On your 8 month birthday you went in the swimming pool for the first time....You had such fun, splashing in the water, tasting it, kicking, so we went swimming twice a day - early morning and late afternoon.

Most mornings in Warmbaths we'd get up before the other's and I'd take your jail ( the portable cot) outside and we'd sit and watch the day start as I drank my tea.

You're a noisy girl now, making mama and baba noises and lots of OOH's with different inflections. Some OOH's ask what things are, or where they are. Other's tell me stories, or your dreams, and one day soon, I'll be able to understand your stories and share your dreams.

It's 10:25 and I should get to bed...we're up very early in the morning

(PS)You also understand no, so you'll crawl to my flimsy ethnic table and I'll say, no, that's not for Simone, then you'll stop, sit up and look at me, then head for the table again, as if to check if I really mean no. So sweet.

You met Jake for the first time and he gave you some wonderful things all the way from London - fading now, so I'll get you and get some sleep.

Love you lots

You play a good game of catch with the tennis ball too. You also love to say TA and hand things to people. You yell at them if they don't quite understand you. Last week you had your measles shot and you weighed 7.8 kg, you dainty little thing.

On Sunday we went to Megan's to meet Ross, her son. Daniel was there too and he looked like a cute little brute next to you. I can't believe he's a month younger than you! You spent forever chasing Megan's daughter, Julia around the house. I think you had a good day there.

Saturday night I went out without you for the first time. Aunty Betty came and stayed over. You were fast asleep when I came home. I think - know - that you're very contented with her and that you love each other.

Remember that I love you now as I write this and I love you now as you read this.

Mom

Some time in this week, your third tooth popped out.

Love you more each day. Love that we're still breastfeeding, especially in the mornings.

When you've made a BM you say 'pooh!' and wave your hand in front of your face.

You sometimes say 'mama' when someone asks 'where's mummy?'

When I ask you where Simone is, you point to your chest.

You climb up my legs and pull at my shirt and bra to get to the breast when you want to nurse. You call them titty sometimes.

You’re such a clever little girl, and so beautiful.

Love you so much

You're a toddler now, have been for about a month now.

you’re walking now, really confidently. You have 6 teeth, 2 at the bottom and 4 on top.

You have about 8 'real' words now and about 8 'simonespeak' words.

We tried you on cow's milk this weekend, but by yesterday you had such a terrible rash, that we stopped. You're going for your 12 month check-up tomorrow so we'll get your stats then.