10 months, minus 2 days

Lilli's 10 month birthday is in two days. It's unbelievable to me, as it is at every monthly birthday, how fast the past year has flown by without us even realizing it. Since my cousin just had her baby, I remember those first few weeks of this little blob of nothing. She was just this lump of skin and bones. The only personality is the one I mentally assigned to her in the womb, based only on her kicks and my emotions.

What makes me think is, was Lilli always this little spitfire of hamminess and smiles? So purposeful in her actions, with a side of funny. She has a very unique personality and very animated expressions thanks to Dad's distinct eyebrows. She's curious and funny, she has a bite to her that I remember from the days of rib-kicking. Did I assign this personality to her or did I always know who she was going to be? Do some mothers just "know" their child before they are born?

The only personality trait that surprised me, and it shouldn't, was her laid back approach to almost everything. She's like her dad in that way, just taking it in. I wonder how this wallflower with a big personality is going to end up.

And another developmental milestone, she's picking up on signs very quickly. While they're never right on, she watches me and attempts to copy almost every move. I've gotten so used to signing, sometimes I find myself signing to Dave without thinking. While it seems strange, it's helpful when she's sleeping. ;) (one more)