Eleven Months Old

Eleven Months Old

August 19, 2013

Your Monthly Stats

*We have not been to the doctor, so these stats are approximate.

Height:   28.5 inches (57%ile)

Weight:  22 pounds

Head Circumference: 46 cm (78%ile)

Hair: Blond and Curly

Eyes: Blue, Blue, Blue!  

Teeth:  7 teeth--No new teeth this month, but you've been drooling like crazy and we keep waiting for more to appear.

Diaper Size:Size 3's, but we'll be moving onto the Size 4's once we finish this package.  

Clothes:  It seems like you outgrew all of your clothes and pajamas this month.  I actually had to go shopping for clothes for you!  You are a growing boy and are now in size 12-month clothes and size 12-18 month pajamas.  I've been buying you pajamas without the feet, because you want to crawl and walk everywhere.  The footies make you slip!  

Eating:  

This month, you've explored lots of new foods---and liked ALL of them!  Even better--you haven't had any negative reactions to new foods.  PHEW!  Here are the new foods you've tried this month:

*Organic yogurt/fruit snacks

*Funfetti Cake and Icing---You LOVED this!  :-)  You fit right in with the Pahuta family.  We all love Funfetti.  

*Organic blueberry pancakes
*Cauliflower (not a huge fan)
*Brocoli (also not a huge fan)
*Beets
*String Cheese
*Plain Rice Cakes
*Gluten Free Waffles
*Raspberries
*Vanilla frozen yogurt
*Strawberries
*Quinoa flakes (a great alternative to oatmeal!)
*French Toast (made with high protein grain bread)
*Blueberry muffin
*Cantaloupe
*Veggie Pasta

Feeding you new foods has been so much fun.  You definitely have a love for fruit, and I usually need to give you the veggies first in order to get them in.  Once you see the fruit, it's all over!

When you drink water out of your Zoli cup, you let out a big "ahhhhhh" after drinking.  We can thank your Lulu for teaching you that.  

Strength: 

This was a very big month for you.  You started WALKING!  You still prefer to crawl most of the time, but everyday you take a few more steps.  The first time you walked, you were in our foyer.  You were holding onto the gate on the stairs, and just let go....and took three steps.  You looked really surprised--and so was I!  Since then, you take a few steps everyday.  You're more likely to do it when you're holding onto something in your hands.  You also like to walk around the house holding my hand.  We do this pretty much all day long.  OUCH-my back hurts from bending over to hold your hand.  But you look so proud when you do it, so I can suffer through it.  Pretty soon you'll be running and won't need to hold my hand anymore.  

Likes:

*Walking while holding Mommy or Daddy's hands

*Brushing your teeth

*Eating--When you hear me open up the pantry door or the refrigerator, you make a beeline for it.  If I don't give you something, you throw a full-out tantrum.  We're in trouble.  

*Cars and Trucks--You love your book called Trucks and you call anything with wheels a car.  If we're outside and you see someone drive by, you point your finger at them until we can't even see them anymore.  

*Balloons--We got balloons for your birthday invitation picture and you are still chasing them around.  You were VERY upset when they flew up to the ceiling.  

*Using the dustbuster--You love to clean.  You are mommy's boy.

*Jamming with Daddy in the basement--You play the drums and he plays the guitar.
*Reading Books--This has become a big favorite this month.  You always grab the same two books:  Trucks and If I Were an Elephant.  You especially like to read books with photographs of people and animals.  
*Opening/Closing cabinets and doors

Dislikes:

*Being told NO.  Sometimes you actually throw yourself down on the ground and cry.  I try hard not to laugh.  

*Being over-tired.  You go, and go, and go.  And eventually you crash.  And it's not always pretty.  **See Picture Below.

*Being separated from Mommy-This hasn't changed.  

Social Skills:
You love people.  All people.  Babies, old people, other kids....anyone.  You get that from your Daddy.  All someone has to do is say hello, and you are all smiles.  You are definitely an extrovert in every sense of the word.  You chat and sing with anyone who will listen.   

Sleep:

Sleep is a mystery.  Some nights you sleep really well.  Some nights you are up 2-3 times.  We can usually still count on you going to bed around 7:30 at night.  You are an early bird though, and we're usually up for the day by 5:30 or 6:00 in the morning.  You generally take one nap in the morning and often take another in the afternoon (depending on what we're doing for the day).  The better the naps during the day, the better the sleeptime at night.  

Talking:

Words From Past Months:

~mama *This started when you were crying in your crib refusing to take a nap.  Not exactly how I pictured you saying Mama for the first time, but I'll take it.  

~Daddy 

~wawa (water) 

~ba (ball)

~uh-oh (when you drop something you repeat this after I say it)

~"eh, eh, eh" (what I say when you're going near something you're not supposed to touch.  See this on video here.  Classic Example:  

Hmmm...That looks like something I shouldn't touch.

New Words This Month:

~truck

~car

~baby

~firetruck

~kitty cat

~woof (for dog)

*These words may not sound exactly like the real words, but they definitely have the correct meaning.  

