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Dear Issa,

Today you are ten months old! We celebrated your big sister’s 4th birthday this week, so it’s been an emotional one for your mama having to deal with two milestones so close together.  You had a blast at the party, playing with all the kids, and being carried by just about anyone and everyone.  You even took a couple of your first steps with your Auntie Kelsey, although it still seems you’re still not quite ready to take off.

This past month you got a new tooth on top, bringing your grand total to three now.  It seems your other front tooth is not far behind though, so I think you’ll have four in just a few weeks.  You’ve always gotten really good at waving hello and goodbye, and you’re starting to blow kisses.  Well, it’s more like you see someone trying to give you a kiss and you lean in with your mouth wide open and full of drool, but it’s cute nonetheless.

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You’re eating just about everything in sight, including scraps off your sister’s plate if she’ll let you.  Your favorite is probably your morning yogurt, which you loudly protest if I’m not quick enough getting it to you.  At any rate you’re still ginormous for your age, and any time we’ve gone to play at the local play place we’ve had to work on you being gentle with the other babies your age.  It’s not that you’re being intentionally mean, it’s just that you don’t know your own strength. Ha!

There are times, as well, when we’ve been out and about and you will lock eyes with a stranger and just start flirting away.  Smiling, giggling, batting your eyelashes; it’s pretty adorable to watch.  Every once in a while I will wonder if you have a sixth sense or something that you can tell when someone’s having a bad day and you decide to use your magical baby powers on them.  I know it sounds crazy, but at the very least I know you’ve brightened quite a few people’s days, just by being you.

In the upcoming month we’ll be taking a trip up to see Nana and Papaw in Indiana, so I can’t WAIT for you to experience snow.  It’s going to be so wonderful for you to meet lots of family members who haven’t had the chance yet, as well! As always, I love you, I’m proud to be your mama, and I will be right by your side as you embark on this next month of life!

XO,

Mama