11 months!

My darling sweet boy,

Dolly the dog, and Cillian swinging in Central Park.

You have found a best friend, and her name is Dolly the stuffed dog.  Dolly was bought for you by Nana before you were even born, and her name was originally Perky.  The name change happened during our trip to Newfoundland, when we realized she was the spitting (stuffed) image of Dolly the dog Collins.  This was also when your love affair started with her, as you had never really paid attention to her before our trip, and I only took her with us because she was closest to the bag.  Never before has a boy loved a dog as much as you love Dolly, and your dad and I delight in seeing you hug and squeeze her.  I forgot to bring her with us on Sunday (bad parenting) and when Aunt Jenny reunited the two of you that night, it was like you had been apart for 10 years and you did not find it slightly funny when Grandpa pretended to take her from you.  In fact you told him off in little baby noises.

This month has been a busy month of travel, and you have rocked a trip to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, and a quick trip to NYC.  In two weeks you have taken six flights, which is pretty impressive for a little guy.  When you're not in an airplane, you have been taking steps.  Last week, after cruising around the furniture for what seemed like forever, you finally got the nerve to take three steps to me, and boy were you proud.  Now instead of cruising, you prefer to have us help you walk everywhere.  As promised, Grandmama bought you your first pair of Converse sneakers in NYC as a "walking present".

Your likes: Dolly is currently your whole world, but you also make time for your blocks and stacking cups.  Books have also become interesting again, and you especially like ones that have flaps or things you can touch.  Today you spent a long time looking through your book basket, examining each and every one.  Bath time with Daddy is one of your favourite times of the day, and you even let him wash your hair without protest.  The two of you play with toy after toy until it's time to get out (usually when you refuse to sit on your bum). You now refuse pureed food, which means I have to be a bit better at pre-planning meals and snacks.  Avocado, sweet potatoes and chicken are your favourites.

Your dislikes: This month you REALLY hated being confined in a stroller or carseat.  The back arched, the legs went stiff, and your head whipped back in total protest.  You do not like being strapped into things.  As soon as we get moving, you tend to be okay, but heaven forbid you have to be strapped into something that isn't physically moving.  Also you have started to have fits when something is taken away from you that you were enjoying.  I curse the day I let you play with my keys, because now I hear "uh! uh!uh! uh!" whenever you see them, and then tears when I don't give them to you.

This is my last update before you turn 1! Happy 11 months little man!!!

This is the view I tend to get through my camera these days : blurred and annoyed to be interrupted.