At Eleven Months

Today, Jackson is eleven months old.

He continues to amaze us daily as he grows, learns new things and develops into his own little person right before our eyes.

He doesn't sit still much. And he's almost always making some sort of noise.

He loves to play with all types of balls (especially his sensory balls ) and has already learned the art of throwing.

Playing football with his Daddy is a current favorite. Somehow, he knows that when he grabs hold of the football he needs to use a louder more forceful voice. He's all too familiar with the quarterback cadence Drew recites, "Blue 52! Down! Set! Hut, Hut!" And while Jackson can't say the words yet, his loud "Ahhhhs" are clearly an attempt at calling out the plays for the offense.

Another favorite toy are his cars (especially the rubbabu minis). Again, he learned the sound effects from his Dad and is always sure to add a "Vrooom" when playing with anything that has wheels.

He loves books. Even though he doesn't usually sit still long enough to read an entire book, he loves to dump them out and turn the pages. Touch & Feel books are especially fun.

Perhaps most surprisingly is how much of our behaviors he is already mimicking. Like the use of the remote control. He has no idea what he's doing (often it is upside down or backwards). He just knows that you're supposed to point it toward the TV. Because that's what Daddy does.

He also knows that when you get to the baby gate you're supposed to hike your leg. Because that's what Mommy & Daddy do.

There is a stubborn side to our little guy as well. On more than one occasion, he has exhibited the back arching temper tantrum when being redirected or interrupted in his latest mission.

He is not yet walking, but can cruise around furniture at lightening speed and stands unassisted regularly. Our hunch is that he will go from crawling to running and just skip walking all together!

He tries my patience. He wears me out. He makes me laugh. He makes me proud.

Most of all, he fills my heart with a love and joy I never knew possible.