11 Months!

I've been sitting at the computer for awhile trying to think of how I can best express my feelings about the first 11 months of your life and your upcoming birthday.  While blankly staring at the screen, I've realized two things.  1. I don't have the words to express how much you've changed my life during these past 11 months and 2. If I try, I will probably become a weepy mess.  So, I'll leave that for next month.  Maybe then I'll be ready (but probably not).

Your personality is really starting to shine.  You have so many little "Avery-isms" that I just love.  I know I will forget some but here are a few of my favorites...

You LOVE to be chased.  It is the cutest thing (especially when you crawl away stark naked) and I just love chasing you because of the pure joy I see on your face

You still adore Cash and everything that is associated with him.  Including his yucky tennis ball, his slimy water bowl and  his constantly wagging tail.  This makes my heart so happy

You crinkle your little button nose when you smile.  It's the most adorable thing ever. 

You talk CONSTANTLY.  I wish I could bottle up your voice and keep it forever, it is music to my ears.

You are still a laid-back observer but you have your hyper/crazy moments too.

You are my chunky monkey.  Seriously, I can't squeeze your sweet little cheeks or thighs enough.

This last month has been hard because you've come down with one illness after another but that doesn't stop you from exploring and staying busy.  You are still a great eater and I've yet to give you something (except avocados when you were little) that you refuse to eat.  One day we are going to have so much fun cooking together!!

You are getting so close to walking!! You drag your little buggy around the house and I just know that when you find the confidence to let go there will be no turning back.

You are still sleeping like a champ at night but often only take one nap during the day.

You love splashing in the bathtub, playing peek-a-boo and make every effort to get outside anytime the back door is open.

You are pretty much wearing 18-month clothes and I guess it's about time to move up to size 4 diapers.  You are down to three bottles a day and as soon as we run out of formula we're switching over to whole milk.  You dislike your sippy cup which may be interesting because I'm hoping to wean you from bottles in the next month.  You still only have two teeth which means we haven't had to deal with teething but I'm terrified that you will get all of them in at once and be a sad little mess.

Avery Lynn, your daddy and I are just over the moon for you.  From your contagious laugh to your big blue eyes and sweet grin, you are the greatest blessing we could have ever asked for.  You make the days brighter and keep us constantly on our toes.  We wouldn't have it any other way.

Love you monkey!!!