10 Months

Still having a hard time believing we are closing in on a year since Jude was born.  I think I keep putting off actually writing his monthly posts as an act of defiance.  Maybe if I don't write them, it means it isn't true.  Nah.  In all honesty, Jude is so fun and happy right now.  I love this age!  (I say that a lot about a lot of different ages, but he sure is a lot of fun right now.)

  

He is my cuddly little bundle and is up to 20 1/2 pounds (according to our Wii Fit).  Jude likes eating food at the table with us.  If anyone around him is eating, he wants to eat too.  So far, he really hasn't disliked much....only super sweet or tart fruits.  Still nursing throughout the day and is up one time a night...usually between 3 and 5 a.m.

"Dude" is definitely getting more confident and independent...as long as we are at home.  He plays well on his own, but Mommy has to be nearby.  When we are out and about, he is my most fashionable accessory.  (can also be read as, clingy)

Favorite things to play with these days are balls.  He throws everything, especially clothes out of dresser drawers. Eli's are his favorite. The kid has an arm and pretty awesome timing on his catching too.  Jude can often be found playing in the "kitchen."  I think he loves it because there are so many things to open and close, pull out and put in.  Recently he has started pushing cars, trucks, or any toy that will move along the floor...and even buzzes his lips like a motor if prompted to do so.  So stinkin' adorable.

 

He likes to get into trouble; we have to keep a close eye on him.  He loves to pull the CD's off the shelf, tear leaves off plants, chew on (...and attempt to crawl with) pencils and straws, mess with power chords, find outlets (he finds them EVERYWHERE we go!), splash in toilets, swing doors open and closed, and climb stairs.  Being told to stop or "no no" is funny to him.  He looks at me with that big ol' grin, cocks his head to one side, and goes right back to what he was doing.  So naughty...and so cute! 

He is a speed crawler, a professional cruiser, and can stand unassisted for almost an entire minute.  I don't think he will be walking too soon, but he is definitely getting stronger, finding more balance and coordination every day.

Peek-a-boo will keep this boy entertained for a very long time. This past month, Jude has figured out how to play himself and will duck behind furniture then pop back up again.  He hides behind hats, scarves, whatever.  He giggles with delight and thinks it is fabulous that so many people...even strangers....know how to play.

The cutie pie loves to point, or as I call it...gesture, at everything and then squeals or babbles about whatever he is pointing at.  His waving is hit or miss, but he will always give a high (or low) 5 when asked. In the past week, he has started to blow kisses, Jude-style.  Precious enough to melt hearts.  Oh my.

He loves music, especially if Mommy is singing.  He flaps his arms, claps, and dances.  He has discovered the drum and some of our shaking instruments.  He likes shaking maracas, the shaky egg, and our jingle bell sticks. 

And finally, Jude is communicating and babbling so much lately.  He signs milk, more, eat, and sleep pretty consistently.  He says "buh" for book and "bah" for ball. Still babbling lots of Dada, Mama, hiya, and other fun sounds.  He is also mimicking sounds or phrases we say.  One of his favorite sounds these days is:

Could you not just eat him up???  We love you, Jude.  Thank you for blessing our family with so much joy and happiness. You truly are a delight.