Well this eleventh month has just flow by!  We’re actually half way through the next month as I write this.  Let’s just pretend we’re back at the beginning of the month…

We’re nearing the end summer right now, so it’s still really hot, but we try to get outside for walks in the morning.  You especially love your visits to the splash pad.  Now that you’re crawling, it’s a lot more fun to play in the water.  I do have to keep a close eye on you, since you’ll grab any toy you see laying around (yours or not) and eat any piece of grass or bark chip that you can find.

Around the first on the month you dropped your morning nap and now take one two-hour nap in the afternoon.  We’ve rearranged our schedule so that errands are run in the morning and we’re home for lunch and naptime.  I’m really enjoying this new routine.  I’ve been able to get things done around the house and still have some time to relax before you wake.

You’ve really started increasing your communication with us.  You now sign “all done” and “more,” along with “eat” and “milk.”  In addition, you recognize the signs for Daddy, Mommy, cup, play and bath.  Your words are fairly limited to dad and mom, but you’ve recently added “love,” and sometimes you’ll throw in a “hello.”  You also like to make sounds – Daddy is “grrrrr” and the dogs are “woof.”  You will moo for the cow, and we’re currently working to teach you that the duck says quack.

You understand much of what we say to you – names of food, no, yes, dog, diaper change, let’s go get dressed.  At times I can tell that you’re frustrated with trying to communicate.  We’ll ask you a question and you’ll just start going through all your signs as if you’re desperately trying to find a way to answer us.

You’re still a fantastic eater and willing to try anything at least once, sometimes twice.  I’m pretty sure you’ve eaten a few things you didn’t like just because you saw me eating it.   smile  I commented to Daddy recently that you’re eating more and more of my food.  Sharing with you has gone from just a small bite or two, to cutting off a piece for you.  You’re still trying to cut your molars.  I know once they arrive, the days of baby food will be gone!

Just before the end of the month you started pulling yourself into a standing position.  I thought you were active when you started crawling, but this is constant!  Boy, you move everywhere!  Stand, sit, crawl, grab, stand, sit, and repeat.  You’re quite controlled in your standing and you’ll lower yourself to a squatting position before falling to your bottom.  I’m rather impressed with your core control and quad muscles.  Ha!

Shortly after you started standing up, Daddy had to go on a work trip.  NeNe came to visit us while he was gone.  While she was here we made our first trip to the pool.  You absolutely loved it!  I don’t let you splash in the tub, so you thought kicking and splashing around in the pool was pretty cool!

Later that same day, we went out for pizza.  The waitress brought you a piece of dough to play with.  The picture below pretty much sums up your feelings.  You did not find it entertaining and tried to give it away.

While NeNe was here, I got really sick.  I ended up with either walking pneumonia or bronchitis, had a fever for five days and was in bed most of the time.  You and NeNe got to spend lots and lots of time together.  She played with you, took you for walks and read you lots of books.  She even taught you how turn around to get off the couch and how to pull a zipper.  Daddy was able to return home the day after NeNe left.  I was just starting to feel better by that time, so we had a long weekend of rest, relaxation and family time.

Now that I’m feeling better, I’m looking forward to getting back into our normal routine.  Cooler weather is coming soon and we’ll be spending more time outside.

Love you, baby boy.

Mommy

We’ve hit the double digits.  10 months!

You, my son, are such a joy to be with.   heart   You’re so happy, and we’re constantly amazed by how fast you’re learning and growing.  We think you’re pretty smart for a 10 month-old.   wink

This past month has been all about improving on the things you’ve learned recently. You’re doing everything a little bit better or just a little faster than before.  I’ve also noticed that you’re understanding more of what I say to you.  I have no problems keeping a running dialogue of our day, but it’s very encouraging to see that you’re understanding more and more.

There are a few new things you started this past month.  You now give hugs, and let me tell you, those hugs are the best hugs ever!  Daddy and I love, love, love it when you hug us.  You’ve also gotten cuddlier when you’re tired.  You’ll sit and rock with us, maybe even lay on a shoulder or hold onto a hand.  Daddy and I are soaking up these precious moments with you.

