Dear Spenny,

Let me begin your monthly recap with this little musing: is WILD how quickly a child develops in their first year. Jamie and I always say to each other that we wish we could learn and retain information and the world around us as quickly as you do. It’s like with every nap had (which is two during the day, and one big sleep over night) you have a new sort of software update where everything learnt during the gets sorted and implemented in her mind for the next time she tries to give it a go again!

What is also wild, is that you, my sweet little lady, will be one next month. ONE. I found you the cuttttest party hat! I can’t wait for you to see it when we start your 1st birthday celebrations (which will be a humble little cake eating moment with family, with a cake that I will endeavour to make!). But, before I get ahead of myself, here’s a little recap on your 11th month with us, Spencer Alice.

EATING

Eating is going SO well. You’re devouring everything we put in front of you. Well, you were…until you realised that you can also throw food, that Archie likes to catch said thrown food and that food is also really cool to bubble out of your mouth every so often. Fun for you Spencer, and for us (lies! the frustration of food flying everywhere is high!).

Your favourites currently are: raspberries, yoghurt drops, avocado, buttered toast.

ACTIVITIES

I’m finding this age so wonderful with you my love, as your personality is bursting through and although you can’t walk or explain what you want or how you’re feeling just yet, the desire to try is certainly there. We love playing together, which is a bonus because that’s pretty much how we spend most of our time at the moment: eat, play, sleep!

We’ve built pillow forts, we go to the park and play on the slide and swing (which is your favourite!! Seeing your face light up every time you go down and reach the bottom in success always makes my heart flutter with joy) and we’ve been going to the ocean or river to dip our toes in and practice our walking along the shorelines.

While you can’t pull herself up to standing by yourself yet, with a little help of my leg or your pink walker toy, you’re up and away – I really don’t think it will be too long before you’re walking around. Spenny girl, you’re even starting to crawl with your legs in an almost squat position (it looks really weird!) as if you’re preparing herself to stand. We’re not going to know ourselves once you’re off and racing, with two hands free no less!! Oh, the chaotic magic that will come our way when that moment comes for you.

You’re also very, very cuddly which both your Dad and I love. You don’t want to let me out of your sight, and you’re always up for exploring and adventures. Your swimming lessons are absolutely your most favourite thing to do, and I love that it’s something you and your Dad do together. It’s actually so funny to watch you in the water at swimming. As soon as your body hits the water, you splash and wave your arms around in the most exciting, joyful way its contagious. You make eye contact with all the other little ones in your group lesson, encouraging them that they can have fun too if they just splash their arms around like you! You’re the class cheerleader, making sure everyone has a great time.

I feel like that’s a true reflection and indication of your character; you’re always aware of people around you and make sure that you look everyone in the eye and smile. It’s beautiful, and I can’t wait to see that little spark shine brighter and brighter as you grow.

Each morning when we walk into your room to get you up, you’re standing up at the doorway end of your bed and you start smiling and bouncing your cute little body up and down with excitement of seeing us again. Yay, it’s today again! Speaking of your bed…when you were teething this month (your top, front four teeth have all come through) you decided to find comfort in chewing your bed railing. There are certainly patches of paint missing from the cot now, and we found those said patches across your mouth from where you really must’ve found a good chew-spot!

Each month, I say that I love this season of Spenny. It’s so true, though. You’re just wonderful, and even through the hard parts – which to be honest, are fleeting when they do happen – you’re so kind and patient with us as we try to navigate and pre-empt what you need next to grow and bloom.

We love you! Enjoy your last month as a baby. Toddler life is just four weeks, away!!

Mummy x