eleven months old

This was the best photo we got, the rest are of a pitifully upset and exhausted little guy. And so I decided to stick with this realistic image of his 11th month day ... really rather sick and honestly miserable and somehow also worried about that pokey stick on the pumpkin. Poor Felix. But you are still deliciously cute in your skeleton jammies ... a random addition in a gift package from my old friend Christy that I didn't like at first but has become a sentimental favorite for Sam and I as all three boys have worn it.

Felix, we're now staring down the last few weeks until you're first birthday and I'm so excited about that! Happy that we've worked our way through all those hard and new firsts this year, happy that you're crawling everywhere and enjoying playing with all your own toys, happy that you're really alot of fun to be with, and I can't deny, happy that we are nearing the end of babyhood. Forever! Don't get me wrong, you know I still cry when I hug you tight and tell you how much I'm going to miss this little you. But I.am.ready to move beyond this stage of life and knowing how spectacular your brothers are I can't wait to know the little boy you'll grow into.

You say Dada constantly now, one long repeating sentence of Dada. Sometimes Baba but hearing Mumma from you is but a dream yet. You still clap close-handed, you still refuse to hold your own bottle (what's up with that?!), your only hairstyle is Stick-Straight-Up, and you're still sleeping twice a day though I'm actually hoping you'll drop one soon so we can have more flexibility. You actually do crawl after Walter when he squeals "Chase me!" and you both laugh and think it's the best game ever. You give good open mouth kisses. Bath time sitting in the middle of your brothers is your favorite. I've found your tickling sweet spot. You love your Nana and still just stare unblinkingly at your Grandad, throwing him a smile once in awhile. You love to ride on the Big Thomas or Giraffe and you get the goofiest thrilled smile on your face when we push you around on those. You really are such an easy going, contented baby (though woe to anyone who takes away a toy you have in your hands = waterworks) and we did right in naming you Felix, as Happy you certainly are!