Clapping your hands and shaking your head are two of your new favorite things to do.  The clapping has mostly replaced your waving.  Apparently that wasn’t entertaining enough.   tongue  You clap when you’re happy or want something (I think you’re trying to sign “more”).  You’ll even clap when you see someone else do it, or hear clapping on the TV.  Shaking your head started out as just a movement, but you quickly learned that it also means “no.”  You still shake it for fun often, but you also shake your head “no” when you’re done eating or don’t want any more to drink.

You’ve finally gotten your 8^th tooth – on the top, left of middle.  I say finally because this one took a while compared to the others.  We could see it, but it just wouldn’t break through.  After about a week, it finally broke through and is doing its best to catch up with the other seven.

Earlier this month we purchased a walker for you.  Daddy kept saying that it would help increase your leg muscles and teach you to walk.  Boy was he right!  The first week you spent a lot of time in it yelling.  You were stuck and didn’t like it.  Finally you figured out how to move backwards.  Then forwards, and how to turn around.  Now, we place you in it and you’re off!  You literally start running.  We had hardwood floors installed just before we bought the walker and you can cruise all around house.  You’ve learned how to maneuver in and out of small spaces and love the freedom it provides.

Uncle Aaron and Aunt Emily came for a visit a couple weeks ago.  You absolutely loved having them here.  You’d just woken from your nap when they arrived, so you greeted them with a sleepy smile and warmed up to them in no time.  You even let Aunt Emily hold you after only a minute or two.  While here, they taught you to dance.  You move your arms up and down and wiggle your head around.  You think it’s hilarious, but it’s quite possible you’re laughing because you think we look hilarious trying to “dance” with you.   wink

We continue to experiment with food.  Your diet still mainly consists of your usual fruits, vegetables and proteins, but you’re willing to try any food we give you.  You’ve recently figured out what food in general looks and smells like because any time I sit down with a plate or bowl, you come crawling over to ask for a taste.   smile    Your drinking skill continues to improve.  You do a great job drinking by yourself from a sippy cup.  I’ve found that you don’t like room temperature water.  You’ll take one sip, two if I’m lucky.  If I put ice in it, you’ll drink until you are full!

We’re smack dab in the middle of summer right now, so the coming weeks will be filled with early morning walks and afternoons spent at the splash pad.  NeNe is coming for a visit, too!  It’s going to be fun to see all the things you’ll learn to do this next month.

All my love,

Momma

Nine months, Daniel.  Three quarters of a year have already passed.  Amazing!!  This month was filled with lots of new things.

You began the month by finally figuring out how to move from your belly to a sitting position.  This is great when you’re playing on the floor, but you’re especially happy that you can sit up in your crib and play with your stuffed animals.  We’ve caught you trying to stand up a few times, so the crib has been lowered, and you’re now back in jail.   smile

You also moved your nap times back one hour.  You now stay up till 10am in the morning and nap again around 3pm – sleeping for at least an hour each time.  I was worried that the later nap would affect your bedtime, but you still go to bed at the same time, so we’ll go with it for now.  At the rate you’re going, I expect you to drop your second nap at/around twelve months.

Your Daddy and I love hearing you talk.  You’ve gotten really clear at saying Dada and Mama.  You make a Brrrr sound when you look at Brinkley, so I think you’re trying to say her name.  Overall, you’re talking lots more and seem to be trying to actually say things, not just babble.

So, let’s talk about your teeth.  This month you got four new teeth, all within two weeks!!  A top center one arrived first and then another top one arrived.  Then, a few days later we noticed that two more arrived on the bottom.  That brings the count to seven – four on the bottom and three on the top.  We can tell that your gums are still bugging you, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you have another one arriving soon.

You have figured out how to open/close and lift up/down.  This makes for endless minutes of entertainment, whether it be doors, drawers, toys or books.  You have a toy laptop that you’ll open and close, over and over and over again.  There’s also a push/ride toy that has a “trunk” of sorts.  You love to lift the lid up and let it fall down.  It’s even more entertaining if we put a toy in the trunk.  You’ll lift the lid, pull the toy out and let the lid fall down.

