How is it possible that I will have a one year old in a month??? I am loving being able to spend every day with Matthew this summer because he has been learning, growing, and getting more personality each day. I will truly miss this time once I go back to work. I'm soaking it up as much as I can right now. It's amazing how quickly babies learn around this age. I love watching Matthew do something new or figure something out (especially because he gets very pleased with himself). Here are M's stats at 11 months:
~ You are wearing size 3 diapers during the day and size 4 at night. You're wearing 6-12 month, 9-12 month, and some 12 month clothes depending on brand.
~ You're still on the same food schedule, but you have tried some new finger foods. Mangos, chicken, broccoli, honeydew melon, and Yogurt Melts have joined the menu. You're not a fan of broccoli or chicken, and still aren't sure about the yogurt melts. We've brought back the Puffs, but you're not too thrilled about those either. I'm thinking the berry flavor is too sweet for you. You've also tried eating small chunks of watermelon and cantaloupe - you're still getting the hang of it. Since you do not have teeth yet, I'm trying to figure out how to manage finger foods in a safe way so you do not choke.
~ You are all over the place!!! You're still cruising on everything, but now you can easily go from one piece of furniture to the next. You've even been brave enough to stand on your own for several seconds at a time. I'm really working with you on walking before I go back to work. You LOVE walking around while I hold your hands or with your Walking Activity Center.
~ You can now bend down to pick up toys and stand back up. Before, you would just plop down on your bottom to get your toy. You've also been practicing baby squats (with and without holding on to something).
~ One of my favorite things that you've started doing is looking under furniture for an object. You put your little booty in the air and put your head on the floor to look for a toy or Bella's soccer ball. So cute!
~ You started saying "mama" again even though it mainly comes out as "mum", so I guess you think we're British :-) There have been several very clear "mama's", but only when you're mad. You're also saying "no no". You're making many more sounds, I just can't pinpoint what they are. You've also perfected the squeal and yell - haha!
~ Your new favorite game is peek-a-boo - mainly because you can play it yourself now. You use your bib, burp cloth, toys, blankets, well basically anything you can to play peek-a-boo. You laugh hysterically when you pull down what's covering your face - as do I!
~ Dancing is one of your new tricks also. Whenever there is music, you start waving your arms around and bouncing up and down while "singing". You really get going when you've turned the music all the way up in your room - we jam to K-Love on a daily basis!
~ You went to Branson, MO for the first time. It was mainly shopping and eating, but you did a great job!!!
~ Your love of reading has grown dramatically! You will get a book, open it, and sit and look at me until I start reading it. Then, you cry when it's over. I found you reading through your books in your room the other day and you were just as content as could be. The Dog book has made a comeback as your favorite book, but you're also liking the tiger book, That's Not My Dinosaur, How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight, Moo Baa La La La, and All God's Creatures.
~ Favorite toys/activities: Learning Walker, any ball, ball popper, keys, kleenex, being pushed around in the diaper box by daddy while chasing Bella, Veggie Tales, going outside, bath time (finally), and playing chase.
~ Dislikes: diaper changes (the crying fits are getting better though), when a book ends, when daddy or Bella go outside without you.
Either chewing or kissing the monkey
What a blessing it is to be your mommy. I thank God everyday for giving me you. You are such a fun little guy and I can't wait to celebrate your first birthday in a month (tear). Mommy loves you!
