11 months (a little late!)

Dear Tanner,

Man, oh man. What a busy month this has been! Mommy is late in writing this because life has suddenly turned up a few notches on the CRAZY side. One of those CRAZY things is that you started walking this past month. You took your first steps at 10 months old and by 11 months, you were walking for longer stretches. You look so cute as you walk everywhere, sometimes you get going too fast for your own good and are flailing your arms as you walk and can't stop.

You are also into EVERYTHING. And when I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING. To you, anything you see is a challenge to get to. If you see Sophie playing with anything, you immediately want to go play with it too. You don't understand when Mommy says you can't play with Sophie's Polly Pockets or her Littlest Pet Shop and you will let us know exactly how upset you are about that. You definitely have quite the temper in you and we are at that place of really praying for wisdom in how to best raise you and help shape your will.

I love it when we go ANYWHERE and people are always commenting on how friendly and happy you are. You freely give smiles and waves and now that you are walking, will walk right up to someone and give them a huge cheesy grin. You make everyone smile, Tanner, and I love the joy that is in you.

You are still not saying too many words yet. You have started to say "sss-sss" for "soo soo" (pacifier). You also will rest your head on our laps and say "awwwwwww". I know you want to say Sophie's name so badly. You see her and smile and shriek and start making "sssssssssssssssssss" sounds.

Your mullet is getting longer and I am afraid a haircut is due soon. You will be a ringbearer in your Auntie Pamela's wedding next week so probably you will get it cut before then.

I love you so much Tanner. I know you want to be so independent and do EVERYTHING that Sophie does, and my dear boy, you will get to. Don't rush this growing up thing, time is already going by so fast! I love you!

Love, Mommy