A couple weeks back, we noticed that you would lift your arm in greeting, so we started showing you how to wave.  You think it’s great and are getting better at it every day.  Most of the time you still wave with your whole arm, but once in a while that wrist gets going.  So far, you only seem to do it for Daddy and me and only as a greeting, not as a goodbye.

And finally, the big one – crawling.  You’ve finally done it!  All that grunting and complaining you did finally paid off.   wink  The first couple of days you preferred to scooch whenever possible.  Reaching a toy was not incentive enough and you would only crawl if you saw an item you weren’t supposed to have – shoes, cell phone, a dog, dog bed, etc.  Now, however, you crawl everywhere!  You’ve figured out that the crawling thing isn’t so bad and can get you places faster.  Thankfully, you usually make enough noise, so I’m able to tell where you are if you happen to be out of eyesight.   :)

I’m looking forward to what the next month will bring.  Will it be more teeth?  Standing?  Different foods?  Who knows, but I’m enjoying this adventure with you!

Love you bunches,

Mommy

Weight: 20lb, 11.5oz

Height: 29.25″

Today we celebrate eight months.  There are certain times where I look at you and suddenly I see a different boy.  Yesterday was one such day.  It’s as if all the small changes you’ve made are put together and now you’re just older.  I see it in your face, your actions, and your mannerisms.  You’re becoming a small child right in front of my eyes.

May offered a bunch of new experiences for you.  Some were as simple as napping at someone else’s house, or staying up past your bedtime because we had to be in Dallas one evening.  Others, like our trip to Michigan, were big changes.  And with everyone, you adjusted quickly and handled them like a pro.  Daddy and I are so proud of you.

The month started off by celebrating Mother’s Day.  You slept in a bit longer than usual that morning and gave me lots of love and kisses throughout the day.  After church, we spent the afternoon together as a family (Daddy had just returned from a work trip to Chicago) and went out to dinner.  It was a wonderful way to spend Mother’s Day.

Recently, we purchased a few new toys for you.  They’re geared for older babies, and you’re having a great time learning to play with them.  You stare intently as we show you how to use the toy and you try to copy our movements.  You also figured out that you could hold two things AT ONE TIME!  My goodness, you were excited.  You’re very inquisitive about your toys.  You’ll flip them over in order to see what is on the bottom.  And you try to figure out how to open the battery case.

I think the next thing on your learning list is to crawl.  You’ve become increasingly frustrated with your inability to move.  Sure, you can use your legs to spin yourself around while sitting, but that doesn’t help you when your toy is too far away!  Right now, you can either get your front half or back half into the air, but not at the same time.  I can put you into the crawling position, and you’ll hold it for a few seconds before sliding your legs down into a frog pose.

Around the middle of the month, we transitioned you from your baby carrier into a car seat.  This was a bigger adjustment for me than for you.  The car seat itself wasn’t a big deal, but now you ride in the grocery cart when we shop and sit in a high chair when we go out to eat.  You love it!  When you were in your carrier, you just observed the world around you.  You were very quiet and calm.  Now, you are constantly moving, looking around and saying “hey” to people.  I have to remember not to park the cart too close to an aisle because you’re likely to reach out and grab at whatever looks interesting.   bigsmile

About a week before we left on vacation, you came down with your first cold.  By way of colds, it was very light and short-lived.  You were not at all pleased to have a plugged nose and woke up a few times during the night the first two days.  We raised the incline of one side of your bed and that seemed to help.  By the third day, you were improving and it was rather amusing you listen to you breathe.  You sounded like Darth Vader.   wink  Eating was interesting, as you were not used to having to breathe and swallow with your mouth so there was a bit of coughing until you figured out how to do both.

