Arnold: 11 Months

Arnold is quickly closing in on his one year birthday. This has been a fun month. Arnold has really grown and developed quickly the past few weeks. He is on the move. Climbed up a flight of stairs at Whitney's house last night (multiple times) - I had NO idea he was capable of that. Brad and I both agree that he is way more into things than Emma Claire ever was. We did very little "baby-proofing" with her, but I see cabinet locks in our near future.

Arnold is our still our little happy-go-lucky boy. Sweet and smiley. He makes me laugh every day. Arnold and Emma Claire have a sweet bond. He loves to play and is becoming more engaged with her. He is a good sport to be happy in "crowns" and accessories and everything pink. He likes to play in Emma Claire's room.

Arnold is discovering more of the toys and seems to like the school bus and people in it. His favorite game is "drop it and see how many times mommy will pick it up and give it back to me". He (and Sophie) like to hover around the dishwasher and "help" with the dishes.

Arnold "dances" to music. He is really walking around while holding onto things. I thought he was going to take off with Emma Claire's grocery cart the other day.

Arnold loves the water - baths, pool, sprinkler, dog bowl... you name it. He gets a kick of making big splashes.

Arnold is still our super star sleeper. Sleeps around 12 hours every night and takes his naps like clockwork. He is happy to be in his crib. Some nights, Arnold will just lay there talking and singing and playing for 30 minutes or so before he decides to go to sleep. We get a kick out of watching him on the "Arnold cam".

Arnold is still eating like crazy. Loves his meals and will eat just about anything. The messier the better. Has a thing for watermelon. He and Emma Claire like to share popsicles in the bath. He signs "more" and "all-done" pretty consistently. Enjoys clapping his hands, too.

I am having fun thinking about and planning his first birthday party. Rowie and Opa will be in town to help celebrate. We are giving Arnold a sandbox for his birthday (shhhh... don't tell).