12 Months

I've tried to start this post a half dozen times and I just haven't found the words to describe how cosmically our lives have shifted since Reed's arrival. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me or Jon and by far my proudest achievement. I love this little boy so much it hurts. He has taught me things about myself I would have never discovered. I know I'm biased (trust me in no way do I think my child is even close to perfect) but, Reed loves life more than any kid I've ever been around. He finds joy in so many things, has yet to have a melt down in a public place, will stop anywhere and everywhere to dance if he hears a good beat, and is always a social butterfly when we are out and about. He loves his Mom and Dad, but is cool with having others hold him. His giggles and shrieks of delight our the best sounds my ears have ever heard.

As we enter toddler hood I'm excited for all of the fun discoveries that lay ahead for Reed. While I would have loved to take my son out for a special lunch or dinner to celebrate the big 0-1 we just aren't there yet with his allergies. Instead we went to a Mommy-and-Me gym class that he thought was really fun. He's never been in a room with more than two other kids, and that was only once, so a dozen kids was a little overwhelming to him. When we first started he was gripping my arm so hard, but by the end he was in the middle of the circle chasing bubbles with all the other little ones. This was a great reminder that there are so many things I have to look forward to experiencing with the kiddo.

Monthly Statistics

Weight: 21.5 lbs

Length: 30.5 inches

Head Circumference: 18 inches

Clothing Size: 12 month or 12-18 month for pretty much everything he has a couple of 18 month tops he's been wearing as well.

Shoe Size: Can squeeze into size 4, size 5 are a little big but probably not for long

Teeth: 8 - 4 on the bottom and 4 on the top

Can't live without: Beco Gemini Carrier, BOB stroller, Soft Sheep, Fisher Price Healthy Care Booster Seat, Baby Bjorn Bibs, ZoLi Bot Sippy Cup, Books, Plastic containers (especially ones with lids), cardboard boxes, and Bath Toys.

Nicknames: Reedster, Reedcito, Reed Reed, Buddy, Buddy Bear, Monkey, Pillbug, Cuddle Bear, and Sweet Pea.

Favorite Foods: Eggplant, Figs, Mom's Carrot Muffins, Waffles, Rye Toast, Avocado, Mushrooms, Blackberries, Plums, Fish, Chicken Apple Sausage, and Watermelon

Words: "DaDa" and "Daa" are still the main ones. He added "Boom" which is pretty funny. Somehow we lost "Nonna" but he still mimics us when we say "Ball" "Blue" or "Duck" but stilldoesn't say them independently. Also if Reed is hungry when I ask him if he wants to eat he says "Mmmmm" and if we prompt him he'll say "Aaahhh" after he takes a drink of something.

How Reed is sleeping: Reed takes a nap in the morning that ranges anywhere from 1.5 - 2.5 hours and one in the afternoon that is about an hour to an hour and a half in length. He goes to bed around 7:30pm, then he usually wakes somewhere between 5:00 and 6:00 am. I don't want to jinx myself but if he wakes up before that he usually will crawl around in his crib until he finds his pacifier and/or soft sheep and then puts himself back to sleep. I would love it if he would sleep until 6:30 (or even 6:00 consistently), but this is much better than even a month ago so hopefully we continue down this path.

Favorite Moment: WALKING!!!! Oh my gosh, watching Reed teach himself how to walk has been so much fun. He gets the biggest grin on his face every time he teeters around. I love the sound of his footsteps when he's out of view, it's the best!!!
Milestones:
08/21/12 First (and hopefully last) major allergic reaction when he ate some edammame hummus
09/11/12 Standing independently of pulling up
09/16/12 First time on a Boat. We celebrated Jon's Birthday with the McClarty Family up at Pine Flat
09/16/12 First swim in a Lake. Dad, Pepe, Tio Drew, and Auntie "C" helped show the Little Man the ropes while Mom and Nonna stayed warm on the boat.
09/17/12 I made Reed laugh so hard he snorted, it was hilarious!

Embarrassing Picture: Since we weren't having a party until a few days after Reed's Birthday we decided he needed a special sweet treat on the actual day. I made some ice cream using hemp milk and he seemed to really like it, pushing the spoon aside to just use his hands and eventually licking the bowl. In the process we got a few amazing looks, but this one takes the cake . . .