Everyday holds the possibility of a miracle...: 11 Months Old

Dear Nathaniel,

11 Month Sweetheart!

Eleven months ago you entered our lives and made your Mommy and Daddy the happiest, most fulfilled people alive! In just one short (busy!) month, you will turn one! It is hard to believe that time has passed so quickly, but Mommy and Daddy wouldn't change a single second of your life so far (yes, even when you were refusing to sleep around one in the morning last night... we even treasure that time, I promise!).

Lounging around on Valentine's Day

You have continued to be one of the most fun little guys we have ever met. Even though February is a short month, we packed a lot of fun into it! Your Grandma and Grandpa came to visit from Ohio, which led to your first trip to an aquarium. You got to be nose to beak with a penguin and loved it! I'm not sure who loved it the most - you, your parents, or your grandparents!!

"Hi Mr. Penguin!"

"Look guys, it's just my size!"

You are just about to outgrow your 6-9 month clothing and have started to wear some of your 9-12 month outfits. Your nursing habits have stayed mostly consistent. The only big change is that instead of sending two 6 ounce bottles with you to the babysitters, we are sending one 9 ounce bottle. This more closely mimics what you eat on the weekends when Mommy is home with you. You show no signs of weaning, which is completely fine by Mommy. I know you'll let me know when you are ready to be done nursing, and I won't push it before then. You no longer eat purees at all anymore - even when you have lunch at the babysitter's house. You seem to really love almost every food we give to you, though sometimes you will be inexplicably picky. One night you will refuse something and the next you will eat it so fast, we can barely keep up with you!!

Risotto face!

Mmmm... Skyline Chili

You've got some top teeth coming in, and that has messed with your sleep a little bit over the past week. You tend to get up at least once to fuss a little and go back down right away. Some nights, like last night, you wake up and just want to cuddle for a while. You're happy and sleepy if Mommy or Daddy is snuggling with you, but the second we try to put you down, you aren't a very happy little man. Fortunately, nights like that are few and very far between, so it hasn't been too bad on any of us!

Taking a snooze

You still love your toys, little Natertot. Mommy and Daddy got you a toy remote control for Valentine's Day, and you absolutely adore it! You are still cruising around furniture at lightning speed. You will let go of the furniture and stand on your own, but you just won't take a step. Even if we help you to stand on your own away from furniture, you'd rather plop down and crawl than try to step. We know that walking is just around the corner, as soon as you have the confidence to do so!

Playing with a sippy cup, Daddy's phone, and a Little People pilot in the mouth!

Playing UNDER the play table

Like I said before, you have some top teeth coming in. They haven't given you too much trouble so far. During waking hours at home, Mommy and Daddy put an amber teething necklace on you, which seems to help soothe you. Before bed, we usually give you some teething tabs to help take the edge off of your discomfort. This combo seems to be working out well for you.

"Look at my cool necklace!!!"

No pediatrician appointments this month, so we don't know any updated stats for you. You go for your one year check-up on the day after your first birthday. You've been a healthy little guy lately, which means no extra trips to the pediatrician and Mommy and Daddy are totally okay with that!

Happy buddy

You had a huge milestone this month - your first haircut!! You were so well-behaved as you got your hair cut - no tears or fussing at all! We got a certificate for you with a lock of hair attached. Mommy will treasure that always! You got to sit in a "car" while your hair was cut and you loved it! You pretended to drive the car once you were done. You are such a handsome little man with your fresh, new hairstyle!

Big boy haircut time!

Family pic after the haircut!

Your little friend, Teddy, calls you "Nay Nay", and you seem to have picked up on this!! So now you are constantly babbling something, but "MaMa", "DaDa", "BahBah", and "NayNay" are your go-to phrases. You also get insanely excited when we turn on "Baby Signing Time" for you, but you don't really do any of the signs, except for what we think is you trying to sign "milk" sometimes.

At another Devils game

Little boy, you are our best little buddy and Mommy and Daddy love you so much. You can change even the dreariest winter days into sunshine and fun with your smile and silly, infectious giggle. Thank you for being such a great kid!!