It Just Keeps Getting Better

 This little guy is 13 months old already.   We are having the time of our lives with him.  It's something new everyday with this kid.  I took these pics last weekend.  I sat him on this sofa outside and he thought he was big stuff.  Of course I had to snap the pictures while making sure he didn't dive head first onto the ground at any given moment.  All boy!!  He was back and forth, up and down, and all around on this thing.

 Samuel is really getting more and more into "Dada" these days.  Today, when he heard the back door opening his face lit up, he jumped out of my arms, ran to the door, and said "Dada!"   During the day, I hear, "Dada" this and "Dada" that.  He's loving his Daddy!    We've also counted about 15 words he can say or use on a regular basis.  Let me see if I can recount here - (mama, dada, ball, shoes, up, bath, Jezzi (the neighbor's dog), Nana, Papa, CiCi, No!, bye-bye, hi, nose, eye, uh-oh, yucky!).  He's also figured out how to throw things in the trash can.  We know where to look if cell phones or keys come up missing!  It's so sweet, he says "baby!" when he sees himself in the mirror or in a photo.

 He still loves to play with any and all types of containers.  He will amuse himself for 15 minutes   taking lids on and off of plastic bowls.  We love to watch his face because it's obviously a very serious job he has.  He can stack blocks these days too.  We have a few wooden blocks and some  peek a blocks that are clear with little objects inside.  At certain times he can stack several of them.  He's very careful and gets the block situated just right in his hand before he puts it on top.  When he's successful he squeals with delight then knocks them over of course.

 The little feet you see in this photo never stop moving I might add (unless of course he's sleeping).  He's on-the-go.  A man on a mission.  I looked down at him last night playing on the kitchen floor and thought how great if was that he really never gets bored at this age.  There's constantly something to explore and discover.  I didn't say his explorations are always convenient for Mommy.  I'm not a fan of his recent toilet bowl explorations or using the plunger as a pull toy.  Nevertheless, he's amused.

We've reached a major milestone with nap and bedtime.  His sleeping through the night (or lack of) is nothing to brag about, but what we're thrilled about is that we can lay him down awake in his crib and he will go to sleep on his own.  He has to be somewhat sleepy already, but he will do it.  I am so relieved about this one.  At one point I was picturing us having to rock him until he was 12!  It's the little things. 

This smile so melts my heart.  I am so very thankful for the little person Samuel is.  We do have a great connection and bond.  He is a joyful fun loving baby.  He still loves for us to say "Where is Samuel?"  Then he comes around the corner and says "Hereheis."  That's here-he-is but he thinks and says it like it's all one word.   

I didn't pose him with his legs crossed.  This is a common way that he sits, especially when he's watching a video or looking at a book.  He crosses those little ankles.  I know you want to squeeze the chubby little hands don't you? 

Oh, the wonder in your eyes.  I look at you in awe that you're here on this earth with us.  God breathed a wonderful spirit, soul, and personality into your little body.  I'm utterly amazed!

We love you so very much!