11 Months of Our Sweet Samuel

I've had a hard time typing this one out because it is my last update until my big boy turns ONE. How did this happen?! I can still picture his little newborn hands curling around my finger. I still remember what his kicks feel like inside my belly!! Truthfully though, as bittersweet as it is, I am so thankful for every day I get to spend with Samuel. There have been several things this month that have reminded me that a healthy baby is not a guarantee and that you truly never know how many days we have. It is scary to think that, but it helps but things in perspective - even on days when my patience is fleeting and I am tired to the bone I can't help but delight in Samuel's big hugs and soak in his sweetness. There is nothing in the world more precious than being a mom to my wild, joyful Sammy J.

11 Month Old Samuel Likes...

Clapping! He claps all the time and it is so precious. Lately he has been really into clapping for himself after every bite of food he takes which is pretty hysterical, no self-confidence issues here. ;)

Lyla. He gets so excited in the morning when we come downstairs and he gets to see our pup!

His cousins. Samuel is over the moon in love with his cousins Ari and Remy. He goes absolutely crazy when he sees them - which thanks to summer break has been a lot more lately! They are so good with him and it makes my heart explode seeing the fun those three have together (and also makes me a little teary eyed - I remember both of them at Samuel's age so clearly and now they are huge, time goes so fast!!).

The Toilet/ Garbage Can/ Pressing Buttons on the Washing Machine/ Pulling Things Off of Pantry Shelves. Like any curious almost one year old, Samuel is absolutely in love with anything that he shouldn't be into. :) I love how curious he is and want to encourage him but we of course have off limit things (china buffet and electrical outlets) and it is a full time job trying to keep our little man away from those!

Reading. This month Samuel got really into reading books and it has been SO fun. I'm a huge reader and, while it is still early, it is so wonderful to see Samuel share that love! Our favorite books are Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You, San Francisco ABCs, London Opposites, Pat the Bunny and God Bless You and Goodnight (Preston reads this to Samuel before bath most nights at it is the sweetest).

11 Month Old Samuel dislikes diaper changes, outfit changes and having his face cleaned after he eats. That about sums it up. ;)

Stats: Somewhere north of 25 lbs. We used two different scales a couple of days apart and got different readings so we will have to wait for his 1 year appt to get an accurate reading. :) One things for sure, this boy is BIG. He is in 2T clothing for the most part, I squeezed him into a few 18 month outfits for pictures this month and I think I may have cut off his thigh circulation ;) Sorry bud!

Eating: Nursing several times a day (and we hope to continue for a good long while!) and eats three meals and occasionally a snack as well. The last week or so we started to experience a little of the toddler eating antics where Samuel wanted to share some of his food with Lyla, play with it, etc. He only wants to feed himself now, which I love however I am struggling with how to get his vitamins in him since I previously mixed them in his mashes. I try to sneak a spoonful in here and there to get them in him. I don't think I've ever written it here, but we do a probiotic, cod liver oil and food based multivitamin powder for supplements. For food, we've continued to do stick with our go-tos and add in new foods as we eat them. Samuel eats a variation of what we eat, so most days it is avocado and egg yolk for breakfast, leftovers or pre-made soup or custard for lunch and poultry, red meat or seafood plus veggies for dinner.  I tried a couple of bites of raw cheese to see how his belly did the dairy and he was so funny with his reaction - definitely a new taste and texture that he was not quite sure about! I've mentioned it before, but I really do love trying new recipes and making healthy meals for Samuel and Preston and I. Eating good quality, healthy, traditional foods is something I really believe in and I love being able to nourish my growing my boy this way.

Sleeping: We had two weeks of rough sleep while Samuel cut his seventh and eighth tooth. He seems to be pretty consistent with the week he cuts a new tooth he is up every couple of hours through the night. As soon as those were in he was back to sleeping 12 hours with waking up once to eat - hallelujah! Still takes two naps between 60-90 minutes long most days.

Personality: HYSTERICAL. This boy has us laughing so hard. He definitely likes to make people smile and laugh and will do anything for a smile or a giggle. He has the funniest faces and is quite the social, talkative boy. He prefers playing one on one or with a couple of other kids vs a big group (in playgroups or activities with several kids, he definitely sticks closer to me and isn't as bubbly as he is in smaller settings). He is very determined and 100% has a stubborn streak - just like his mama. ;) I love watching his personality continue to emerge and am so thankful this little man is mine.

Firsts: Oh my, this month feels like it has been explosive in terms of development and firsts. Samuel is very into having conversations now and loves to say 'hi' while waving over and over (cutest thing ever). He also loves to clap (he has been doing this for awhile but lately he seems to do it at the right times - like when we say 'yay', etc) and has been mimicking sounds and words (he said Ari the other day after I called for her). He can understand simple requests like 'hand the washcloth to mom' and is able to do them - it is so amazing how early babies can understand things! We went on our annual staycation to Lost Pines and Samuel got to ride his first bike and sit on a longhorn! He also got his first haircut (queue the mama tears!). I held off as long as I could but we were spending so much time in the bathtub combing out tangles that I knew it was time. He did such a great job and instantly looked like a toddler when we were done. And probably the biggest first is Samuel got his first puppy! He adores Lyla and it has been so fun watching them play together and get to know each other.r