10 months

I have a love/hate relationship with these monthly post updates. I love recapping and comparing the current month to the prior, but hate how quickly they pop up. I know every parent says this too much, but you're growing up too fast. Here's a link to your 9 months pictures in case anyone (ie Grandparents) want to compare. Here are a few highlights from this past month:

• You've learned to sit up on your own from lying down as well as get on all fours. You are often found in your crib sitting up or crawling around. The first time this happened we were on our cruise and you were sitting up smiling at us to pick you up so you could join our party. 
• You're continuing to walk (with help) faster and more often. You've even started to gain the confidence to take steps while only holding on with one hand. 
• You're able to pull yourself up if you have something to use. Currently, you prefer using one of my body parts. It's making nursing a bit more interesting these days. 
• You've discovered your voice and more excitedly the volume of your voice. You now wake up singing, "ba...ba...ba.." 
• You're continuing to cut teeth. You already have 5 teeth! (2 on the bottom and 3 on top) 
• You're eating anything and everything we eat, including eggplant, fish, risotto, a variety of soups, and beans. (Almost everything- of course no honey, nuts, cow's milk, caffeine or Happy Meals, etc until your first birthday)
• You continue to prefer drinking out of our glasses so we've just set the dinner table with a third glass of water. People get a kick out of watching you drink water out of a real glass, especially if all a restaurant has set at the table is a wine glass. 
• You wave, smile  and tilt your head to anyone you think will give you attention. It's been fun seeing you wave on command. 
• You understand the signs for milk, more, and all done. You have the cutest grin and giggle to show your excitement when we sign milk. 
• We say you have the Papa Jerry tongue. When you're concentrating on something you stick your tongue out and to the side. It's fun for you to stick it out at the same time as someone else, but beware because you'll grab on if someone lets you. 
• You love being read to and can even turn the pages of board books! The teacher in me just loves that time we share. 
• You've been to 10 countries since you turned 9 months: US, France, England, Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Greece, and Croatia. 

Happy 10months, Grace. We are enjoying getting to know your personality that is showing more and more. The first two pictures were taken on exactly October 13th at Kew Gardens.   

The following two were taken a few days later on our vacation. We had a great time setting up shop, slapping on your 10 month sticker and taking way too many pictures of you. You know you're first time parents when...

Venice Italy- one of the places Daddy and I went on our honeymoon right after we were married.

Olympia, Greece- You're sitting next to the exact location where the Olympic torch is lit every four years prior to making it's way to the opening ceremonies in whichever host location has the games that year. Olympia is home of the first ever Olympic games. You can see the ruins in the background of this picture. 

More pictures from the rest of our vacation with the Nierengartens and our first family cruise. (through the Eastern Med)