I’ve been delaying this post for a couple of reasons. One, being denial (I’ll explain later, see below), and the other kinda silly: I left my camera, with almost all of my holiday photos on it, at someone’s house and haven’t got it back yet. I did manage to take a few phone snaps of O “reading” a Christmas book, sporting her new elf bib (thanks, K!), tearing open a present from her stocking, a few of her fave new toys and gifting her very first present: a framed pic of herself – natch. All in all, it was a beautiful holiday season and O was thrilled for three days’ worth of present-opening.

You know what else she’s into? Everything. Not even exaggerating. We had to put up a gate already, lower her crib to the lowest level because she’s almost standing, and block her from things like the Christmas tree, since she pulled all of the lights off the bottom tier, as well as a few unfortunate ornaments that met their untimely demise. It’s amazing to watch someone so little make such a huge mess, but you really can’t help but laugh.

And laugh we do – constantly. When she waves hi, tugs at the back of my pants when I’m in the kitchen (read: not paying attention to her), gets into the open dishwasher to explore, gives big, wide-open-mouth kisses, as well as to her own reflection in our mirrored vanity that’s now covered in tiny fingerprints, makes lip-smacking sounds when she’s hungry and “sings” or babbles along when she hears you singing.

Her word of choice is still “dada” but new additions are, “ya, hi and duck.” Yeah, I’m still holding out for mama, but I think it’s coming because she started saying, “mmm” when I feed her things she likes: spiced apple sauce with her oatmeal, shepherd’s pie, and fruit. She also started feeding herself, and I use this term lightly, things like bread, pieces of cucumber cut lengthwise, Cheerios, and blueberries. Most ends up on the floor and on her face but that’s how they learn, right?

And now for an update on me (and my denial):

I recently made the tough decision to return to work early, (I start Tuesday!), from maternity leave. I won’t go in to too much detail, but I do feel it’s the right choice for both my family and myself. I’ll miss my little O, but she’ll be in good hands (her dad’s), and that definitely lessens the blow of missing out on three whole extra months with her.