Our trip to Michigan began with you waking at 1:30 am on the day we were to leave, for no apparent reason, and deciding to stay awake for a couple hours.  You’re generally a great sleeper, so this was not expected and made our 5am wake up pretty rough.  The rest of the day went quite smoothly, though.  We, and our ton of luggage, got to the airport on time.  The bus ride from the parking lot to the terminal alarmed you a bit.  You weren’t used to riding without a car seat.  The minute the bus moved, you grabbed onto Daddy’s arm and didn’t let go until we stopped.

Our departure time coincided with your nap time, so you fell asleep before we pushed back from the gate and slept for over an hour.  While the takeoffs didn’t bother you, the descents hurt your ears.  You didn’t cry, but you would wince or exclaim any time your ears popped.  After a quick layover in Detroit, we arrived in Grand Rapids and headed to Kalamazoo.  It didn’t take you long to reacquaint with Grandpa and Grandma.  You seemed to remember that you’d just seen them a couple months ago.   smile  We had a day to settle in before the rest of the family arrived and you easily adjusted to the time change and stayed mostly on schedule with your naps and such.

You met so many people while in Michigan – your cousins, aunts and uncles, Daddy’s extended family, both sides of my family, and lots of friends.  At every event you were social and happy.  We figured out that you could visit for about two hours before you were ready for a nap.  Not too bad for someone your age.

A few people asked if you ever cry.  While you are generally the happy baby that everyone sees in pictures, you did have a good cry at 4:45 am on Monday morning.  Your gums were really bugging you and you were not pleased to have them waking you at such an early hour.  The heavy duty teething continued through much of the day Monday.  Tuesday morning we woke to a new tooth!  Your top right tooth had popped though.  Since then, you’ve spent lots of time running your tongue back and forth across it.

Our return flights home were in the late afternoon, so we kept you awake as long as possible.  You had a short nap around 2 pm, and by the time we flew from Grand Rapids to Minneapolis, you were ready to sleep.  On the second (longer) flight, you slept the entire time.  The gentleman who shared our row was especially appreciative.   smile  We arrived home late, but still went about your normal nighttime routine – nurse, pajamas, books – and you went straight to sleep.  By the end of the next day, we were back to our regularly scheduled program.

Your Daddy and I are so proud of how you did on this trip.  You exceeded our hopes for how things would go!  This is really good since I know we’ll be doing more traveling in the future.

I love you, son!

XOXO

Mommy

Daniel, today you are seven months.  The rate at which you continue to learn and grow amazes me!

The month of April has been a month to get out and about.  We spent one afternoon with a group of friends that we had not seen in quite some time. You spent one evening with Daddy while I went to a girls’ night out.  We took as many walks as the rainy weather would allow.  And on one of the few sunny afternoons, you participated in the Texas tradition of bluebonnet photos.

When we left off last month, you had just started eating food.  You still think it’s pretty terrific and are willing to try anything I give you, as long as the texture is pretty smooth.  Oatmeal with blueberries, peaches and sweet potatoes are your favorites right now, although, you just tried a bowl of bananas with pears, and at the rate you consumed it, it might be a new favorite!

Now that you feel confident in the “open mouth, someone inserts food” pattern, you’ve moved onto cups – glasses, water bottles, etc.  You want a sip of anything that we put in our mouth.  And by sip, I mean, the liquid barely touches your lips and you pour it all down your shirt.   smile  We’ve put a little water in a sippy cup and you’re having a great time figuring out how to use it.

Well Houston, we have teeth!  Shortly after your six month birthday, you got your first bottom tooth.  Followed by the second bottom tooth a week later.  That’s it for now, but based on the amount of drool and chewing you’re doing, I know you’ve got a couple more just waiting to show up!  When the bottom ones first arrived, you would flick your finger or tongue back and forth across them as if to ask, “what’s this?”

Around that same time, you dropped your third afternoon nap.  Currently, you take a short nap in the morning and an hour and a half nap in the afternoon.  You seem to be very happy with this schedule and I love that you’re awake and active for longer periods.  Bedtime is still consistently 7:30pm, and for the last few weeks, you’ve been waking up around 6:30am.  You’re still a great nighttime sleeper, although, you now roll onto your belly after falling asleep.  Once in a while you’ll wake in the middle of the night because you can’t figure out how to roll back over.

