eleven months old is the way to go

So, this month I thought I wouldn’t wait until the very last minute to do the monthly homage to Ammon’s life. Here’s to him as an eleven-month old.

He LOVES: his afternoon routine with his daddy – to be sung to… especially Popcorn Popping, Sing (from Sesame Street), Hello, Goodbye by The Beatles, Abadabadabadabadabadabadab Says Ammon to the Moon, The 59th Street Bridge Song by Simon and Garfunkel and Jellyman Kelly (from Sesame Street) – books – dogs – trucks, trains, cars… anything with wheels – to play rough with his daddy (especially on couches and beds) – to stand and “walk” (still with some assistance) – to be outside – to eat – playtime – any electronic device – music… The Dingees, The Starting Line, James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkel, 311 (much to his mother’s horror), Bing Crosby, The Black Crowes, The Electric Mayhem, Billy Joel and Harry Connick, Jr. – to dance – to talk, squeal, laugh… he’s babbling constantly now, rather than just making individual noises – his family – people watching – his bath time – trees – hide and seek – crinkling his diaper – watching manly stuff with his daddy – textures – his bink – the park – nap buddies in his crib – paper – shoes – Transformers, especially his Ammon-sized Jazz and Starscream – to give kisses… be they Eskimo, head bumps or slobbery, wet chews – to make his Incredible Hulk face – balls – speed crawling – the entertainment center – his (get this) sippy cups

He HATES: not getting his way – having things taken away from him –laying down to change diapers or clothes

Ammon continues to hold his own bottle… and now loves the sippy cup way of life. Ammon is, finally, showing an interest in learning to feed himself. Table foods, however, are a problem in his opinion. But, he is slowly getting used to the idea.

Ammon is a talker. He practices new sounds and combinations just about every day. Words we often hear are: Momma, Daddy, Shoe, Sissy (Brian's mom), Ball, Book, Toys, No, Yeah, Hi or Hey – and of course his world-famous whistly-OOOO or Sissssssh when he is very, very excited.

Ammon knows his name; however, he has a selective hearing problem. As most do, I know. He also knows what is off-limits or potentially off-limits. He always stops and looks back at us for “approval”, then goes full steam ahead whether we give it, or not.

Ammon is an independent player – like his mom and dad were. He does like some companions at times, but mostly just likes to explore or play by himself. GRAPHIC CONTENT AHEAD: Brian also calls Ammon a “solitary pooper”… as he now goes and hides whenever he’s, you know…

Ammon still is fascinated by the mechanics of things. He loves figuring out how things work. He now not only get his books off his bookshelf by himself, but he can get out his own toys and whatnots. He is figuring out how to get around the barricades now… allowing him to get to those afore-mentioned off-limits things. He also knows how to open DVD and CD cases.

Ammon continues to crawl via warp speed travel. He pulls up on everything he can, and is at last pulling up to a standing position without help – though he still prefers not to. He is a lazy one... his only vice.

Ammon continues to sleep well through the night. It is rare for him to make the slightest peep at all. He appears to want to drop one of his naps; however, he just isn’t ready for it yet. He thinks he is… but he’s not (and that isn’t just his mom talking). He may only need two naps a day for another few months, but as of right now… he must have two or we have WW111 here on Woodburn Drive. Sleep is not required (just preferred)… but quiet time is non-negotiable.

Ammon still loves to read books – he still cannot get enough of them. Bedtime is still one of our favorite times of the day. We like those nice, wind-down moments when we read a story as a family, say prayers and give goodnight cuddles.

We are still plagued with some separation issues. Around 6:00pm everyday, Ammon gets very clingy… whether Brian and/or I are going anywhere or not. I dread the day when he starts Nursery… or, heaven forbid, school.

Ammon’s bright personality and smart mind always make us smile. He is such a ray of sunshine in our lives. As he rapidly approaches his first birthday, we are ever-thankful for these last eleven months. So grateful for the memories, lessons, fun… and love.