Dear Nolan... You're 11 Months Old!

My squishy, cuddly baby boy,
11 months old!  How is it possible that you're approaching one year old?  When I think back to the last 4 weeks, many things stick out... but especially how cuddly you are.  You are like a little koala bear.  You grab on to shirts and hug us.  It is one of my favorite things ever.  You are also becoming more and more mobile.  You have taken a step here and there, but for the most part, you stick to crawling because you are much faster at it.
We celebrated your first Halloween and you were a little pumpkin.  You were very mellow about being dressed up (except you would not keep the hat on) and rode around in the stroller with out much of a fuss.  We celebrated at the Spooktacular in Town Center, then went trick or treating with family friends.
In the last couple of weeks, we moved!  It was a big transition for us all, but you did so well at adapting.  We had lots of help from Gramz and Pops while we were moving to make sure that we could get your room all set up and comfortable before you came home for our first night in the house.
You are still very attached to us and close family.  You are starting to get better at going to other people, but usually you reach back for us after a short time.  You are constantly throwing your head back... I think it may have something to do with you teething, but you also like the thrill of falling backwards.
You and Andie are interacting more and more all the time.  She is very clingy to you sometimes and occasionally underestimates her strength, and you do a very good job of being tough.  I think you two will have a very special relationship.  Both of you got your first haircuts together this month, and you look so much older with your shorter hair!!  I can't believe how much you've changed.
You are wearing size 12 month and 18 month clothes and a size 4 diaper.  In the last month, you have started doing much better at sleeping through the night.  You have gone several nights with out waking up, but you still are up a couple times during the week for help finding your paci or a snack.  But how could I say no to your beautiful blue eyes and koala bear hugs.  You are truly irresistible.
You are a huge eater!!  You eat almost as much as I do and you aren't picky.  The only thing you don't really care for is eggs.  You still love all of your fruit and vegetable purees, but you also eat everything we eat and prefer to feed yourself.  When you are hungry, you're very impatient.  You will yell and scream at us while we are preparing food until we get it on your tray.
You love your blankets from Gramz and you snuggle and hold them while you sleep. You also love your paci.  Your favorite toys are books, a Christmas train, and anything with wheels. You don't like getting your diaper changed, but we are getting creative with distractions.  You are doing much better in the car, and I am so grateful for that!
You are babbling all the time.  You say "ma ma ma" and "da da da" sometimes when you're reaching for us.  You are very mellow most of the time and a very happy baby.  We did the big Z family Thanksgiving celebration and you were a little uneasy with all of the people.  You didn't want to be set down and would only let daddy, Gramz, Pops, or me hold you.  You are most comfortable in the surroundings you are used to.
We did our annual Christmas Tree hunt this year in Apple Hill and it was so much fun to have you there for your first trip.  It is one of my favorite days of the year and we have many special memories there.  We had so much fun hiking around and picnicking together.  We picked out a great tree for our new little house and you love seeing the lights.  I am so excited for the Holidays with you this year.  It's hard to believe a year ago you were still in my belly.
We celebrated Thanksgiving a few times this year.  We went to daddy's work and celebrated with his crew and their families, we celebrated with your great grandma and great grandpa, Gramz, Pops, aunties, and cousins, and we went to Pacific Grove to celebrate with your Nana, Uncle Joe, Uncle Dave, and close family friend Carolene.  We definitely are all very thankful to have you - you are a huge blessing to our family!
I've been snuggling with you as much as I can lately.  You have the cutest little belly and body.  I love to pinch your cheeks and kiss your feet.  I am so crazy about you, my little Nolly Bear.  Daddy and I can't get over how sweet you are.  You have added so much joy to our lives.
I love you so much and I can't believe in one short month you're going to be ONE.  So much to look forward to in the coming month, this is a happy time of the year, and you make it even happier!!
Love,
Mama