One year old

I've done a terrible job updating Jake's blog lately, and most updates are one-handed via cell phone, so I can't get out all I have to say (and you have to deal with lots of typos). The past few weeks have been busy getting ready for Jake's first birthday party (fun, huge success, very very hot) and me getting ready to take a six-week leave from work. But I was out this morning to take Jake to his one-year check up. The results: 30.5 inches long, 23 lbs., and head circumfrence is 47 inches. I think that puts him in the 50th percentile for height and weight, and like the 95th for head circumference (my little bobble-head).

Jake's favorite things these days are walking around with his Fisher Price walker, showing us how he can stand, taking a ride around the block in his new car, and "dancing" to music. He gets really excited if he sees a dog and is still a big fan of the swings at the park. He also had a blast on his new bouncy zebra that came in the mail from Auntie Kathy last night. Bouncing and music? I think he was in heaven.

He's starting to eat more, both in variety and amount. He loves avacado and mango. I think it's safe to say those are his favorites, but he also has taken to strawberries and figs. It's the vegetables, dairy, and meat that he's still a little picky about. He loves his bottle, and I guess I just thought I'd always give him one. When the pediatrician told me today he shouldn't be on a bottle anymore, I panicked. What ever happened to weaning? And I guess I also have to stop rocking him to sleep. And getting up with him at night. But I think I was also told this at his nine month checkup and I never followed through, so maybe I'll just wait until I get scolded again at the next checkup??

We did the milestone check list again and I can't help but laugh. Is he pointing? No. Is he saying any words? Yes, "Hi." No ball or dog or Momma? No, just "Hi." Walking? No. Signing? No. The best was when I was asked, "Well how do you know when he wants something?" Me: "He goes like this" (arms tense, hands in fists) "And screeches like this: AHHHHHH." Or "He bites me." Or "When he sees the cheerio box he pants loudly, so I think that means he wants some." The thing is, I finally got him to wave, and that wasn't even on the milestone checklist this time!

Jake is really just the sweetest little boy. His face lights up when I pick him up every day, and plays with me now - patty cake is one of his favorites. He is so tickelish and has a cute, deep belly laugh. He loves climbing... from his toys to me. And he's becoming a little more cuddly. Basically, he's just the best thing in the world.