1-She is intrigued by texture. When we go on a walk she always notices when we pass over a manhole. One of these sewer covers down the block has a bunch of wide, shallow bolts sticking out the top. She likes to carefully walk across this manhole even though she almost loses her balance.
2-She gets hyper just after bath, which is just before bed. She almost never lets us carry her like a baby. But after bath time she gets swaddled in her big towel and she allows us to carry her like an infant.
3-She can't quite run, but she can move very quickly. Her coordination is still coming, so if she tries to hit top speed her form starts to go every which way. Elbows start flying, knees drive at strange angles, and her head bounces wildly from side to side.
4-I still don't know if she is going to keep her curly hair. Right after bath time it is a wild bunch of ringlets. But sometimes if I run a comb though it in the middle of the day, the top will straighten out.
5-Her voice is coming in nicely. She doesn't always sing along to her favorite Disney songs (Moana anyone?) but if a pretty ballad comes on the radio, she'll give it her best shot.
6-She starts off as shy as can be when meeting new people or going new places, but tends to warm up pretty quickly. At a recent birthday party she almost refused to be put down, but when she saw the glittery party favors she was all smiles. And the popcorn. She wanted all the popcorn.
7-Top speed is usually hit when we play her favorite chasing game. She will laugh and jog towards one of us and then quickly spin around and run towards the "safe" parent. As soon as she hears the chaser closing in, she screams and turns up a notch. The "safe" parent has got to watch for pointy knees and elbows though.
8-She will cuddle but only on her terms. Sometimes she gets up too early and so we bring her into bed hoping that she will doze off again. Usually she starts laying across faces and playing with noses or ears. But if you give her too much attention, she wants out. So usually we take the enthusiastic cuddling and hope that she wears out.
9-Distraction is her greatest weakness. She can have an incredible fixation on some things (YouTube videos, keys, iPad) but she is still susceptible to a well-executed distraction. Sliding the keys out of sight while throwing her in the air. Minimizing the YouTube tab while giving her a snack. Pulling out her pacifier while giving her another toy. All of the these are tricks of the trade that we're getting better at, but her focus is strengthening as well.
10-She loves unconditionally. Doesn't matter how angry we make her (for hiding the iPad, of course) she always gives hugs and kisses. (Sometimes she needs a minute to think about). She is always tender when going down, even if we've dragged her all over the city and spent hours filming her. There is no guile in her yet.
