11 things I love at 11 months

1. I LOVE to hear your laugh! When anyone blows on your belly you laugh uncontrollably.
2. I LOVE that you are starting to regularly sleep through the night. You go to bed about 7:30 and wake up between 5:30 and 6:30 in the morning.
3. I LOVE that you are becoming more independent. Although you are into everything lately, it gives you some freedom to play in your room and follow Carl around.
4. I LOVE that you are now full blown walker. I had to buy you your first pair of shoes because you would almost always rather walk.
5. I LOVE that when you smile you flash your 6 pearly whites.
6. I LOVE that you and Ella can now play together. Fighting over toys is becoming a regular thing but every so often I hear lots of laughter coming from the two of you.
7. I LOVE that you love the bath. No matter how fussy or tired you may be as soon as we put you in the bath a smile appears on your face.
8. I LOVE to watch you light up when your daddy walks in from work. You follow him all over the house and he loves the attention you give.
9. I LOVE that you still have the baby fat rolls on your legs. Now that your running around I'm sure it only a matter of time before long and lean.
10. I LOVE that you are such a happy baby. (I have to call you a baby while I still can. In just a few short weeks you'll be one!!)
11. I LOVE that there is just so much to love about you! It's hard to believe in just a few short weeks you are going to be one. Some days I wish you could stay my baby forever, but I love watching you grow up! We love you Jackie!


(This is the first picture I have noticed that Jack's nose looks orange. Apparently he is a fan of carrots and sweet potatoes just like his sister.)

No tears...

The pediatrician ordered a blood test for Ella (standard blood test just to check for lead) over a month ago. I have been putting it off because I thought for sure I was going to have to hold her down and endure lots of screaming. I lucked out when Guy's doctor called for a blood test and he took her along with him. I was shocked when they came back and Guy said she didn't cry at all! Ella was proud to show off her pink bandage and said "I had to hold still Mommy". I don't know why I expected it to go so badly, but I am so proud of my little girl. Here is a picture of her showing off her pink bandage and enjoying her "special treat" lolli-pop for doing such a good job.

Look familiar?

Ella has forever used the dog door as her personal entrance to the back yard; remember this? Still to this day when she asks to go outside she heads over to the dog door. Jack has followed in her foot steps and at 10 months old, if you turn for a second and the dog door isn't locked, out the door he goes.

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10 at 10

Jack at 10 months is so much fun, and cuter than ever! Here is a list of 10 things I want to remember about Jack at 10 months.

1) Jack is all boy! He is not to interested in pushing Ella's baby doll stroller, but he loves to knock it over and play with the wheels.
2) He is now officially a full time walker. He can stand up in the middle of the room and walks everywhere!
3) His hair grows so fast and is now completely blond.
4) He is into everything!! If you leave him alone in the kitchen for a second you are sure to find the entire Tupperware cabinet empty.
5) 6 pearly whites are front and center when he flashes you a smile; 4 on top, 2 on the bottom. (and I am pretty sure today I felt 2 more breaking through.)
6) Still not sleeping through the night on a regular basis. He gives us a few days in a row, sometimes up to a week, but then he wakes up and we will have to go in there and give him his pacifier.
7) I'm almost certain he is going to be my fit thrower. When he gets frustrated or angry he sits on the floor and kicks his legs.
8) Jack loves the water! Bath time is always fun and anytime we head over to Grandma's to swim he has such a good time floating around and kicking his legs.
9) In the morning when he wakes up, he says mama mama. Guys swears his first word was dada, but I like to argue that mama was definitely first.
10) Overall Jack is a sweet and happy little boy. He is becoming much more independent now that he is walking, but his favorite place is still standing right next to you or being in your arms. I will enjoy the cuddling while I still can.

Happy Birthday Aunt Sissy!

Guy's little sister Caitlin (who all the kids call Aunt Sissy) turned 21! In just a few weeks she will be headed down to live in the dorms at Cal State San Bernardino, so to celebrate her birthday and visit with friends and family she had a big shin dig complete with pool fun, bounce house, and guitar hero. Ella LOVED the bounce house and was always trying to get people to jump with her; Amy often gave in to her request and climbed in. We all had a great time and really enjoyed everyone's company! Happy Birthday Aunt Sissy!

"Cho-kit"

My girl LOVES chocolate; or "Cho-kit" as she says. As you can see from the pictures below her favorite part of helping in the kitchen is licking the bowl.