Month Eleven

Dear Henry,

Tomorrow you will turn eleven months old. Your weight check last month set off a change of events that still leaves me reeling when I think about it. I will always remember how your little big toe glowed when they put on the device to check your pulse, and how that glow bothered you so much that every time they attached it, you did everything within your power to pull it off. I am all too happy to forget the names of various diseases and ailments we've checked off the list that you don't have. You are, as far as we know, one step away from becoming a medical mystery. As long as you are okay, I'm okay with not knowing the particulars about what happened.You are unlike any other sick person I've known. Even taking in as few calories as you were, you still found resources of energy to zoom through the condo with your lightning speed crawl. Grandma Glynn timed you one evening when you refused to sleep. She walked you around the condo holding your hands. It took you approximately one minute to go from the dining room table, around the island in the kitchen, and back to the table. A favorite of yours is playing on Beauty the wonder dog's bed that sits in your room. The bean bag-like nature of this bed makes it a great toy to jump and roll around on. The company actually makes mini bean bag chairs for kids. I think it's safe to assume you'll be getting one of these when you're just a wee bit older and the fear I have of you bonking your head subsides. Unfortunately, because your white cell count is so low, you are confined to home for the most part. We can't have you gallivanting around the town because you can't fight off infection right now. Grandma one (from Montana) stayed with you the last couple of weeks and now Grandma two (from Canada) is here to watch you while your dad goes to work and I go to school. Your grandmas are quite taken with you, naturally. You seem content to share with them your world.Speaking of calories, your diet has been overhauled. Gone are the homemade fruit and vegetable purées and occasional chicken or fish dinners. Now, it's all about high caloric intake. And, since your palate is quite finicky, we offer you foods like Oreo cookies (you love the icing, further proof you're mine) and Kraft Mac n' Cheese. Your favorite is Häagen Dazs Fleur de Sel ice cream. You are also rather fond of yogurt smoothies. Any food we can add formula to, we do. It appears to be working. Last Friday when we stopped by the doc's office for yet another weight check, you had broken the 17 pound mark. Nice job, kiddo. I refer to your current menu as craptastic but you do consume good stuff like cheese, raspberries and bananas, and this crazy squash bread Miss Erin Beatrix's mom introduced us to. It's cinnamontastic, that bread.
You are spatially aware and have a propensity for engineering type projects like stacking Legos and placing lids on pots. When a successful lid placement has occurred you clap your hands and then look at us to make sure we're celebrating your achievement, too. You love to boogie. Your jungle mat has a setting that allows you to learn about cause and effect, and it goes like this: shake (so the music comes on), dance (while the music plays), quiet (realize you need to shake again), repeat (is there really an explanation necessary for this one?). It is clear you get your rhythm from me and that your love of dance comes from your father. Occasionally, we let Mabel and Ellie outside to frolic on the patio, and because we like the cats we leave the screen door cracked so they can come back in when they want to. You have taught yourself how to wiggle the door open a smidge more by using your head and shoulders, and once the opening is a touch wider, you can leave and return on your own accord. Sometimes you go out and come back in over and over again. Ah, technologies, we mustn't forget those. You love cell phones. Well, all phones, really, and remote controls and laptops, but your little mitts rarely get any of those. You've been watching us with the phone and you know it's supposed to go up to your head but I don't believe you quite know it's the ear area specifically that you should be focusing on. So when you do put the phone up to your head it's in such a manner to suggest you are combing the back of your hair rather than talking on the phone. This could be your first instance of multi-tasking. Or perhaps you are meant to be the inventor of the cell phone comb. The world is your oyster, my sweet boy.Every once in awhile, by accident, you find yourself standing on your own. I think it freaks you out because you immediately hit the deck and then crawl away from the area as if it has been tainted by thoughts of your future mobility. With a spotter you will walk using your little cart walker but it is a touch quicker rolling along than you are following on your feet so within a few steps you return to the safety of your knees and shuffle along after it. On a side note, we are aware that the length of your hair is such that you are starting to resemble one of the Beatles. As soon as you are all better, we'll get you a much-needed haircut. It'll be your first one. It is hard to believe that next month we'll be celebrating your first birthday. In many respects, this year has flown by and you've changed exponentially from the person you were eleven months ago. And yet, you are still reflective and relatively quiet. You are still good natured and fun to be with. You are still curious and studious. You are still you. And there is still so much more to come.Be well, little one. You are the most precious thing in the world.

Love,
Mom