We can't wait to hear you saying more words soon!

New Tricks:
~Slapping Hi-5
~Clapping your hands (especially after we say "Yay")

~Blowing Raspberries (especially with a mouthful of food)
~Playing Peek-A-Boo on your own (You hold your head to one side to "hide", and then throw it to the other side and smile when we say peek-a-boo.)
~Walking and RUNNING holding one of our hands.

~Sharing with Mommy (your binky, food, water bottle)

Buddy,

Only one more month until you are a WHOLE YEAR OLD!  That is just crazy talk.  This past month has been filled with lots of milestones being met and having fun. We've spent a lot of time getting ready for Aunt Andrea's bridal shower, planning your first birthday, and attending the first of your friends' birthday parties.  

We attended our first Gymboree class with your friend, Kaylee.  You loved climbing, crawling, and jumping on all of the toys.   We're going to try out another tumbling place close to home this week.  We've been going to church every week, and you love to listen to the band play music there.  The guitar player always gives a "shout-out" to Baby Max for being the best dancer.  We also took another trip to the beach.  We visited Daddy's coworkers, and you loved the beach as much as last time.  You played in the sand, chased the seagulls, and splashed in the waves.  Daddy loved seeing you in action this time too!  

We're trying to slow down a little bit this month and enjoy the last few days of your first year.  Our plans are to spend more time splashing in the pool, taking trips to the park, and hanging out in our own backyard.  I know this coming month will be just as fun as the last.  We love you so much baby boy...XOXO

Love,

Mommy

P.S.  More pictures of Max's birthday invitation photo shoot coming soon!

     

Ten Months Old

Ten Months Old

July 19, 2013

Your Monthly Stats

*We have not been to the doctor, so these stats are approximate.

Height:   28.5 inches (57%ile)

Weight:  21 pounds

Head Circumference: 46 cm (78%ile)

Hair: Blond and Curly

Eyes: Blue, Blue, Blue!  See??

Teeth:  7 teeth and more on the way!  You have 3 teeth on the bottom and 4 teeth on top right now.

Diaper Size:Size 3's

Clothes:  You're wearing some 9 month clothes and you're starting to wear 12 month clothes.  All of a sudden, you're stretching out and growing again.  You've worn a couple of 9 month outfits only once and outgrown them already.  Most of your sleepers are 9-12 months.  You have a few pairs of shoes that friends and family have given as gifts.  You're not really ready for shoes yet, but we've put them on a couple of times "for show".  You're in a size 3 now.  

Eating:  

This month, you've explored lots of new foods---and liked ALL of them!  Even better--you haven't had any negative reactions to new foods.  PHEW!  Here are the new foods you've tried this month:
*organic sprouted quinoa
*nectarines
*Happy Baby Organic Greens Puffs (puffs made with green fruits and vegetables)
*cottage cheese (you'll eat it, but you're not a huge fan)
*Happy Munchies Organic Carrot Rice Cakes
*Puffed Kamut cereal
*zucchini
*black beans
*peas
*carrots (not your favorite either)
*freeze dried organic mango

I'm happy that we've been able to introduce some carbs into your diet.  They're easier to tote along when we're out and about.  But, to be honest, you would much rather eat fruits and veggies.  So, I usually have a baggie of green beans nearby.  Healthy boy!

You also love to drink water.  We tried many sippy cups, before we were introduced by your Aunt Ang to the Zoli cup.  It's your favorite, and you love to drink out of the straw!

Strength: 

You're all over the place.  Standing.  Crawling, Walking while holding one of our hands.  Climbing underneath things and on top of things.  Scaling the furniture.  You are very strong--especially when you want to show dislike of something--like diaper changes.  It takes all of my strength to tackle you.  

Likes:

*Swimming

*Walking while holding Mommy or Daddy's hands-We started out doing this a while ago, and it was more like us pulling you.  But now--you are pulling us!  You're pretty much walking on your own, and you're only holding on for balance.

*Climbing the stairs--check out this video:

*Throwing yourself on the ground, kicking your legs, and laughing about it--You think this is the funniest thing ever.  It looks so silly.  

*Playing all of your musical instruments-I ordered you this Melissa and Doug music kit.  You love to shake the maracas and play the tambourine.  Many times we end up taking a walk in the stroller and you shake those maracas all the way down the street.  I hope the neighbors like your music!
*Reading Books and Practicing Flashcards--Especially animal ones!

*Eating--You love to pick out your own spoon for meals.  You're getting really good at feeding yourself finger foods too!
*Dogs--You just looooove playing with Zoe and Lola.  

*Talking--You definitely have your own language and know exactly what you're talking about most of the time.  Luckily, you're starting to say some words that we all understand too!  

*Mimicking us when we speak or do something

Dislikes:

*Waking up-No matter how much you put up a fight to actually fall asleep, you are one grumpy guy when you wake up (in the morning and after naps).  With your eyes still closed, you thrash about, kicking your legs and whining until you're ready to wake up.  It's not fun for any of us--especially when you're waking up in our bed.  

