Eleven Month Update

I'm just a few weeks away from turning the big O-N-E! Where has the time gone?

Developments:
Lots of developments this month in terms of physical, motor, and verbal skills. I reached a huge milestone and took my first steps. I'll be walking on my own any day now. In the meantime, I love using my wheely bug as a walker and can get around the house crazily fast with it.

It's amazing how I can pick things up in a matter of days. Here are some other things I can do:

• use sign language to say I want "more"
• put both hands to my head when somebody says "oh nooo!" (I LOVE doing this)
• put my fingers together when someone sings Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (trying to form a diamond)
• wave hello and goodbye
• blow kisses
• play with my stacking toys by knocking them down as soon as someone stacks them (is that a skill?)
• repeat the words/sounds no, mama, and dada, although I haven't figured out what they mean yet. Every time I'm doing something I shouldn't be, Mommy will tell me "no no no!" I think it's pretty funny and will just smile and repeat her. 

I also recognize and react to various songs on the radio. My favorite is Taylor Swift's Shake it Off. Kaitlyn loves watching and dancing along to the video on TV so whenever it's played, I'll stop whatever I'm doing, crawl toward the TV, and smile and clap along. Sometimes while Mommy is driving, Shake it Off will come on the radio, and she'll suddenly hear me clapping my hands from the car seat behind her.



Eating:
This month I've been crazy about salmon, broccoli, strawberries, and raspberries. But I pretty much still eat anything and everything. There are some meal times when I even eat more than Kaitlyn!

Teeth:
My top two teeth appeared, bringing the total to four teeth. I have quite a strong bite which is useful for chewing, but not so good for nursing.



Sleep:
Overall I've been a pretty good sleeper, going down for naps and bedtime without a fuss. I typically go to sleep around 7-7:30pm and may wake up between 3-5am for a feeding, then asleep again until 6-7am. In the mornings, Mommy usually brings me to her bed and I will nurse/sleep for up to 45 minutes more while she's holding me, which buys her some extra sleep as well. By the way, sleeping in the Pack n' Play in the spare room was supposed to be temporary, but I've been there almost five months now. I'm never moving back to my crib. 

Activities:
We joined a baby class at Little Wonders, a preschool co-op. Since music class ended a few months ago, this has been the only real interaction I get with other babies during the week. So far I've been loving it. We get to roam freely throughout the classroom and play with all the different toys while the mommies sit and discuss various topics. I've started to recognize the faces each week and always greet everyone with a huge smile.

Now that I don't scream like I used to we have started going back to the gym. Usually my separation/stranger anxiety kicks in as soon as Mommy hands me off, but eventually I get distracted by the other kids and stop crying. We've also been going to various libraries for story time, depending on when I wake up from my naps. Mommy wishes she could take me to more weekly activities, but most of the classes conflict with either my nap times or Kaitlyn's preschool pickup times.



Around the House:
Playtime usually consists of crawling/cruising around the house, pulling things out and making a mess. My favorite toys are those that are not toys, including shoes, toilet paper, magazines, remotes, etc. I especially like anything that Kaitlyn is playing with and am always reaching for her play-doh or her markers and paper. Too bad I'm always trying to put them in my mouth, therefore, they are off limits. I move from one toy to another pretty quickly, so it takes a lot of energy to keep me engaged and out of trouble!