It's September 11th.

HAPPY ELEVEN MONTHS OLD!!!

This past month you've:

Begun to communicate. Banana remains a favorite word. We've decided it means both "I would like something to eat" and "Gimme BANANA!" The word "no" also remains a favorite. Everything is "no."

Benajmin, would you like to play in your room? No! Benjamin, would you like to go for a walk? No! Benjamin, do you think the price of oil is too high? No!

We've decided that you belong to the order of the Babies Who Say "No!" (It's a Monty Python thing, we'll explain it to you later.)

You can show us your ears and your fingers and your teeth. And if asked what the sheep says you will respond with "baa." Of course, this is also what the cat and the dog says.

You like baths and, as with the sheep, will say "baa" when brought into the bathroom.

You say "mama" when you see me. Of course, you sometimes say "mama" when you see your sister or your aunt. But you're consistent when it comes to me. (Or at least I like to think so.)

We took you to Pullen Park for the first time this past month. You enjoyed the swing, as well as feeding the ducks. We also took you to Hillridge Farm in Youngsville, where you got to see goats, a sheep, some chickens, ducks, the giant catfish, and a turtle.

You've become extremely adept at pulling up. And you've stood on your own a few times, though not for too long. No signs of walking yet, but you do cruise when you have an opportunity. And truth be told I'm in no hurry for you to walk. I am happy for you to remain a baby as long as you want to or need to.

It's hard to believe that soon we'll be celebrating your first year. It's trite, I know, but honestly, it does seem like just yesterday you were born, and here we are already, a year down the road.

I enjoy every moment of time I have with you, and every little milestone you reach fascinates and amazes me.

I love you.

I promise to try and post more here this next month.

Much love and kisses and hugs and giggles and tickles, etc.,

Mommy