And she speaks. Lucy talks more and more each day. For some reason, I didn’t anticipate my squishy newborn daughter would verbally communicate with us for quite some time (at least a year). Despite these low expectations, Lucy had other plans. She says: mama, papa, dog, cat, chicken, and book. She recognizes that dogs come in all different shapes and sizes, and she cries, “dog, dog, dog!” each time we walk around the neighborhood and spot a new canine friend.
She’s grown even more attached to us (and I thought it wasn’t possible!). Separation anxiety has been at an all-time high, which, to be honest, is exhausting. On the days and nights where she only wants to be held by me, I remind myself: this season is so very brief and you’ll never be as “wanted” again. And so I find a tired but true contentment in letting her rest in my arms.
We go to Mom and Me Yoga every week now. I love meeting and stretching and talking with a group of other new moms. I only wish I had discovered it sooner. We’ll “graduate” as soon as Lucy walks….which could be any day now. If I could give any advice to parents to be it would be this: find a way to connect to a community of parents. It makes a huge difference in your mental health.
I wear Lucy everywhere. She loves to snuggle up close to my chest and fall asleep as we walk through our neighborhood or even through the house. Despite the fact that she is now VERY mobile (crawling and climbing and pulling herself up on everything) she still seems happiest pressed against my chest. It is a beautiful and simple habit of our days.
Speaking of habits, we still get a cappuccino together everyday. I sip on my caffeine while Lucy enjoys an apple. She’s growing up in that coffee shop, and I love that the bakers and baristas know her by name. Again: community. It’s essential.
And finally sleep. No, we aren’t sleeping through the night yet. Not even close. But you know, I’m okay with it. Our sleep arrangement is working now. I would love a full night’s sleep, but because Lucy sleeps in the same room as us…nursing her isn’t an inconvenience. Yes, her stomach might be find without milk for eight plus hours…but emotionally, she’s not ready to sleep on her own. And so instead of trying to force her, we’re accepting sleep for what it is now: a series of short naps.
We love you, sweet girl. Happy 10 months!
You nailed it. Community is SO important – I never realized it before. Thanks for being a part of my community and I’m so honored to be a part of yours. 🙂
What a joy! I love seeing the sparkle in Lucy’s eyes and her evolving expressions. That last photo is priceless. It’s so very true about the transient nature of their physical attachment… I find myself quite nostalgic for those days when dealing with aloof teenagers. It’s hard to believe that there was once a time when I was unable to use the restroom alone without bouncing a babe on my lap ;-). Mom and Me Yoga sounds positively blissful. Enjoy, xx
big hugs to lucy..its so nice to see her grow and now talk..time flies.
how fun is it that she can say words?!?! I love her little outfits too. Simply adorable.
She’s getting so big! I love her dress in the last picture, such a stylish babe! Get ready to run once she starts walking!
The talking is really going to help with the separation anxiety. Eventually she’ll be able to communicate her needs/wants/thoughts. And while that doesn’t solve everything, it does make things a wee bit easier.
Monet,
She is growing up right before our eyes. I love her expression with the animal cracker. Hopefully, you can get her sleep adjusted, so you can have a full, or almost full nights sleep. Seeing pictures of Lucy make my day!
That last picture!!
she’s such a cutie patootie-and I love that she’s talking so much already!
Nothing better than starting a weekend with a collection of wonderful photos and a touching text
thank you!
Happy 10 month birthday, Miss Lucy! Enjoy every second of the rest of her first year, Monet. xo
I’m so glad that you’ve built such a supportive community for yourselves as you navigate this exhausting time of your lives. XO
Wow she is so smart, already talking, soon she will be running!!! 🙂
Hi Monet,
It is great seeing Lucy’s growing up stages! She’s really adorable!
Monet,
She’s so beautiful! I love the monthly updates About her growth and development! I love and appreciate your view on sleep and separation. Brooks and Lucy sound very similar in those ways! It’s refreshing to hear someone share the same values of how to deal with these issues!
The separation anxiety must really be trying at times, but it’s a pretty brief period in the scheme of things. You’ll miss that someday! Great pictures — thanks.
Gosh how is she already 10 months! It’s so nice to be able to follow along and see her grow up, she’s such a cutie.
What precious, poignant moments. These photographs and words are beautiful Monet. You have a knack for painting pictures with words. Aaron and I don’t have children yet but we are thinking of trying for one next year. I’m a little scared, to be honest! I know that looking back over your experience would be a huge help though… very grateful to those who are completely honest, raw and real about challenges and blessings. Love this Monet. Hoping that things will go from strength to strength for you, your hubby and Lucy xx
Wow, my little break away from blogging is more apparent here than anywhere else…look how much little Lucy is growing up! She’s totally like a little person in that last pic. Seriously adorable girl you have there, Monet 🙂