13 months old

You have really gotten the walking thing down.  You are pretty fast when you see something that you want.  Your sippy cup seems to be your biggest motivator.  You like to walk with your arms up, bent at the elbows for balance, but it makes you waddle...so cute.  Two days ago, you started standing up by yourself, so not technically in your 12th month, but I know I will forget by the next blog post :)  You can also climb up stairs, but you don't have a clue how to get down.  You also don't recognize when there is a step or drop-off so I am constantly having to watch you or hold your hand when we are outside or somewhere new.

Speaking of holding your hand, you really don't like this.  You will pull your arm away and then start waving it around so I can't get a hold of it.  You like to show me your independence by doing things by yourself.  This includes feeding yourself, holding your own cup, doing your own shoes, and brushing your own teeth.  You are surprisingly strong.  I am slowly learning which battles I want to pick and which are not worth it.

You have also developed a little attitude this month.  Your G-mama was the first to mention it to me, even though I had been noticing during our times alone.  You like to test me when I tell you no.  You will look me in the eye and do exactly what I told you not to do just to see my reaction.  You do this over and over until I physically move you away from what you are not supposed to be doing.  Let's hope this is just a phase and won't last through the teenage years.

I can see more of your personality coming out now.  You are very friendly and love to say "hi" to people...over and over and over...You make friends wherever we go.  You love playing with others and being around other kids.  I do notice that you often have to feel out an environment or situation before you start to play or engage.  When I leave you for mom's day out or at the church nursery you just walk right in, no crying or anything, and when I come back for you, you say, "hi" and walk back to me.  It is so nice to know you are comfortable there. 

I can tell that you are really picking up on things now.  You love to walk around with my phone and hold it up to your ear and talk to it.  I really don't think I talk on my phone that much (texting is different :) ), but you sure like to.  You also use the sign for eat ALL the time.  Any time you see the kitchen, walk by the kitchen, go into the kitchen, hear someone in the kitchen...you get my point...you will ask for something to eat.  I am very thankful that you are a good eater, however, our grocery bill is always more food for you than dad and me combined. 

On your 13 month birthday, I took you to Pine Crest for the first time.  This will be your day care 1-2 days a week.  You were there for 3 hours and seemed to love it.  I stayed for about 40 minutes but you didn't interact with the entire time.  I think you were too fascinated by the new toys and kids.  I am sad, but also excited to have this set up for you.  I am opening up a couple more work hours on Tuesdays and wanting you to be able to have a little more structured socialization with other kids.  I think it is a win-win for both of us...even though I miss you like crazy. 

Events from this month:
-1st double ear infection
-2nd double ear infection two weeks later
-1st trip to the beach
-2nd plane ride
-celebrated our birthdays
-put the swing up outside and you love it!
-got your first black eye
-lots of playing at parks and letting you try out slides
-no more nursing (thrilled for having caffeine again!)
-transitioned to one nap a day instead of two

your birthday (previous post about this)

your one year doctor visit

reading books are one of your favorite things to do.  We read a lot when you are in the bath tub because we can actually make it through a story without you turning the pages :)

your first pb & j.

hanging out at the library on a rainy day making friends

spitting your milk out and being silly for the camera

hanging out at nora's party

chayce gave you a ride around the neighborhood in his tractor

swinging with your milk...you live a good life

not going to lie, I sometimes kinda like when you are sick because then you let me cuddle with you during nap time (and yes that is snot on my shirt...)

You like dumping out your toys and destroying things more than playing with your toys.  You are fitting the stereotype of a boy for sure.

I am sad that you are growing up so fast, yet excited and thrilled to watch you develop into your own little person.  I am so incredibly grateful for each day that we get to spend with you.  Thank you for being such a blessing.