How Time Flies!

Has it really been a year?! Our not-so-little anymore Judah is a whole year old today! The time has gone by so fast - yet, I can't remember when he wasn't a part of us. Here's his latest happenings...

He weighs almost 22 pounds - he's a nice solid boy, and fits into 18 month size clothing. He's crawling and climbing (lots and lots of climbing - if it looks like it can be climbed, he will attempt it - ask the dogs, they will testify to it!), but no walking yet. None of my boys have walked before a year - two walked before they turned 13 months, and two even later than that. Honestly, its not anything I'm pushing - I know how the game changes once they get on two legs!! ;-)

He's still nursing a few times a day, but loves solid food - he's very open to trying anything and everything, even woodchips on the playground. Sleeping is... something we're working the kinks out of, still. Teething really disrupts his sleep, and it seems that as soon as one comes in and we get a few peaceful nights, another one starts to make its appearance and we're up again. Infant Motrin and Teething tablets are helping us get through this, though! He's got 7 front teeth so far, and one molar trying to come on through!

Here's what new with the Bean, as we like to call him.

He LOVES listening to music. If he hears the slightest hint of music, he starts dancing. When I turn on the radio in the kitchen, he'll dance his way over to where it is and sit right next to it and dance, dance, dance. Here's a video of his mad skillz. ;-) Warning: It is almost 2 minutes long, but its a cute way to spend 2 minutes - you'll notice at the end when he gets upset that the song is over, but then starts dancing again once the next one starts! It is just about the cutest thing I've seen.



Another of his favorite activities is playing in the tupperware cabinet. Isn't that a baby tradition? All of my boys have done it as babies, and my mom even has pictures of both my sister and I doing the exact same thing. Some parents frown on it, but its a safe way for him to keep himself entertained and near me, but not under my feet or in danger of the stove. We just pick it all up when the play is over, no harm done!

He also has a special lovie he sleeps with at night. Its not what most would consider a traditional lovie (such as a blanket or stuffed animal), but he developed an immense affection for this almost out of the blue, so its officially his lovie! Yes, its a little ball - its squishy, and has a soft bell inside, so it makes a gentle noise. He gets so happy when he sees it and tucks it under his arm when he wants to tote it places. Isn't that just like a boy?!

Oh, and he says a few words! His first official word was... "Judah"! LOL! He says it so clearly, its unmistakable! I figure he hears so many people saying it to him all day, its no wonder its his first word! He also says "hi", "dog", "mama" and "dada" although never when I actually ask him to. I'll say "Say "mama"" and he waits a minute and says "dada!" lol!

He also has graduated from the too small baby bathtub to taking full-fledged sink baths. He has so much fun in the water, and always cries when bathtime is over.

Its so much fun watching little babies grow - there is SUCH a difference between their actual "birth" day and then their 1-year "birthday". It such a blessing to be able to experience!

Bye-bye!