Dear Io,

You are 1 years old. Yikes.

Honestly? You’ve been a smooth, downy breeze up till the last month or so. And now I can’t even hold on to you. Wiggling, yearning, squealing, and bucking to get down or up or somewhere else. You are quite the determined little sprite.

Luckily, you’ve learned the sign for “more” which has helped a little bit. Each day you learn more words, sounds, and gestures to help us interpret your mood. Although I’m not sure how “whoo-hooing” like an owl is going to help us communicate. I know that soon enough you will be talking and walking and some of this frustration (on everyone’s part) will be relieved.

You are covered with bumps and bruises from tumbles. Your cruising around furniture is that close to turning into walking. That lovely drunk-falling-walking where your legs just barely catch you on your way down.

Meal times these days are particularly tough. You won’t let us feed you anymore, you absolutely must do it yourself. We’ve worked out a system involving two rotating spoons, a clothes change, and a bath. See below.

Overall, Io, I don’t mean to sound too negative. You are a wonderful little person and we all love being with you. Once again I’ve just be caught be surprise by parenting, thrown a new little curve ball that I have to adjust to. I’m sure in a few weeks things will feel settled again (for a moment or two).

Love,

Your Mama