Houston, we have a climber

Joseph started walking the week of his birthday. Go, Joe! He is a very determined little guy and keeps improving step by step. When he is walking towards you he'll lurch the last few steps and throw himself into your arms with a big grin. It is ridiculously cute. He always gets big hugs and snuggles from us.

Relatedly, we have discovered he already also likes to climb on things. We've caught him on the fireplace and the green couch. He has a particular grunt he uses when he's lifting his legs and trying to climb up something, whether it be cabinets, couches, or chairs. And in the last few weeks since we've started to let him walk around at the playground (instead of strollers or Ergo or just holding him, or swings) he has decided he wants to try everything. In the video below, he had tried to get up on that first stair from two other sides, and when it didn't work he successfully tried the far side. He let me know which slide he wanted each time (there were three and he did them all) by crawling to it and banging his hand on it to signal. I am in serious trouble!!


For the record, the three times immediately before this next video, Joseph did get down by backing his way down instead of going face-first. But he was completely pleased with himself either way.

Spring break

The boys' preschool had a full week of Spring Break a few weeks ago, so Dad planned a full slate of activities for them to make it a fun time.  One morning was the playground, another was breakfast at Elizabeth's house, and the other three were special trips out.  Michael and Malcolm couldn't wait to tell me about their days every day when I got home!

Day 1: Zoo

Day 2: Mini-golf!

Day 3: Bowling

Happy birthday to Joe

I'm going to do a couple of picture posts here, since things have been so busy around the house I haven't made time for blogging.  Joseph had a fun birthday party with his cousins.  We put up decorations around the house and blew up balloons, and the older boys picked out some party favors from the dollar store with Dad.  They had a blast with pizza, cake, and silly hats and glasses.  The Chicago cousins joined in via Skype for cake time.

First course was pizza

Glasses, hats, and a moustache :)

Cousins with the birthday boy!

Happy birthday, Joseph!

That moustache was too cute

With Dada and Mama

Joseph got frosting in his nose

Michael coordinating the dance party in his room

All clean!

We did presents a little bit later this time.  All of the grandparents were so sweet and sent presents so Joseph would be sure to have some of his own!  Joseph especially liked the soft books from Grandma, the yellow ducky cup from Lita and Papi, and the sand toys pail from Grandpa.  (Thank you also for the crib sheet and clothes!)

At his 12 month checkup, Joseph weighed in at 20 lbs 11 oz (20th percentile), but measured 30.25 inches (70th percentile) and had a giant head (95th percentile on the circumference).  It's hard to get any non-stretchy outfits over his head!  I'm not concerned at all about the weight/height disparity - he's a pretty active baby, still nursing a lot but eating just fine, and according to the doctor he's at or slightly ahead on his developmental milestones (pointing, starting to walk, recognizing words/commands, baby signs).  We're thankful he is doing so well :)  Happy birthday, sweet boy!