Baby's First Steps

That's right. Owen has started taking independent steps!

We noticed it about a week ago. He would take a hands-free step in between furniture while he was cruising around the living room. But he really turned it on over the Thanksgiving weekend! His longest distance is probably about 6 feet, and sometimes he makes an abrupt turn for no reason (usually toward tile or the hearth). It's definitely becoming more frequent, and it's always entertaining! Here's some of what we were able to capture on camera.

Baby's First Thanksgiving

My favorite holiday! There was much food to be eaten, fellowship to be enjoyed, and football to be watched. We celebrated ours at Thistle Ranch this year.

O had the requisite turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. He really liked the stuffing (who doesn't?). I didn't get a picture of the eats, but they were as good as it gets! Of course he had plenty of formula, too.

I think we have a little firebug on our hands. He and Grandad will get along just fine! He was absolutely mesmerized by the fire.

Coaxing everyone to escort him around. (Tune in to a future post for footage of him walking!!!)

Playing with his cousins, Hannah and Katie.

Cousin Hannah feeding Owen.

Enjoying the crisp fall weather in the adorable hat our friend Juan got for him in Peru.

Obligatory "Cousins on the Front Porch" annual photo.

Petting Franklin, who was very patient and accommodating.

His lovey? Fringe! He really entertained us with his instant thumb-sucking whenever he encountered fringe. Luckily, it doesn't seem to be specific to one type of fringe. Tassels, blankets, pillows, and mama's hair all seem to do the trick. This was on the ride home.

The Optimist

Owen tries his hand at College Pick 'Em.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We have much to be thankful for this year.

T is for Trouble

Another drawback to all tile/hardwood downstairs (besides the crash factor) is that everything seems to be mobile, even a highchair with 4 wheels locked. Rearranging the furniture is still his top favorite activity these days, but he hasn't figured out that he can't move the chairs we're sitting in.

"This is just like going to HEB. Next time I'll push the cart."

He's definitely showing more interest in other kids; makes me wonder if they can understand each other's gibberish, although James looks a little concerned here.

And he's in the 'everything must come out of the box' phase. He's discovered our DVD bins and likes to spread out the contents to get a good look and pick the best ones to gnaw on. We had fun using reverse psychology to try to get him to put them back in the bin later. Not too successful...

We had some practice opening gifts. He doesn't realize that I put some tissue paper on his head. :)

Finally, you can see all of his teeth in a photo!

11 months

Getting closer! Only one more month before O's a year old!! Unofficial 11-month measurements are 21.8 lbs and 29.5 inches. Now that he's officially on formula and solids only, it seems like the pounds are accumulating a little faster. :)

Some more notes for this month:

• He's been standing on his own more frequently.
• He loves to rearrange the kitchen chairs, pushing them all over the tiled floor.
• He's made it to the top of the stairs on his own, but needs help coming down.
• He loves fringe-y pillows (lays down on them and sucks his thumb).
• Oh, and he also likes to bite, pull hair, and spit up. So watch out! :)

Can anyone translate this?

Just caught the end of a pretty serious, albeit amusing, baby rant. I'm pretty new at baby-ese, so if anyone has an idea...

Round, Round, Get Around

A few notables -

O loves anything that spins: propellers, rattles, wheels, etc. Anything with wheels, he flips over to play with the wheels only. Hint, hint to anyone already thinking about Christmas shopping! :)

He's become more daring in his balance and movement. He is also very fond of being upside down.

Uncle Dan coaxing some one-handed walking using a toy as bait.

He's recently discovered the kitchen cabinets open and can be scary!

And this is what happens when I leave Daddy alone with Owen for just a few minutes. Whole apple slices! And no bib...

November Guests

This week seemed to fly by somehow. Here are some pictures. I've got some videos, too, but those will require some more time, and I'm beat. They'll have to wait for a future post. :)

Owen's still got a runny nose leftover from his cold and ruddy cheeks (from more teething?).

Uncle Dan and Jennifer came to visit this weekend. There was much walking and talking going on. Owen enjoyed having new people to hang onto and play with.