Eleven 2.0

Sprout,

You are 11 months old. Over the past few weeks, you have developed a personality all of your own. You’ve always been fierce, but now you are wild as well. You chuckle from the belly and feel anger from the gut. You’re full of passion and humor and inspire so much fun!

You’re an awesome crawler with no fear. You pull yourself up onto tables, rip off the furniture bumpers while giggling and discarding them onto the floor, and you are into E V E R Y T H I N G! You are so inquisitive and are absolutely fearless. You think it is hilarious to jump in your crib while your brother sings, ‘5 Little Monkeys’ and you are entertained by throwing things down the stairs just to see how they fall.

You finally started to develop an interest in reading. While your preference is still to sing (‘If You’re Happy and You Know It’ or ‘Row Row Your Boat’ are the favs) or take apart things, you will now sit through a book. Your current favorite titles include, Brown Bear, Brown Bear and I Love You Through and Through. Outside of the house, you love to go for long stroller rides and to flirt with the neighbors. You are fascinated by bubbles and are determined to catch them all. You also love to play in the sandbox, but I have found that you must have a NUK in your mouth. Otherwise, you will try to eat the dirt! You think it is funny to pull leaves off plants and have no fear of animals.

You like to babble a bit, but your brother typically cuts you off. Sometimes, you’ll scream at him in frustration. If he is close enough, you’ll even grab his head (one hand on each ear) to yell. You both typically end up in hysterics after such a situation. Sometimes I worry that you do not speak more, but realize that you have few opportunities to do so. You do seem to understand words spoken to you though and utilize several signs as well. You often throw things from your high chair and said, “Uh oh” and shake your head to signal ‘No’ when you’re not interested in something. The other day you were babbling in your chair when Daddy and I realized that you were actually singing ‘Bringing Home a Baby Bumblebee’. You, my sweet, baby, are awesome.

Your main interests besides playing and singing remain your big brother and food. You adore Tadpole with all your being and will follow him around endlessly. You think he is a god. Regarding food: Your appetite seems to be insatiable. You love almost everything – except lettuce. You really don’t like it. Your favorites seem to include: Olives, cheese, ham, bananas, pears, grapes, and bread. If we eat in front of you without including you in the process, you demand to know why. You also make us remedy such situations.

You are fiercely independent while simultaneously a cuddle bug. You want to do things your own way, but not apart from others. You have such a passion for life and all that there is to see. You remind Daddy and me of the importance to seek out adventure and take pleasure in everything. You bring challenge and joy to our lives each day. We couldn’t feel luckier to be your parents. We love you, little man!

Love,
Mama