11 Months

The nights are long, but the days are short.

Someone told me this when Ethan was a baby (not sure who, if it was you, please comment below and take credit :).  As my little baby grows each day and moves closer to that one year mark, this statement becomes ever true.  Yes, my baby does not sleep through the night.  No, we have not done cry it out.  But that issue is for another post.  I just want to encourage other moms whose babies night time habits are inconsistent, that this is normal.  They are babies.  Stop setting unrealistic expectations.  You are normal. 

Now that I am off of my soap box, lets move on to days. 

Ethan becomes more toddler and less baby everyday.  He is into everything and definitely expresses his feelings.  This is exciting, terrifying, exhausting, and sad all at the same time.  Part of me wants him to stay little forever, but I know this cannot happen and it will be better for everyone for me to accept this fact of life and keep us moving forward.  But at night, when we are all alone in his room and he is sleeping peacefully in my arms I love to kiss his little head and thank God for this precious gift He has blessed us with.  An amazing, challenging, sanctifying blessing. 

He can easily cruise around our living room while standing on his tippy toes to reach something.  He can open a cracked door with ease.  He can sit and through a tantrum when you take the item he wanted away from him. 

His favorite thing in the world is his father.  I hope to post a video soon of his reaction to Steve when Steve came home from work the other day.  He gets very excited when he hears or sees his daddy at the end of the day. 

His least favorite thing is getting dressed and having his face wiped after a meal.

He loves solids and feeds himself easily and daily. 

His favorite foods are fruits, but he also loves green beans.

We are beginning to plan his birthday with a celebration in Hampton on October 27th and a party in Lynchburg on November 3rd.  We are excited for the next phase, and enjoying these last days of babyhood.