11 Months Old Already!

We have an eleven month old on our hands....an honest to goodness toddler! James is SO funny and has such a personality. He is really quite the character, a silly mix between sweet and feisty. He is continually doing something goofy and finally has figured out just how darn funny he is. His grin is priceless and his laughter infectious. Can't believe we'll be singing him "Happy Birthday" in less than a month...

One of my favorite things lately is watching him just toddle around, sometimes with his arms stuck out from his sides like a tight-rope walker. Most of the time he is squealing in delight over something. My favorite part is when he comes over to me with a big grin, dimple and all, and just falls into my lap. Oh, motherhood you are an awesome thing!

At 11 months, James favorite things are:
-his mama and daddy!
-his Nana and Granddaddy (who he loves to Skype with)
-his best friend Jack Jack Merrill (AND his Aunt Kelli!)
-his wonderful babysitter
-blueberries
-dogs, real ones, toy ones, dogs in books, etc.
-the cross that hangs above our front door
-his bear that sings "I've Been Working in the Railroad"
-walking everywhere
-his gloworm and rainforest crib toy
-signing "light" to every single light
-my cell phone and laptop
-anyone's keys
and his MOST FAVORITE THING OF ALL TIME........(drum roll please!) IS THE REMOTE CONTROL!

Other big news here is that I am SUPER psyched about not having to go back to work until Monday December 1st! Work has been really challenging since moving to the new district. It is soooooo much better, but a big adjustment. I feel like I am finally finding my place and figuring out what I am doing (well, not WHAT I am doing, but more of HOW to do it better, easier, etc). I feel a lot better about it because it was really stressful for a while. I am looking forward to nine days of hanging of with James and lots of family time. Hope to get some cool pics of our little turkey this next week!

I just wanna....

squeeze those little cheeks!!!

My Top 10 Favorite Things about Motherhood So Far.....

10. Rubber duckies taking over the tub, baby food taking over the pantry, little baby hangers taking over the utility room.....you get the picture.

9. Getting to read lots of cute books while someone helps turn the pages.

8. Signing to James and having him respond.

7. Singing silly kids songs and knowing he already has a favorite (Wheels on the Bus).

6. Planning all kinds of fun things that I think James will enjoy doing.

5. Seeing that sweet face after work and knowing he is all mine for the rest of the day.

4. Getting to watch James play with his Daddy and squeal in delight.

3. The softest and sweetest baby hands ever holding onto me.

2. Our bedtime routine with stories and prayers and the rocking chair.

1. Hearing his laughter and the sweetest and most cherished word ......Mama!


Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the last couple of weeks.