11 Months already?

Since before Elijah was born my mom has been buying him these really fun life-like animals from Rural King. A few days ago she decided it was time for him to play with them for the first time. He was introduced to the lion family and taught what sound they make. Ever since then he has been *roaring* at every animal (lion or not) in his toy box. I guess he learned that one a little too well. :)

Today is my baby's 11 month birthday. I'm not sure how much he weighs, but I'll check back w/that info. It seems that recently a sort of light went off with him. He's awakening to his surroundings so much more than before. He's observing and learning constantly. You can just tell by the look in his eyes. In lieu of my dear friend Libby's impending homecoming... a bulleted list will ensue. :) (Just for you Libs.)

• As I said before he responds to his lions by roaring when he either wants to play with them, or while he is playing with them. (My mom is responsible for teaching him this new trick.)
• He still doesn't crawl... but adequately gets from A to B by rolling, pivoting to change directions, and rolling some more. He's quick too.
• He still has 8 teeth (4 top, 4 bottom)
• Claps proficiently all the time... sometimes for no aparent reason
• I just gave him his third real haircut.
• He's wearing mostly size 12 month clothes.
• He loves the water and has a wonderful time when we put him in the pool - baby pool or big pool. He loves to splash, put his face in to get a drink, kick, and lay back in my arms.
• I've started brushing his teeth with the toddler toothbruch, which he tolerates pretty well.
• Recently he discovered the joy of fresh watermelon - naked and outside of course.
• He stays with my mom 3.5 days per week while I work and seems to really enjoy spending time with her.
• He is nursing only twice a day - early morning and bedtime. (I'm kind of sad about this, but he has to adapt to a "big boy" schedule sooner or later.
• July 3rd was a pretty big milestone for him as he both ate ice cream and fed himself with a spoon for the first time. This all happened when we went to the Big Top with my parents on Thursday night. We were all enjoying ice cream cones and he was so cute looking longingly at them so I decided to give him some. It was love at first bite! He squealed for more. So I put a tiny bit on his spoon and sat it down on his tray. He promptly picked up the spoon (in this right hand) and stuck it straight in his mouth. I was so proud of him! :)
• He can stand up while holding onto things like tables, chairs and couches.
• He understands and mimicks the signs and sounds for "dog" and "ball" when he feels like it, but not all the time.
• Applesauce is probably his favorite food.
• He can drink out of his sippy cup, but perfers to drink water out of a big boy cup.
• He waives bye-bye.
• He crosses his feet at the ankle when he's relaxed.
• He gives me (very wet) kisses on the face and blows "raspberries" on my cheeks and arms.
  
• And is otherwise the cutest baby in the history of all babies... EVER. period. (I'm not just making this stuff up either, everyone says so.) ;)