Dear Sam at 11 months

Dear Sam,

It is difficult for me to accept that you are just a month shy of turning one. This past month has been one of exploration for you. You are so curious about the world around you that you always want to be on the move, touching and mouthing everything.

You are a bit obsessed with doors and cupboards. You will just open and close them repetitively without seeming to get bored. You also love to pull yourself up to the windowsill so you can bang on the window and yell at the dog. You are so tall and you like to pull up on any stable (or unstable) surface so it is difficult to keep things out of your reach. You are forever getting remote controls and coasters from the coffee table and making them disappear.

You still love to eat, but you are lazy. You refuse to hold the bottle on your own and you don't want to mess with a sippy cup. I have always weaned my babies from the bottle by one year, but I have a feeling that you are going to be a challenge. At least you have no problems feeding yourself!

You have discovered the fun in teasing your brother by hitting him and then laughing at his reaction. You also think it is hilarious to give your pacifier away or try to put it in someone else's mouth. I love listening to your little chortle as you interact with others.

Sambo, it is so fun watching your personality emerge. You are feisty, stubborn, funny, and focused. I love how you bring out the sweet, gentle sides of your brother and sister and the more patient side of your parents. You are simply the best, my little man.

Love,
Mama