Friday Photo 12.28.12

Now I know why everyone loves Christmas!

Friday Photo 12.21.12

Santa is overrated--I'll just ask for it for my birthday!

Friday Photo 12.14.12

First time meeting Santa

Friday Photo 12.7.12

I really, really do look up to you, Finn!

Parker: 11 Months

Weight: maybe 20 lbs

Height: 28"

Diaper Size: 3

Clothes: 12 months

Eats: 5 oz every4 hours if we are lucky;  Anything he can pick up!  Eats a good variety of fruits, vegetables, bread, but not a big fan of meat (except ham and chicken and sometimes ground beef). Loves green beans, corn, peas, blueberries, bananas, toast with butter, macaroni and cheese, crackers, teddy grahams, and more!  He has become slightly pickier, but not too bad.

Sleeps: Usually from 9:00 to 6:30-7:00 (almost always 9 hours)

Naps: Almost always 2 hours at 9:00am and 2:00pm (like clockwork now)

Favorite Toys: Mommy and Daddy (especially if they play peek-a-boo or chase); drawers and cabinets; unplugging cords; his walker; laundry baskets; animal sounds book; remote control; ipad; anything with wheels; balls

Milestones:

* Parker loves to eat with his hands.  When he wants more, he usually bangs his hands on the tray.  He gobbles it up as fast as he can, but as he gets full, he begins to swipe his hands across his tray and loves to throw bits of food onto the floor (and as soon as he gets down from the highchair, goes looking for those pieces).

* It was a rough week or so, but Parker now has 4 teeth on top (all new) to add to the two on the bottom.

* He can crawl fast when he wants to--especially if he is being chased, sees the gate to the stairs is open, or knows he is doing something wrong like having a mystery food in his mouth.

* We have a climber.  Climbing into drawers.  Crawling up the stairs.  Climbing on top of anything he can.

* Cracks up at himself when he sneezes.  Actually, he cracks himself up often!  He has a totally fake laugh that he belts out quite often.  Of course it makes us laugh, and that just keeps him going.  

* Started a bad habit, especially when he wants attention--grinds his teeth together.

* He attempts to give kisses (when HE wants to), which are more like open mouth slobbers on your cheek.  We take what we can get.

* Loves to tackle his dog (we named Guppy the Puppy) and mommy and daddy.

* When a ball or a toy goes under his crib or the tv stand, he will lay on the ground and reach to get it.

* If Parker spots anything plugged in that he can reach, you better believe that it won't be long before he has it unplugged.

* His thinking skills are improving.  He has learned how to drop toys and has even figured out how to push buttons to get what he wants--like pushing the level to make the balls drop.

* This may not be good.  He loves to watch tv.  OK, his favorite channel (BabyFirst) draws him in and I have to admit, sometimes it makes diaper changes go a little smoother.  He also seems to notice any dogs that appear on regular tv.  and still loves to dance to a good beat.

* Has figured out how to slap the water in the bathtub and make it splash--though he hasn't figured out just yet how to make it so it doesn't splash in his face.

* For the most part, he plays more independently--though he always has an eye on mom and dad...and if they leave the room, he follows.

*  When he is tired, he is tired.  Usually we can tell he is at that breaking point because he starts falling down.  But finally we are able to put him in the crib at night and he will fall asleep on his own.  This sometimes works for nap time, but usually after a bit of a crying session, a quick rock will get him fast to sleep.  He also may wake at night, but soothes himself back to sleep.

* We have introduced the sippy cup at all his meals.  We have some work to do, but he is almost getting it.

* More and more, we notice that he plays on his knees (always ready to go!)

* He just learned how to throw the ball to daddy.  He puts it way over his head but it usually does go forward.

* This boy loves all techno gadgets.  But he thinks the ipad is his.  We have several baby apps for him to play with and he loves to hit the screen.

* Parker is really catching on to learning new show-off skills.  He can wave bye; He can clap (thanks to his cousin Katie); And he really has mastered dancing and so big on command.

* Most of the month, he was just getting closer and closer to walking.  He liked to push his walker in the house and on the sidewalks.  Often he would let go of the couch without noticing.  He can get just about anywhere he wants by cruising along the furniture and walls.

*  A day before his 11 month birthday, Parker took his first steps!  Matt and I were both up in his bedroom playing with him.  We were sitting about 5 feet apart and had just taken off all of Parker's clothes to get him ready for a bath.  With a little encouragement, Parker walked from daddy to mommy.  With more praise, he just kept doing it...probably about 20 more times! We didn't have the video camera handy, but got a clip to share the next night (again, he must walk better without clothes).

Highlights from the Month (October 29-November 28):

* Parker and Daddy went to see cousin Anastasia play basketball at her game here in Peoria.

* Parker was a lion for his first Halloween.  He wore his costume to storytime and we went to see our neighbors on Sesame Street Halloween night.

* Parker got to spend lots of time with Mommy because Daddy  traveled to NC and AR for a week each.

* Mommy's side of the family gathered for Thanksgiving.  Parker liked to have his cousins hold both his hands so he could walk around.  He had almost finished eating by the time everyone else got to the table.

* Thanksgiving Day our family,along with cousin Katie, drove to Fayetteville, Arkansas.  We went swimming at the hotel and hung out with Granny B, Papa D, and Big Brett.  The next day we went to the Arkansas vs. LSU football game.  An added bonus, we got to visit before and after the game with our former neighbors (Jeremy, Lindsay, Katelin, and Jonathan).

 * On the way home from Arkansas, we met Grandma and Papa Ervin at Cracker Barrel for a belated Thanksgiving dinner.

Our little guy is changing so much, almost daily.  I don't know who was more excited when he started walking, us or him!  And I just don't think we can get enough of him clapping, dancing, and waving.  His face lights up and his toothy smile emerges nearly every time he does one of his tricks.  I think he knows that he is our best entertainment!  He's an explorer, an adventurer, and maybe a little nosey.  He definitely is active and just has so much to discover.  We are looking forward to the month ahead as we get ready to celebrate his First Christmas, and begin OUR family traditions.