It's a Whole New World

For the past couple weeks or so, Hank has been exploring the world above the floor. We find toys on the chairs, the tables and the couch.

This past week, Hank started to pull up . . . a lot. He's even letting go and trying to stand on his own.
Good thing his bottom provides lots of cushion!

Play Group at Our House!

Hank and Mommy have met so many great friends through our activities that we felt it was time to start a play group.

We are finally making good use out of the spacious and sunny basement, too. For Hank, it's like a whole new house down there! You can see him (barely) in his yellow shirt playing in the way back with the activity cube. Can't wait to see everyone again next week . . .

400 Days of Nursing . . .

and we're officially done.

Is it possible to smile and cry at the same time?

It was an incredible experience that this mommy will never, ever forget!

(photo from July 2010)

Hank and JJ

Today we had JJ (14 months) and his mommy, Sara, over for a play date. We got to know them through our library storytime and our music class.

Like most babies at this age, they liked to be close to each other, but were very interested in their own play.
We hope to make getting together a regular activity.

Don't worry, JJ. Our toys will be waiting for you next week!

Hank's a Kindermusik Kid!

Hank participated in his first official music class today. As a warm up activity, he got to look at himself in a mirror.

Then it was on to the clamshell maracas.
He also got to explore the jingle bells. He wanted one for each hand.

Hank is listening to music, making music, developing friendships, enjoying himself and enhancing his brain!

13 months old

Now that Hank is 13 months old, it's time for an update . . .

Hank has his very first molar poking through, so he's up to 9 teeth total now. Hank will tell you (and so will Mommy and Daddy) that getting molars is just no fun!

He loves stacking cups, throwing balls, turning the pages in books and putting things in containers and of course, taking them out. His daily stroller rides are still a major highlight of each day - he chats up a storm the whole time!

Hank loves dairy foods such as yogurt and cheese. He still really likes jarred baby food, too. His favorites are Earth's Best Pear Apple Oatmeal, Earth's Best Apple Yogurt Oatmeal and any pureed fruit. Gerber's Lil Crunchies (baby cheetos) are his favorite appetizer, brocolli is his main green veggie and the little guy has a sweet tooth, too, which we satisfy now and then with a bit of an organic pop tart or cookie. Our little guy also loves to feed himself using his fork and spoon.

As far as nursing goes, Hank nurses 3 x day (just before naps and bed) for about 5 minutes per session. He's well on his way to being fully weaned in the next couple of months. He still takes two naps each day (about 1.5 hours each) and sleeps for 12 hours at night. He even knows how to turn on one of his crib toys by himself now - BONUS!