Niya 11 months

Dear Niya,

You are getting close to being 11 months old. I can't believe in a month you would be 1. I didn't write the 9 and 10 month letter and that makes me sad. You are growing so fast! You have such a personality now. Lots have happened in the last 2 months. You have tried almost every food. Indian, American, you are game! I used to feed you only home made baby food, but you seemed so interested in our food that I started giving that. You are a good eater and I am so thankful.

You are quite mobile now and do not like to be held too much. If we just let you down, you take off and then you are happiest. You say ba-ba, da-da, and very occasionally ma-ma. At 9 months you started clapping on command. Now when I sing open shut them, you clap when it comes to clap clap clap. So sweet. You have 4 teeth and 2 more coming out.

You cruise around easily barely holding and many times you have stood without support. You kind of scare yourself when you realize you are doing that and then you sit down and start crawling. Neil still remains your most favorite person ever. Your eyes just light up. I wish I could take a video of your natural interactions with him. It is the sweetest thing in the world to watch.

You are a very sociable baby so far and go everywhere to every one. You seemed to have gotten better at the separation anxiety and know that we always come back for you. I hardly get to snuggle with you now, you just want to wiggle out and run. You are quite busy. Except, when we go out, you are incredibly happy to be in the baby carrier. I can get anything done as long as I wear you. You are the sunshine of our lives. You had your first Easter a few days ago.You looked adorable! (as always) I know I am biased because I am your mama, but you are super cute!

You love to play in your play room. Today, you were sitting in the high chair eating some thing, I was in the kitchen cooking dinner and Neil was doing his favorite thing- laundry. The sun was still out and it was very bright outside. Both of you were laughing and I just stopped for a moment and soaked it. This moment was the treasure that the day brought me. It seems but in a minute that a week goes by and before I know it you are a little older. Every day we are all getting older, but with you baby, you are still so small that it seems remarkable and the changes every month are significant.

You are so loved, sweet girl. Your bright eyes, curly hair, chubby thighs, every inch of you is precious.  You bring us joy and laughter and instantly lifts our mood. You are our sunshine.

I love you, I am proud of you and I am praying for you.

Mama