Eleven Months Old!

This past month was an eventful month. We can officially call you a toddler now because that is exactly what you do. You practice with determination every day - but it is still a mystery to us what propels you to walk vs. crawl or crabwalk. Sometimes you just do it - and it happens more and more. You also do more big kid things now like hold your own sippy cup and help to get out of your car seat or stroller by tugging at the straps and buckles. You change so fast from week to week that it seems like you could never have been that blob of baby that sat there and just smiled once and a while (though we even thought that was amazing at the time).

For a long time we have been convinced that your first word is officially kitty. Except that your version is "dehee" or "didi". When you see Oscar, you still squeal with delight and flash him a big smile and gasp out a breathy "dehee-ha-ha-didi" and then suck in your breath with a strange wheezing sound. We're glad that you're friends.
This past month also marked the first time you decided that you didn't need a second nap. I put you down at about 2:30 like I usually do - but there was only play and squeals and bed jumping that came from the room for over 45 minutes! Usually you fart around for a bit before falling asleep...but after this long I somehow knew that you were not "feeling" the nap time. I learned that is what happens when you sleep past 11 during your first nap...
That afternoon, by the time dad got home - you were in full swing crazy mode! Here you are running around with no pants on like a maniac. I'm not sure exactly what happens to overtired children - but they sure are silly and then cranky and than silly again. We thought we would take you for a walk in the backpack because we could tell that you were tired and it is usually a surefire way for you to nod off. Just take a little catnap... We walked and walked and you got really sleepy - but never slept. Brat.We know that you understand some words now. I know that you KNOW what "no" means. When we say no you always stop what you are doing and turn around and look at us with big innocent eyes and a serious face. It is pretty cute - but we try not to laugh because we're glad that you are taking us seriously right now. Sometimes - when you are irritated and you really want something you give us your scowly look. The scowly look also doubles as your prelude to a fake cry or protest as well. You close your eyes tight, open your mouth, and scrunch up your nose. Sometimes - for dramatic effect - you hold this position for a number of moments before you utter out a pathetic "uhhh" or fake coughing noise. You are hilarious.

These pictures of you sitting on the floor show you considering using the expression because you are annoyed that I have told you "no playing with the dog's bowls". You are looking at them just out of your reach. I don't know what is so interesting about these bowls - but now that you know you're not supposed to touch them you throw toys on them or towards them that you HAVE to go and get. Clever boy.

Everyday with you is an adventure. You make our lives fun and full of laughter. Your dramatic skills are awesome and you are getting a great sense of humour...we look forward to seeing what you will come up with - and there is always something new with each day that passes. Every time I look at you my heart soars with glee and pride. Sometimes the feeling is so strong that I get a tickle in my throat from trying not to burst with love - each day I think I can't possibly love you anymore. Than I wake up the next day.

xo mama