An Imperfect Ten

Today was a 10. In my "black and white world," I have what I describe as 1 and 10 days. 1 days are those where I lose all my patience and yell for whatever reason. (Ok, yesterday was one of those days, but I also put my left middle finger through the apple machine...I'm fine, but I'm trying hard to keep the nail on)

But today...today was a 10. 10s are when I am the perfect imperfect mother. I play with my baby, I take her for a walk, I talk to her in the store (and read her books and show her puppets and toys and don't buy any), I make her food before she cries, and I don't lose my patience on the outside. These are "good mothering" days. Fortunately, I am having many more of these than I was the first, well, 9 months or so. Next time, please just let me give birth to a small 9 month old. ha ha!

The Mott Tot will be ONE in 31.5 days!
We will be off formula in 43 days! (Let's hope. that's our one-year appt)
We will hopefully be transitioning to two bottles/day plus one cup in two days. (Not sure this will go over, but I will try it)

This morning, I came down the stairs to my usual grinning-at-me child. I sat down, hugged her, and she looked at me and said "Ma-ma." Only two mas, so I think she got it right. She sorta said it again at the breakfast table, but I wasn't as convinced. If she does it again tomorrow, then I'll know for sure, but in any case, what a sweet, sweet sound!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Her other new tricks are putting things *into* containers and standing for 5-7 seconds. I don't think she'll walk by her birthday, but she may surprise me yet!

Here's a picture from this weekend when we tried out a new trail. The weather has turned cooler, so that calls for some long sleeves and long pants. Check out the shoes...a hand-me down from her pal EJ. So cute!