11 months

Wow, is this the last month that we count in months? Or can I get away with it for a while? This has been a busy month for Patrick. He has learned new tricks and is changing by the minute.

Playing
Patrick certainly has some favorite toys lately. (Beyond cords, the telephone and the remote controls, which are still his favorites)
He loves his push toy, Sophie is getting chewed on a lot lately, he has started playing with trucks and learning how to push them, he has enjoyed this really annoying ball toy from his uncle, and his basketball hoop from Great Grandma Hilma. He also enjoys anything with wheels, especially his cart (although he still get's upset when he hits a wall and can't turn around) As far as non-toys, he loves the dishwasher (climbing on it and taking out all the dirty dishes) he has also been a big fan of the spatula lately, he also enjoys the humidfier in the nursery so much that sleeping is difficult because he gets mad that he can't play with the humidifier. go figure.

Moving
Patrick has become very efficient at crawling. He is fast these days and will be in the next room before we even turn around. He loves to walk holding our hands, but gets mad when we try to let go or stop following where he wants to go. He can stand if he doesn't realize he isn't leaning on something. He is also getting better at walking with just one hand holding on. He is great at going up the stairs and learnign to go down. He has learned how to climb off of small objects as well.

Sleeping
Patrick is getting much better at sleeping. We can mostly predict that he will be in bed by 9pm and sleep until around 3 or so with a brief waking to nurse until about 7. There are plenty of exceptions to this, but they are exceptions.

Eating
Patrick is mostly eating what we are eating now. It is much easier for meals this way. His best meal is dinner and he seems to really eat a lot (until we look at the floor and realize that 2/3 of it is there instead!) He loves brocolli, cheese, chicken, pears, peaches, bananas and oatmeal. He also enjoys the occational Nilla cookie with dad.

Tricks
Patrick has learned a lot this month. He is close to talking real words, but still practicing mostly. fofo, papa, kaka, mama, dada and such. He has said Kitty and Up along with mama and dada, but hasn't repeated the first two. When asked what kitty says he will sometimes reply with a "hisss.." He is getting better at "so big" and loves to growl with daddy. They have a great time playing at the dinner table lately.

Other things
Patrick has 3 teeth now and is working on his 4th. He is in mostely 12-18 month close and our home scale had him at 20lbs. He does really well when we take him out to eat. He flirts with the waitressess and enjoyes new settings. He loves play dates and does great with other kids his age. He always lights up when he sees other kids as he seems to just "know" they are little. We have noticed that he is remembering things more as evidenced by our recent trip to FL and remembering the plane tray.

Our Patrick is just a joy and we enjoy hanging out with him. I will probably still call him my baby even though my baby is turning 1 very soon!