A couple of firsts for AJ this week. His first bloody daycare injury. Nobody knows how it happened (arent there supposed to be accident reports?) but AJ fell and it resulted in a scraped right nostril. It almost looks like rug burn, which I believe, since the kid has not yet figured out how to put his hands in front of him when he falls (drop the toys!).
This first is traumatic all on its own, but combined with his first sneezing snotty nose cold (at least, first since he’s been home) it’s extra fun in our house. How do you wipe the snot bubble of a one year old when they hate that anyway, but hate it even more because their poor nostril is scabbing over? Its not easy. However, rubbing snot all over my shoulder seems to work well. Nice.

With AJ’s first birthday passing came the start of his ability to shake his head no when he doesnt want something. At first, I was impressed and excited about this development. It was so great to have feedback from him other than crying. I hear its considered a milestone when baby can better express their desires and begin to make decisions. However, it also means for a more willful child, and I’m not ready for the disagreements. He will fiercely shake his head when I turn him away from something he shouldnt be doing, or lay him down to change his diaper.  Not fun.
Also, he has become a bit more social in his playing. Last night, he peaked out from behind the couch about a zillion times, laughing each time. And he hands toys and other things to us (expecting them to be handed back right away).
My baby is definitely a toddler. Let the games begin!

Happy Birthday AJ! Can you believe he’s one year old already? I cannot!
Five months ago today, we met our bouncing baby boy for the very first time. And now he’s walking, and babbling and pretty much the most awesome thing ever.
We’ll be spending most of his birthday in airports, but we’ll end up in Florida where he’ll be spending the rest of his day with his Grandpa (or G-Ray, as he wants to be called) and Great Aunt Debbie. So far, we’ve had an awesome birthday party, taken some beautiful portraits, and had a 12 month check up (23 pounds, 30.5 inches).
You can see pictures here. Thanks Nick for taken some fantastic shots.
Happy Birthday, AJ! Mommy loves you VERY much! 

Now that both parents have witnessed the event, I can officially say AJ has spoken his first word. The word of choice: “bye bye” (accompanied with a thoughtful wave towards himself).
When I picked him up from daycare Friday, another mom said “Bye bye AJ” and I did my usual “say bye bye” and lift his arm up and down or wave my own hand. After I did that, he softly and sweetly said “bye bye” and waved (to himself). I whoorled around to his teachers “did you hear that?!” and asked him to say it again. He did, and about six more times after that.
When we got home, I asked him to say it to Steve, and nothing. And for the whole weekend. Nothing. Just a whole lotta Momma looking like a liar.
Until Monday morning, when we were leaving and I did my usual “say bye bye to daddy” and HE DID.
This morning, without any prompting, he said “bye bye” (to the house, I presume) all on his own.

From what I’ve heard, most baby’s say “mama” and “dada” prior to another word. AJ has not used either word. He occasionally whines “muuuum”, but it isnt necessarily directed at me.
In addition, he seems to have the sign language for “ball” down. He touches his fingers together and says “baaa” over and over. And, if I just do the sign, he’ll do it too. I’m not sure if he knows what it means, though, so we’re working on providing a ball in response.

Yay for communication!

I dont normally shop at Gymboree… I dont even browse. I know the clothes are too expensive for us, and I dont want to be tempted. Plus, I like AJ’s casual look. No need for him to be preppy. BUT. I am addicted to this ensemble I’ve created. The majority of which is from Gymboree, though staples couple be obtained elsewhere. I think it would be the best Christmas Eve outfit EVER. And my boy would totally rock it, especially the cap.

The best part, we already own the shoes, which I scored for free. If you would like to help make this outfit a reality, AJ is accepting Gymboree gift cards for his birthday. And I promise to send a picture of his cuteness.