Nearing a year {Ava 11 months}

As we approach the year mark (a huge milestone in my opinion) it amazes me where we were 11 months ago and where we are now. The transformation is a crazy one. The crying till 1 am, up every two hours, pure cloudy head (on my part) isn't a distant memory yet but something I hardly ever think about.

Ava still prefers to be held but she also loves to crawl around, pull herself up, climb on her brother and be outside (I find her giggling at the other kids playing at the park). She is a tough cookie; she wants what she wants when she wants it. She is happier when we sit next to her while she plays, if we don't she cries and screams at us. She is a good eater and we haven't found anything she doesn't like. She is a happy girl but often tired because she isn't the best at taking naps. Her morning nap is fairly short and usually taken on the go; the afternoon one is often taken in my arms (I'm ashamed to admit that but she has a stronger will power then I and will cry for an hour if she has to). I keep trying to tell myself that this too shall pass.  We are phasing out her six month clothes and buying 12-18 months as our little peanut is getting a bit bigger. 

Likes:
- ceiling fans
- playing in Mason's room
- peek a boo
- crawling around with Mason
- her light up activity table
-bath time

Dislikes:
- getting her diaper changed (especially first thing in the morning)
- be left alone to play
- having her hands or face wiped off
- getting dressed
- reading books she just wants to eat them

Mason 11 months

11 months & it feels so good!

As we hit Mason's 11 month birthday a few things dawned on me: 1) it is official Mason has been out of my tummy longer than he was in it. 2) holy sh*** his real birthday is just a matter of weeks away 3)  I think I need a bit more time before thinking about baby # 2 (I'm finally functioning at full capacity). While it is totally a thought I think we are a few months away from it being in the forefront of our minds. 

Enough about me; I know you would much rather hear about what Mason is up to. Well, he has become proficient at crawling, pulling himself up and cruising the furniture. He loves to talk to us, read books and play. He seems to be able to play on his own a bit which is so great to watch or use the five minutes to get something done. Mason also seems very aware of other kids; he is always sure to say hi and give them a growl. This month we retired Mason's infant car seat; we stretched it out as long as we could. He is officially riding in his toddler seat. Going out to eat with Mason has gotten to be something fun for us to do as a family. I don't need to bring a ton of extras for him and he pretty much feeds himself. Plus, he enjoys the extra attention he gets from other diners 

Likes:

- books 

- meal times (loving meatballs & peas)

- being outside 

- making animal noises 

- stacking  his cups or putting smaller objects inside a bin

- my car keys 

Dislikes: 

- having his diaper changed 

- being cleaned up after mealtime 

- being told "no"

We have lots going on in the next few weeks so stay tuned for some fun updates. 

PS: The key to taking the monthly pictures once they become more aware of the stickers is putting the sticker on the onesie and then putting the onesie on the baby. Your very welcome, moms that haven't gotten to that stage yet.