12 Months: A Year of Delicious

12 months: He's starting to look like a toddler :(

Wow, 12 months. Twelve months?! There were several great developmental milestones this month, including Delicious' real first word: Baaal (ball). I say "real" word because it's actually one that he directs at something specific. Just today, he started saying "booh" for book, as he reached for a book. Reading is by far his favorite thing. He also understands "no" and will immediately stop whatever he's doing in response to the word. I try not to use it too much, though.

For over a month now, he's been turning the pages of his books that we read him. He pushes--now more confidently on the wood floors--his walking toy. He's also developing a palate (maybe?). He has taste preferences, whereas before it just seemed like he ate anything to satiate his hunger. I'm not sure that he's a picky eater, but he seems to have a nuanced preference for some flavors (i.e. of the same ingredient, but can differentiate brands or mixtures) over others. Like turkey and gravy versus turkey and vegetables. Lately, though, he also prefers to play than eat and dinner time is a real challenge. I'm not sure what to do at this point other than to wait it out. He has a one year pediatrician appointment on Friday, so we'll see.

It's a matter of time before he's walking on his own. In fact, he can walk with us holding just one of his arms.

Related, he might be allergic to eggs. I hope not. But on the evening after his party, we gave him some leftover frittata. He ate it and seemed to love it. But that night after we put him to bed, he vomited (not just spit up--vomit) and cried for 30 minutes (damn cry-it-out technique). I felt so bad. When I went to check on him (as this crying was totally uncharacteristic, since he'd been sleeping VERY well for up to 11.5 hours a night--but naps are a different story) he was covered in throw-up, sitting in the corner of his crib. We washed him up and I slept with him in my arms in the daybed in his room. (By the way, I love having a little bed in his room--it's great for clothing changes, and serves as a couch where I can recline and read to him.)

He climbs stairs, seems to be developing a strong will. On occasion he'll do the gasping cry thing when he doesn't get what he wants (say, the hand sanitizer to put in his mouth). But I just stare at him, and try not to react. And he quits rather quickly. I think not reacting is key to extinguishing undesirable behavior. Easier said than done; I know. But I make an effort. He's often clingy, pulling at my skirt or pants.  But when I pick him up, he wants down. I read that babies this age just want your attention and to be near you (mommy), but still independent. That's fine with me! (One day he'll be off doing his own thing and I'll miss it.)

Clinging...in a good way

He has SUCH a personality now. Babies this age really start to become toddlers. They're mobile, they laugh loudly, explore, have apparent preferences, and are just so wonderful. I love this stage. It's like the reward for the early months of sleep deprivation, colic, and uncertainty.

This has been a really great month...and a fantastic year.

One year of Delicious