*Being put into your carseat-It takes some serious distractions to get you into it.  Once you're in and moving, you are fine.  But if you don't want to go in, you are stiff as a board and no amount of wrestling and bending your legs will get you in there.  
*Diaper changes--nothing new here!
*Being separated from Mommy-This has gotten worse this month.  I know that it's a normal stage--and actually quite healthy.  It shows that you're attached and feel safe with me.  But, it is the longest stage ever.  Sometimes I just want to go to the bathroom by myself.  

Mean Mommy

Social Skills:

We've had lots of fun summer playdates this month.  We took our first trip to the NJ shore with our friends Katie, Michael, Michelle, and Declan.  You LOVED everything about it--the sand, the waves, the seagulls.  We were surprised at how long all three of you lasted at the beach.  We're planning a day trip to the beach with Daddy next month.  We've also spent a lot of time swimming in Lulu's pool and our friends' pools.  You're starting to kick your legs more while swimming and you love to splash yourself in the face.  You've even started sticking your face in the water and tried to imitate us blowing bubbles.  What fun!  We still take at least one walk a day (usually two) in the stroller or the wagon.  Mommy likes to get the exercise, and you love to see the sights of the neighborhood.  Lots of times, we take walks with our neighbors, Jess and Mia.  You love smiling and waving at Mia while we walk.  

Sleep:

I just reread the "sleep section" from last month.  And, I could have just copied and pasted into this month.  You are teething once again.  You had been sleeping REALLY great at night AND we were on a napping schedule--IN THE CRIB!!  Notice how I said were.  Then, those mean old teeth decided to pop through and that went out the window.  The past three nights, you have woken up at 1:34 (exactly).  I feel like I'm living in that movie, Groundhog Day.  You're inconsolable, and as much as I don't want to start a habit of feeding you in the middle of the night, the only way you'll settle down is nursing.  I just tell myself that you're uncomfortable and in pain.  So, it's okay if we need to do that now.  We're hoping we're back on a better sleeping pattern soon!

Talking:
You started imitating us and saying some words this month.  That was SO exciting!  Some of the words you just repeat, but some you definitely associate with meaning.  Here are the new words you say:
~mama *This started when you were crying in your crib refusing to take a nap.  Not exactly how I pictured you saying Mama for the first time, but I'll take it.  
~Daddy *You've only said this once or twice when looking at Daddy through the glass sliding door outside.  But when I say Daddy, you know exactly who I'm talking about, and sometimes you head toward his office to look for him.
~wawa (water) 
~ba (ball)
~uh-oh (when you drop something you repeat this after I say it)
~"eh, eh, eh" (what I say when you're going near something you're not supposed to touch.  See this on video here.

We can't wait to hear you saying more words soon!

Little Man,

You have really shown us your personality this month, and I love learning who you are "going to be".  You are strong-spirited, yet gentle.  You're determined, yet hesitant in trying new things. You're chatty, yet a "people watcher".  You're tough, and you can be a cuddlebug.  You are funny, and love to laugh.  I'm sure every parent feels this way, but I really do think that you are the coolest kid ever.  

You are on the go, and nothing slows you down.  You love to push EVERYTHING around on the floor--the kitchen chairs, your toy trucks, tupperware, anything!  One of your favorite things to do is pulling objects out of a container (laundry out of the basket, toys out of the toy bag, your instruments out of the box).  Then, you put them back in.  You also love to chase any kind of ball around the house.  As you do that you say, "ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba...." (ball).   Sometimes you get really silly and roll around the living room floor giggling to yourself.  

You love to be outside.  Going to the park, taking walks, hanging out on our new patio, and swimming in the pool have been our big activities this month.  As long as you are outside, you're happy.  I hope this never changes.  

You are our little buddy, and we love you so much, Maxwell Mouse.  XOXO  

Love,

Mommy

     

No, no, no!

How is it that my little man turned 10 months old today? That is simply not allowed.

Speaking of "not allowed".  I think he may be testing my discipline tactics already.  He now makes this sound whenever he gets near:  the dog's water bowl, the stairs, all outlets, and any cords.  There is no such thing as babyproofing for this kid.  Enjoy!




{PS--10 Month Post will be coming as soon as I can find a second to write it!}

A Visit with My Favorite Little Twins

Our friends, Ryan and Melissa took the LOOOONNNG trek from Raleigh to New Jersey to visit us for a few days.  We started this tradition last year of them coming to visit for the Fourth of July, and it's so much fun getting to spend time with them and their little munchkins, Eleana and Livi.  While they were here, we spent time in Lulu's pool, grilled out, blew bubbles, played with baby Max, threw a big Fourth of July party, and watched the fireworks display! 

Here are some pictures from earlier in the week.  I'll be writing a separate post about the 4th of July party tomorrow!

Livi Lady

Elli Cakes

Phew--Swimming wears you out!

Silly Girls

Melissa--This will be perfect to put in their high school yearbook!

This was right before she showed us her "catwalk".  

Sisters and Best Buds

Love you all, Beene Family...and we can't wait to plan our next visit with you.  Miss you already!  XOXO