummy or side too, now that you can get there.
Shouting and chatting – You are desperate to talk to us and are really playing with sounds and volume!
Swimming – You’re a proper little water baby now.
The ball pit – You love playing in there in the garden on a sunny day.
Holidays – Don’t we all though?
Waving – You’ve learnt to wave and will do so at anyone and everyone, even when they’ve gone out of sight.
Cuddling and kissing – You’ve become more and more affectionate of late and love to give a big sloppy kiss and have a cuddle.
Staring – You have quite an unnerving, unfaltering stare when you watch strangers. The ladies in the local shop love you for it. They’re always trying to make you smile, but you just keep staring.
You’ve been a superstar this month. You’re such a happy, content little girl and I’m so proud of you. You’re never grumpy unless you’re hungry (you get that from me I’m afraid), or in pain. You’re sleeping beautifully, eating well, playing til the cows come home and laughing every single day. What more could I possibly ask for?
Sometimes I think routine gets in the way and I take you a bit for granted, or don’t fully appreciate how lucky we are to have you. Then I’ll suddenly stop and look at you and realise just how happy you make me. You genuinely do light up my life. It doesn’t matter how hard things are, or how much life throws at you, one gappy, toothy, gorgeous smile from you and everything is OK again. Don’t ever change, baby girl. I couldn’t love you more if I tried.
All my love forever,
Mama xxx
