You, Who Does Not Understand the Word "No"

You are now 10 months old and learning how your body works. You have mastered the pincer grip and can pick up small bites of food. You've bitten me a few times now while you're nursing. Not hard, not necessarily on purpose, but just a nibble nibble here and a nibble nibble there. You know, you have four teeth now - you have to figure out what they are for. Mama immediately says "No!" and pulls you off. Now, if that's as far as I take it, you just smile up at me and laugh. Then I kinda want to laugh, too, because your smile is just so stinkin' infectious. But I must keep a straight face! I mustn't give in to your sweet baby cheeks. So once I said "No! We don't bite" and put you down on the floor. I broke your poor tender little heart. You just cried and clung and said "ninininininini" over and over. I gave in and let you nurse again and this time you didn't bite.

You've also taken to trying to get to cords. Phone chargers, computer chargers, etc. I see you with it, say "No!" run to you and you crack up. Dude - I'm trying to keep you safe here. Can you at least pretend that you care?

Your other new trick is that you give hugs. Big, hard, bear hugs. I've got a few bruises on my neck from how hard you hold on and squeeze with your pinchy little fingers. But oh how I love those hugs!! Thank you for sharing them with me.