11 Months!

Somehow, nearly a year has passed since this little guy joined our family.  I really can't believe he is going to be turning one in less than a month!  Lucas and I have been commenting lately on how old he is looking--walking around, wearing miniature pants and shirts instead of onesies, babbling conversations to anything that moves, playing with the dog...such a big guy!

New milestones:

• Officially graduated into fulltime walking!  He spends hours each day zooming around the house or yard, carrying something, chasing the dog, pushing a box...busy, busy!
• More teeth!  Last month, he cut a tooth on his 10 month birthday.  This month, he got 2 more (both on top)!
• His hair is getting sooo long.
• Although he still isn't a big fan of eating, he is much less resistant now that he can use a spoon all by himself!  Yes, the mess is epic, but dinner is much more enjoyable without a fussy baby : )
• We went to the park this month, where Lincoln swallowed a rock (the entire playground was covered in pebbles...waaaay too tempting for little babies).  3 days later, the rock reappeared.  Fun times.
• First Halloween!  He was an adorable giraffe.
• Favorite things to say:  digadigadigadigadiga.  mama.  dad.  deg (dog).  dut (duck).  amahamahamahamaha.  eeeeeeeee!  tikatikatikatikatika.  babababababa.  up.  
• He is starting to sign all done.
• So close to waving!
• He is a pro at pointing.
• Pets the dog--especially his teeth.  Strange fascination with petting the dog's teeth.  Luckily, Wembley doesn't mind.
• Can't get enough of being outside!  Now that it's nice out, we wait outside for daddy to get home from work every afternoon.  And if I open the door to let the dog out, there are tears unless we go out too.
• He has started the cutest game ever....he will just be going about his business, then stop what he is doing and lay down on the floor.  Then he'll grin at you and stand back up.   He does this on the floor, anywhere there is a pillow, on the couch....so cute.
• He looooves to feed people.  He will feed us blocks, spoons, whatever he is supposed to be eating for lunch, hairbrushes, sticks....he also enjoys doing this to Wembley.  Wembley is more than happy to oblige.
• Going to sleep a little easier...still waking up at night, but the initial part is easier.

Pictures!

Walking is a bit harder in the giant winter coat at Grandma's.

Giraffe!

We went to visit the field of flags on Veteran's Day.

Holding his cup while we were out on a walk.

Such a good helper in the kitchen.

Winter coat up in Omaha...just waiting for snow!

Marian the Librarian

Ok, a witty title to this post was obviously beyond me...if anyone besides my mom recognizes the reference, please let me know.  That way I might feel a little less geeky...

Lincoln and I ventured out to the library yesterday.  It was his first trip ever, and my first trip back since maybe last August?  At least that long ago, I'm sure.  Sometimes with the abundance of reading material at my fingertips online, I forget how good it is to hold and read a "real" book.  Going to the library reminded me of this.  I especially love a good reading chair.  At my parents house, I used to read and read for hours in this pink, winged-back chair they have in their living room.  In college, I used to study for tests and review research on the 3rd floor of the library where they had reading chairs set up in a row next to the stacks.  Although, lets be honest here, I didn't spend a TON of time in those particular chairs; more often, I studied at our house (that would be the Main St. Mamas house--I had 5 wonderful roommates and our house was awesome) in the papasan chair or on the couch in our little living room.  I'm going to have to dig through some pictures of that to post here...

Here, the only time I ever really read is before sleeping at night.  I am still working on a good technique for nursing Lincoln and at the same time being able to see the book and turn the pages, but it is getting easier...We do not have a "reading chair" per se, but I'm sure I could make do with our glider or just sitting on the deck in the backyard (although, a chair to sit on out there would be nice...we do have a lovely table, but currently just haul our kitchen chairs outside to use it...).  

Yesterday I checked out 3 books--2 for me and one for Lucas.  Lincoln had his eye on an Encyclopedia Brown book, but I convinced him that he should stick to Brown Bear, Brown Bear for a few more years.  I am hoping to actually read the books before they are due back.  I have found that I am more apt to do this with a deadline, but apparently, due dates don't count as deadlines to my brain.  A book club would probably be really good for me.

I am planning to go back to the library next week--there is a story time for 0-3 year olds that I would love for Lincoln to stay awake for.  We had planned to go yesterday, but he started his nap 15 minutes before it started, so we missed out.  

This week, I encourage everyone to visit your local library!  If you find something good, let me know in the comments.  I am always looking for a good read--and if I know you are reading it too, it might inspire me to read it in a timely fashion =]

My finds this week:

Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler

The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing from Singer

Hold'em Wisdom for All Players by Daniel Negreanu (for Lucas)

also reading:  A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini