Eleven Months Old Today!

* It's officially impossible to take pictures of Ryan each month...which I guess works out ok because this is officially his last monthly birthday. *Sniff, sniff* I haven't a clue where a whole year went! It is AMAZING how much our life has changed in the last year.
* He's still referred to as "Dennis the Menace" at least as much as he's referred to as "Ryan."
* He's still into everything. He loves crawling up and standing on anything and everything. Loves to walk along the furniture and will take a couple tenative steps, but he's definitely not walking yet.
* He is still a big fan of baths, but now he spends most of the time trying to stand up and walk around the bathtub, which is more than slightly dangerous.
* He's started blowing kisses and he's been signing "more" well, more!
* He's become a huge fan of string cheese, yogurt, and chicken. Not loving vegetables lately. The kid cannot get enough puffs. He gets excited when he sees you holding the puffs container! He's pretty much done with the baby foods, but totally digs finger food of any sort.
* He's got a buddy during mealtime--Dixie has figured out that she gets a meal too if she just sits patiently by Ryan while he's eating. He laughs hysterically when she licks his hands (yes, we wash them!)
* He's getting over a double ear infection, but I think he's finally back to his old self now. His appetite has come back and he's much more playful now. Thank goodness he liked the taste of amoxicillian!
* Still loves peek-a-boo and playing with mom and dad. He's a huge fan of opening and closing cabinet doors, so we have some babyproofing to do. He's so proud when he can stand up and open something that his eyes get big and he gets a huge smile on his face.
* Now when music plays, he starts to bounce and dance. He's figured out how to get his toys to play music so he turns them on and grooves to the tunes.

It's been so much fun to see his little (and big sometimes) personality starting to emerge. He's totally boy. He can't get enough of banging things and beating on things and destroying. He's a bruiser! This is one of my favorite times of year and I can't wait to celebrate our first holiday season as a family (last year didn't count since I was too tired to remember any of it!)