Month Thirteen - July 2010

Let's see. Where do I begin? Do I start with his 1st birthday and write to the present? Or do I write about what's fresh in my mind and work back?

How about the most exciting news of the summer?


Tuesday, July 6th Christos saw CT take his first few steps. Since I didn't see it, I didn't believe it. It's not true until Mama sees it, right? I am giving Christos credit, however. Becky, the boys and I confirmed it two days later. It took CT another few weeks before he tried it again and ever since he's been on the move. Sometimes he gives up and crawls to his destination. But now if he falls he stands himself back up and walks to where he wants to go. He smiles with pride.

In addition to walking he's also learned how to slide down the steps on his belly, feet first. And he's really good at pointing at things. Sometimes he points at nothing and we wonder what he's trying to show us. On the flip side, when we point at something he now understands where to look. His hand-eye coordination is developing. Every day I see him do something new with his toys. He's constantly exploring.

He's saying a few words. We're pretty sure he's saying Mom or Mama. And his own version of Tuck, which sounds more like Ta. We've been working on animal noises too. Becky and the boys have taught him how to roar like a lion and Christos and I have been working on teaching him to Baa like a sheep. He gets the idea, but usually just ends up sticking his tongue out as far as it will go.

At his 1 year check up he weighed in at 20 lbs and measured 31 1/4 inches. 10th percentile for weight and 90th percentile for height. He's a tall and trim boy.

His favorite foods are still green beans, cottage cheese and all fruits. Most of the time he's a very good eater.

His personality is developing. He's a strong balance between stoic and reserved, yet sassy and stubborn. He lets loose and rules the house when we're home. He really likes to clap and dance along with the tv and car radio.

I mentioned many months ago that changing time was nothing short of an Olympic event. I didn't know what was coming to me then. It has gotten ten times worse. He hates having his pants changed and puts up a good fight when getting dressed. He'd much rather parade around the house nude. We usually let him. Who can resist his little white tush prancing around?

Have I written about how much he loves balls? (Get your mind out of the gutter.) He loves to chase them and throw them. I even caught him kick his soccer ball from the outside of his foot. A future Landon.Donovan? No pressure on him. I'm just sayin'.

The other day he realized that he and his Papa have the same boy parts. He'd point to Papa and then check to make sure his was the same. It was innocent and cute. The curiosity in his face was priceless. I could see the wheels in his head turning.

We've been to the cabin a few times this month. It's always fun to get away, but it's exhausting for all of us. CT went on his first boat ride over the 4th of July holiday. He was very reserved and showed little emotion. He didn't quite know what to think. He LOVES dipping his toes in the lake. Even more he loves sitting and throwing rocks.

We started swimming lessons a couple weeks ago. It's not so much swimming lessons as it is more play time. He is the youngest in his class, but he's very comfortable and really enjoys playing with the toys. The three of us go together and it's a been good time to spend as a family during the busy work week.


His first birthday party was so much fun. We did a John.Deere theme and had tractor rides for the kids (big and small). That was a popular activity. We have lots of great memories from the day. The following morning I had to wake him up. He was worn out from all the fun. On his actually birthday Christos and I took him to our favorite bakery for breakfast and then we had lunch at our favorite cafe. We spent the afternoon at Como Zoo. It was a fun and beautiful day.

Another fun exciting note, Cousin Jenny and Dan are expecting a little one in January. We are so happy and excited for them.

The morning after.