A couple of weeks ago, we met some friends at the park for a picnic.  You loved playing with K on the blanket (she has different toys!) and watching all the kids running around.  After lunch you tried out the swings.  You loved them!  You were laughing and kicking your legs back and forth.  It must have been quite tiring, because on the short walk back to the car, you fell asleep.   smile

This week NeNe is here visiting us.  You’re having a great time with her!  She got to babysit you one evening, we’ve gone on lots of walks, and she’s been showing you lots of new things – like how to turn light switches on and off, and how to bang measuring cups on the floor.   wink

May is going to be a fun month.  We’ve got friends to visit, pools to swim in and your first airplane ride to experience!

I love you, sweet boy.

XOXO   heart heart

Mommy

A quick look at Daniel from birth till today.  It’s amazing how much he’s changed, yet I still see the same little boy in all of them.   heart heart heart

Six months!  You’ve made it half a year, Sweet Boy!  So much of the world is still new to you, but I love seeing you look at some things/activities as if to say, “Hey, I recognize this.  I know what to do here.”

These last few weeks you have made a bunch of small adjustments that have equaled some big changes.

All the sitting up you have been doing now equals sitting for most everything.  One of your favorites is the fact that you now sit up to take your bath.  You find this extremely exciting!  You’ve been doing it for two weeks now, and you still coo and make happy sounds.  Currently, you just sit there holding your bath toy and moving your toes back and forth a little bit.  I love it because it’s so much easier to bathe you, and you don’t splash!

From your first day in the hospital, you always liked to be swaddled.  As time went by, you learned how to break out of the swaddle during the night.  A few weeks ago we decided to stop wrapping your arms.  We still wrap a blanket around you, since that is part of your naptime routine, but no longer do we cover your arms.  Initially, you were not pleased with this arrangement, but after 4 days or so, you got used to it.  I love watching you sleep with your arms spread eagle.  You’re just so cute!!

All the rolling over I’ve been making you do has finally paid off!  Last week, you rolled from your back to tummy.  I didn’t see it, but was alerted to the fact because you starting complaining once you were on your tummy.  ;p  You also find it entertaining to try to roll off the living room chair.  I find this much less enjoyable. Hehe

We’re still working on your sign language.  You’ve started signing the word milk.  And seem to recognize Daddy, Momma, more and all done.  We’ve added the words – eat, full, bed, pajama, and bath.  I’m looking forward to you being able to communicate with us.

The weather has been nice lately, so we’ve been going for walks and spending afternoons on the patio.  You love sitting in the deck chair with your toys, feeling the breeze and watching the dogs run and play.  Sometimes we’ll sit on a blanket in the yard, but you generally don’t like to do this for long periods.  I think the sun bothers you, even though you’ve got your sunglasses and hat on.

Earlier this week we had some errands to run.  Instead of lugging you around in your carrier (hello, you’re getting heavy!) I decided to carry you around in my arms.  You thought this was pretty fantastic.  When you’re in your carrier, you observe the world around you, but you don’t generally engage with people and activities.  In my arms however, you were reaching for things, smiling and saying, “hey” to people passing by.

A couple days ago, we all took a big step.  Ok, I’ll admit, it was probably a bigger step for me than for you. :)   Anyway, you started eating food.  Or, FOOD!, as you seemed to exclaim.  You thought it was pretty awesome.  Right now, it’s just a snack that you get in addition to your daily milk.  We just started sweet potatoes and you REALLY liked them!  We’re going to continue adding fruits and veggies over the next few weeks.

Looking back on what is written above has reminded me just how much you have changed.  You’ve left behind that newborn phase and have definitely moved into the baby phase.  As I type this, you’ve just woken up and are talking with your daddy.  I love hearing the two of you chat.  You’ve started using your voice so much more.  I can’t wait till you start forming words.

I love you so much!

