The Willis Family: Almost 14 Months!

I know I start almost every post the same way, but seriously -- time is FLYIN' by! I have barely processed the fact that Andrew is a one-year-old, and another two months have almost already passed us by. Wow!

Andrew has become so much more communicative, and seems to understand almost every thing that Lance and I say to him. Last night I asked, "Please go get your water cup from Daddy, then come in the dining room so Mommy can put you in your high chair and we can start dinner." He walked right to Lance, got his cup, then came straight to me with his arms up, ready to get seated. He's a genius, I tell you! (and yes, I fully realize that every other parent says the same thing about their own kiddos, but I just happen to be right, ha!)

We've had such a fun couple of months. Lots of play time with his two "girlfriends", Addie and Natalie; fun dinner dates with Aunt Sara and Uncle Mitch; and an outing down to Lance's parents' house in Olive Branch for some quality time with Marty, Grandpa Billy and Uncle Reed. We're already counting down to Thanksgiving, when we will spend the entire week in Hot Springs with my family (Andrew's YaYa, aunts, uncle, cousins and GG). Can't wait!

So, without further ado, here is my (kinda) monthly breakdown of life with our sweet boy:

Mornings: I love watching cartoons with you in the mornings, snuggling in bed for a few minutes before we get moving. It's the very best way to start my day and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Bedtime: You're still a great night-time sleeper. We put you in your bed around 7:00, and you sit in your bed reading your books until you're ready to sleep. It usually only takes a few minutes before you lay down and start to doze. We love going in after half an hour or so, to cover you with your blanket, and discover what position you are in (my current fave: butt straight up in the air! So stinkin' cute!)

Naps: When you start your big boy school next week (more on that below) you will take one nap in the middle of the day, on a mat on the floor. We know that's going to be a huge transition for you, but thankfully you are so easy-going and adaptable. We hope and pray it won't take long for you to adjust to your new schedule.

Food: You are such a great eater, as you have always been. You mostly eat whatever Mom and Dad have for dinner (sometimes if it's too spicy or strange, you get a cheese quesadilla or PB&J). You always have at least one vegetable and one fruit with every meal. You love healthy food (yay!), and enjoy the occasional treat. You are lovin' yogurt and pineapple these days.

Developmental Milestones & Firsts: You are literally running everywhere these days! It's been so much fun to watch you grow and change. You are completely confident in your new-found mobility. I am just waiting (not excitedly, I might add!) for you to discover your climbing ability. I'm praying that holds off for a little while longer :) You have given up your pacifier, except for naps and bedtime -- and you have done beautifully! I'm so proud of you!

Favorite Toys: You still love love LOVE your books! Am so glad we've nurtured this love in you at such a young age. I pray it stays with you for the rest of your life. Other faves are balls (you've got an ARM on you! Granny says if you don't become a Mets pitcher she'll be shocked!) and cars.

Sizes: You are slowly out-growing your 18-month clothes. We've gotten some 24-month stuff for you recently, and you have much more room to move and groove! We're about to go on a hunt for some pants, now that the cooler weather is making its way to Memphis. You wear a size 6 shoe.

Momma's Final Thoughts: This is where I have to admit that one night last week, after being out with a girlfriend for dinner (thus having missed Andrew's bath and bedtime), I came home and snuck into his room to watch him sleep. He was snuggled up soundly in his crib, snoring away -- and I had an overwhelming need to hold him. Lance helped me pick him up as gently as we could, so I could sit and rock him like I did when he was a baby. He didn't flinch a bit and happily dozed in my arms. I hadn't done that in almost 14 months of his life (move a sleeping child, are you crazy??) -- but I was just overcome with the need to be as close to him as I could be. That night, and every day since Andrew has been born, "my cup runneth over" with love for my precious baby boy :)

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We have a big transition coming up in our family: Friday is Andrew's last day with his precious Granny, the woman who has been keeping him during the day for the past year. He begins pre-school at a local church daycare on Monday. We know he's ready to be among kids his own age, and expect he will grow and change at an even faster pace once he's there -- I'm just having a very difficult time emotionally letting go of this amazing woman who has literally been a Grandmother figure for Andrew's first year of life. She has been a support for me and for Lance, and Andrew loves her fiercely. How I will ever be able to put into words what she has done for our family, I haven't figured out yet... I am just very thankful she'll continue to be a part of our lives and that we'll be able to bring Andrew back for a visit any time.

Now for the fun part: pictures! Here's a smorgasbord of photos from the past month -- enjoy!