Merry Christmas!

Hope you enjoyed your Christmas as much as Max enjoyed his!

Tree-mendous TEN

Whew! 2010 has been a crazy year. But that is definitely a post for another time. For now, here are some Max stats at 10 months (Dec. 12) :
-Max is weighing in at about 15 and a half pounds. His growth has slowed. Could be the increase in solids (fewer calories than milk), the increase in exercise, or just getting older.
-I have a feeling we're going to be stuck in 6-12 month clothes for awhile. I'm puzzled why Carter's has a 6-9 AND 9-12 month size when seemingly the rest of the world groups the clothing sizes into a whopping 6-12 month size. One of the many mysteries of parenthood...
-Still in size 2 diapers, but have tried on the 3s. That lil' tush will be graduating from "swaddlers" to "cruisers" very, very soon.

So proud of himself after knocking over his "10 Months" blocks

-Max is SO much fun to play with and talk to. Granted, he has to be in the mood if you're going to have a conversation or garner some giggles. But he has really stretched his vocal skills this month, learning to growl and continuing to practice some shrieks.
-Things that have made him belly laugh this month: flying with daddy, dancing with mom and dad, "Jingle Bells," silly noises, Josie doing tricks to earn treats...
-Max wants to get his hands on EVERYTHING! You really have to hold him tight and anticipate his wants when you are holding him. He has definite opinions about what he should be experiencing.

Another favorite activity: standing! (with help)

-Max loves to dance. His favorite form of "dancing" is shaking his head and smiling when listening to a toy's music.
-Max had his first Thanksgiving with my family in Peru, Indiana. We also stayed with my parents in Cicero for a few nights. Max did really well with his new surroundings and new people. It was also exciting to get the baby cousins together (see below!).

Max will play with his feet, but has yet to put them in his mouth! Perhaps he's concerned with how the shoes may taste?

Max and cousin Charlotte attempt to ring in the holiday season (much to Charlotte's chagrin)

A family portrait 11/25/10

He did NOT do so well on the 5+ hour drive home. We stopped at West Baden to check out the tree and to break up the long trip.

-Max saw his first big snow on December 5. He was enamored. We looked out the window at the beautiful flakes and then got bundled up to check it out firsthand. Outside, Max wasn't really sure what to think. We snapped a few pictures and then went back in the warm house.
-We've had some more sleeping struggles. Max started to sleep a lot better at night, but began getting super cranky during nap times. There could be so many reasons for this, from teething to separation anxiety.
-Now that Max can not only sit, but sit steadily for long periods of time, he started taking his baths sitting up in the tub. He HATED it the first time, but really loves it now. He's really interested in bath toys and splashing. We've got some really great pictures, but not so sure we'll sure those ;)
-Max continues to enjoy his solid foods, trying even more flavors (corn, mango, peaches). He also continues to nurse. Consequently, he is having trouble taking a sippy cup from me. He refuses to take a bottle from me also, often looking betrayed if I try. Looks like his daddy may have to teach him all about the sippy cup!
-Max will be 11 months very soon, since I am late with this post. I hope to put up Christmas pictures then! Thanks for your patience and continuing to have an interest in our little miracle man!