Mommy

Weight: 17lb, 3.5oz

Height: 27″

You celebrate five months today, baby Daniel.  Time is going by quickly, so I suppose I won’t be able to call you a baby much longer.  It’s hard to believe that this time last year, we were still getting used to the idea of having a baby.  Now, I can’t imagine life without you.

February has brought about a big change for you.  You started staying awake for longer periods (2+ hours) and eating fewer times a day.  This has given us lots more play time and the ability to get out and about for longer trips.

It has also brought about fewer naps, but you still generally take three solid naps a day.  For a while I was trying to squeeze in a fourth nap, but finally figured out that you would just rather stay awake for three or four hours in the evening and then go to bed early, instead of napping and going to bed later.  I am definitely ok with this!  :)  You currently go to bed around 7:30-8pm and sleep till 6-7am.

We are still working on your sitting up and rolling back and forth.  You are getting better at both, although you much prefer the sitting to the rolling around.  Lately though, it’s been all about your toes!  Any time we lay you down you go for the toes.  You grab them, pull on them and just generally try to get them into your mouth!  If you can pull your socks off while you play with them, you’re all the happier.

Daddy swears that you can say Momma.  And I have to admit, you do get pretty close, but it sounds more like “Mmmmmmm” to me, and you only say it when you’re mad or frustrated.  LOL!  Over the last month, we’ve been using sign language with you on a few words – Momma, Daddy, milk, more, done.  You seem to be catching on, although, “milk” is the only sign I’m positive you know.

Reading to you before bedtime has become one of my favorite things.  You enjoy the books, but right now, your favorite part is turning the pages and/or closing the book.  You’ll usually last for three books before you’re ready to sleep.

We had our first snow of the year last week.  Your very first snow!  I was quite excited about it, but you were rather unimpressed.  You didn’t like me stuffing you into a snowsuit, nor did you like the cold air.  But I think you’ll like it in a couple years when you can sled and build snowmen!

You’re still the happiest baby I’ve ever known.  If someone says “Boo” or “Peek-a-boo” you generally reward them with a big toothless grin and sometimes a laugh.  We’re still waiting for the full on belly laugh.  You get so close to it.

I am looking forward to springtime with you – going for walks, lunch on the patio, etc.  You are very interested in the world around you and it will be fun introducing you to all the outdoor sights and sounds.

Love you baby boy,

Momma

Happy 4 months, sweet boy!  This last month has been my favorite with you so far.  You still continue to be the happiest baby I know.

Sitting up has become your new thing to do.  You smile so big when I pull you into the sitting position.  You’re so proud of yourself.  You also love to sit in the activity bouncer.  At first we had prop you with blankets, but now you sit in there all by yourself, just like a big boy.

Taylor Swift is still your favorite musician.  And “Shake it Off” is definitely your favorite song.  You sit transfixed when watching her music video on You Tube.  We’ve tried other songs, but you get bored with them, or start fussing after only a few seconds.

Daddy has become your best buddy as of late.  I love watching you twist your head around to see him when you hear him come into the room.  You giggle and squeal when he lets you touch and grab at his face and hair.  I don’t find it quite as amusing when you do this to me, so we’ll just let that be a guy thing for now. bigsmile

You’ve started reaching out to touch the puppy dogs lately.  Eddie doesn’t find this amusing, so he moves away quickly.  But Brinkley is willing to sit there and let you touch and grab her….just as long as she gets to lick your hand!  Eddie still keeps a close eye on you though.  He is the first to let us know that you’re awake, and he still whines when you cry.  When he comes in from outdoors, you’re still the first person he runs to find.

You’re still sleeping like a big boy.  At least 9-10 hours a night, with an hour and a half morning nap, and a couple smaller naps throughout the day.  You definitely have a daily routine because you get fussy when that schedule is off.  I’ve learned that it’s important to let you get yourself back on schedule as soon as possible – it makes the day much more enjoyable for both of us.

I’m so thankful that I’ve been able to stay home with you these four months, and I’m looking forward to spending the next four with you as you start sitting, crawling and eating.

I love you, Daniel! heart

Weight: 15 lb, 8 oz

Length: 25.25 inches