From the day we told people we were expecting, one of the most frequent pieces of advice was "write it all down; you'll forget." And, we meant to, really.
Over the last few weeks though, more and more I've wanted to hold moments with you to never forget, so I guess I better write it all down. Every day you amaze us, with your spirit, your enthusiasm, and how fast you are learning and changing. Nearly every day you try out a new skill or new word.
You talk constantly and in full sentences, just not all of it English (and so far none of it Spanish, despite Daddy's best efforts). You will incorporate nodding and gestures to make your point. You prefer a two way conversation and always give the other person a chance to respond, even if they can't possibly understand what you just babbled at them.
So far you say: baby (your first word at 11 months), mama, dada, Paul (Paou), Alex (Aeyce), hi, bye bye, dog (gaag), cat (gat), bird (birr), fish, duck, bear, ball, car, up, down, more, water (wawa or agua, we're not sure), go, yes, no, uh oh, down-dog, and please. In the last few days, you've taken to answering most questions "no," even when nodding vigorously. You will also say help, please (hep peez), but only after someone asks if you need help because you've been whining "aah, aah, aah" at something in frustration.
You sign milk, all done, more, and sleepy.
You can find your head, ears, nose, mouth, teeth, heart/chest, tummy, bellly button, and toes/feet. The head-shoulders-knees-and-toes song never fails to yield a smile.
You love peek-a-boo and hiding games. You've been clapping when prompted for months and clap anytime anyone cheers.
And you have some sort of answer for "What does the ____ say" for dog, cat, fish, duck, rabbit, sheep, bear, lion, gorilla, and cow, and for many you will use the sound interchangeably with the name of the animal, woof woof and ba ba ba particularly.
You are fascinated by animals, but would prefer that they stay a safe several feet away at all times. We recently babysat at a house with a cat. You were very excited and a bit scared when the cat got too friendly. Then, throughout the evening, you would suddenly remember that there was a cat and be underfoot holding onto my knees asking where's the "gat, gat, gat?" You point out the "birrr" in the house several times a day.
You love being sung to and, lately, whenever you hear music, you have to dance. A car will go by with the radio blaring and there you will be on the sidewalk dancing back and forth.
You are physically adventurous (hence the forehead bruise in the above picture). You've been walking since just before your first birthday and, with six months of practice, man are you fast. And you do not want to hold hands. Unfortunately, as a city baby, holding hands or being carried is often a non-negotiable safety requirement. But safety is not one of your concerns. Just tonight, we had to move a chair out of the dining room because you just had to use it to climb up on the fish tank to reach the light switch.
You're latest obsession is "baybeesz." Anytime you catch me looking at the computer, you want to see "baybeesz", which means pictures of you or any other kids. Pictures of your parents, grandparents or animals might also be ok.
Your obsession with babies carries over to live babies too. When we are out, you will go up to any stroller you can find, looking for the baby.
You are not shy. You go to Towson University twice a week with Daddy and wander from office to office telling anyone who will listen (and that's most of the Dance department) whatever is on your mind.
You love your baby yoga. We have this plastic doll that I picked up for teaching Itsy Bitsy Yoga. Recently, you bring her to me so I can make her do half moon, toes-to-nose, and other poses.
You constantly amaze us with what you understand. Yesterday, your dad absently sang a lyric from your toy drum's song and off you went to fetch it. Tonight, I asked you if you wanted water and you disappeared. I found you standing in front of the sink holding your cup.
You hate having your diaper changed and do not want us to brush your teeth. Also, you do not want to wear a coat, ever. Shoes and socks, though, those are cool and good for putting on and taking off repeatedly (you still need help with putting on).
You love books and recognize the innate duty of all adults to read to you as soon as they come in the house. You have quite a library, thanks to your Dad, and have made more than one babysitter read the majority of it in a single sitting.
Every few months, we take you to the pediatrician so she can tell us how great you are doing, but we don't really need her to tell us that. You've come so far from the 5 lb peanut of a baby you were in October 2007.
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