Boushka Baby

Who's Boushka Baby you ask? Well, none other than my little one who turned 11 months old today-- but we'll get to that in a minute!

Let me explain the nickname thing. You see, M&M is one of her many silly names we call her, but she certainly prefers Boushka Baby. This probably has something to do with the fact that Peach and I constantly say the following to her, "Ba-Ba-Ba-Ba Boushka!" And the giggles keep coming! So, over the past 11 months, Boushka Baby has made its way into our routine nicknames. As of today, I'll refer to her as Boushka or BB (for Boushka Baby); now that you're all filled in...

BB turned 11 months today. Oh yeah, I already said that-- but I still can't believe it. I've even said it aloud and it still doesn't seem right. So, I decided to take myself out of "denial state" and I told her she's 11 months old. That's right, I sat her on my lap, looked her square in the eyes and said, "You are 11 months old today!"

I thought she'd say something like, "Oh, my gosh! There's no way I'm that old today, mom. I swear, it seems as if you just gave me life! By the way, you're looking great for having just had me!"

Nope!

The sweet Boushka just sat there and gave me a look like, Uh, Duh mom! I know!

So, here we are! A month away from the day my baby turns one! This in and of itself is huge, but there's another reason why it's kinda major for me! This will be the first time I've celebrated my one-year-old's birthday without already having her sister on the way. She has officially been the baby the longest. You're welcome, Boushka! Consider yourself spoiled lucky!

To celebrate our big, almost one year, here's a little bit about you, dear:

-You are sleeping so well these days. You hit the hay around 7:30 or 8 and you wake for your early feeding usually between 6 and 7. Now, there are some days where you get up at 4 or 5, but for the most part you have been sleeping rather well!!! You also like to nap late morning into the early afternoon (if we stay at home), otherwise you nap around 1 with your sisters.

-You love food. We usually chop up a small portion of our dinner and set it on your tray. You always go straight for the biggest piece of food you can find and shove it into your mouth. From there on out, your hands are constantly dropping food off in your mouth. And then you like to demand more by fussing. We must work on verbalizing that!

-Favorite foods include: bananas, avocados, wheat bread with garlic hummus, cheerios, oranges (you just suck on the little clementine pieces), chicken, seasoned ground turkey, black beans, rice, Quinoa, homemade pumpkin bread, apples, cooked whole-wheat penne, wheat tortillas, sweet potatoes, baked potato, broccoli, zucchini, even our homemade pizza. With these foods, you create a great-sized mess!

-Piggy backing off of your fav foods list, I must say that you are the messiest child I think I've had. There are several outfits that have lasted 3 kids, but when you get a hold of them they are permanently stained. This has happened several times despite my attempts of stain-removal!

-You love bath time. 'Nuff said!

-You constantly want to be held. And to keep the peace, both of your parents oblige (but not all the time). This is certainly a down-side to having 4 so close in age. There is always NOISE!! And I mean screaming, giggling, LOUD noise! So, when you add a crying baby who just wants to be held, well..., it's just that easy to hold you and erase one of the screams that bounce off our walls.

-No crawling for you, yet! Every time we lay you down, you eventually just flop down. You'll sit there and play for a bit, but it never fails that one of your sisters comes and plays with you, or brings you a toy... so really, I know you think you have no use for that silly crawling skill.

-You weigh in at a small (but still plump in the cheeks and thighs) 17 pounds. I think a quarter of that weight hangs off your head. Your hair is very, very long!

-You like to stand and hold onto your walking-push toys and the entertaining table. These are quite thrilling for your little hands. I can see the concentration all over your face when you are trying to balance on these toys. Very cute!

-Mama has worked with you on waving good bye, touching your nose, and clapping your hands. You conquered all three in the last month. Now we're working on "Where are your ears?" And you're starting to get it.

-You smile and get excited when people come over-- especially grandmas. Somehow you already know that they are "spoil factories."

-Still snuggles-- yes!

-Still needs many hair clips--yes!

-Still enjoys stroller rides outside-- yes!

-Built-in entertainment (in the form of 3 older sisters) still the best-- yes!

Boushka, you are one snuggly (like Peach), determined (like Brownie), ornery (like Bug), silly (like you) little girl! I simply can't imagine life without you--not even for a minute. You are such joy, and I can't wait to watch you evolve into a toddler, preschooler, and eventually (after many tears are shed) little girl. Thank you for letting me live and learn as I love! Blessings my sweet.

-Mama