Jackson is 11 months!

It seems this past month has absolutely flown by. Then again, I am pretty sure I feel that way every time Jackson turns another month older. I think I just need to get into the groove of this pace and embrace it, otherwise I am going to find myself crying on the 6th of EVERY month for the rest of his precious life :)

Well, time for some updates:

Jackson has gotten a new car seat. It seems the moose is too big for the infant seat. We specifically bought the only seat on the market that went up to 30 lbs. Jackson is now just a few pounds shy of that limit and has outgrown the height specifications. Amazing.

Jackson has just about switched completely over to drinking out of only a sippy cup. In a few weeks I will be transitioning him out of the ‘before bed bottle’ and that is when I anticipate making the full transition to only sippy’s. I am genuinely looking forward to putting the bottles away for a while. No more washing bottles….yay!

Jackson and baths. Wow! What an adventure this is. He loves to just stand in the bath and pull EVERYTHING that was once on the ledge into the bath with him. Nothing is safe. He walks around the perimeter of the tub, ensuring all is safe. I am hoping he will grow out of this stage soon, or become less slippery.

Meals. Jackson is still a great eater. Surprise, surprise. He is starting to get a little more excited about specific foods, but will still eat just about anything. He thoroughly enjoys yogurt, blueberries, mac n’ cheese, Panini’s, quesadillas made on the Panini maker, toast, pesto, goldfish crackers, turkey, and chicken. He is not quite a fan of beef or pasta with a red sauce. We are working on getting him to use plates/bowls and utensils, but it is not going too well yet. I am working on patience, he is working on coordination.

Jackson has been taking STEPS in the past few weeks. He is definitely not walking yet, but he is getting more and more risky with his movements each day. He is showing many signs of being a stubborn boy. He likes to do things on his own time and will, so there will be no forcing on our part. (please excuse the ribbon in his mouth...he likes to carry things with him in his jowls instead of his hands....maybe this is why we are having such a hard time learning to use a fork?!)

Speaking of stubborn little boys, I have found mine to have quite the little attitude for an 11 month old. He has become a little ‘dunner’ (I had to explain this word to Mark yesterday, and tell him that it meant ‘little stinker’, to which he replied, “dang German’s”).  Let me explain,

Lately when I tell Jackson ‘no’ in my most serious and stern voice, he looks at me and laughs and continues on what he is doing. When I go to him and repeat the command, he just looks at me like “are you talking?” Even after I flick or slap his hand his eyes will well up with tears, but he will continue to do the ‘naughty’ thing I am commanding him not to do. Ugh. I am at a loss right now as how to punish my child in a way that communicates my seriousness of his offense?! If only I could take the lawn mower away from him....

Words. Communication is not Jackson's strong point right now (typical man). He is really into saying 'ba' or 'bo'. Everything is one of these things. He will say 'da da' and dadeee'. Every now and then when he is really sad I will hear a 'mmmmmmaa'. He does sign please and drink. He is blowing kisses, but sometimes forgets to  put his hand out before he starts blowing. He says goodnight by waving. 

I love this little guy like crazy. It has been so fun getting to know him over the last 11 months. I am looking forward to celebrating his first birthday with friends and family (as soon as I get those invites out... :) ) and am excited to see what this next year will bring out little family! It is sure to be an adventure!

Okay, I will end with this little Mother's day photograph....

My fellas made me breakfast in bed and took me to the nursery to get flowers to plant outside. It was a very fun and special day! Jackson was very proud to carry in the flower to me...he also enjoyed ripping it completely apart in a matter of seconds.