We kicked off your eleventh month with our second trip to Rochester. We went up for Allison’s shower and stayed with Erin, Tom and the twins. You had a fun time playing with Audrey and Emily. They are two busy girls who were very much on the move.

I think seeing them get around with ease prompted you to finally give it a try. Why? Because about a week later you decided to do it yourself. We got some fun video (which can be seen here) of you making your first trek in the living room. Ever since then you have been on the go! It’s been a big change around here, but one that’s been a lot of fun for all of us.

We started a Mommy & Me swim class at the local YMCA and you’ve really taken to having fun in the water. You are finally a splasher. You were never one to really splash around in the tub, but you love doing in it in the big pool. You don’t mind getting your face we at all and you like when we do activities that have you going up and down.

You are now taking your bath in the big tub. We no longer put your little duck tub in the big tub. You are still amazed at how big the tub really is though. But it took no time for you to enjoy having more toys in the bath with you.

Now that you’ve been moving around you are really good at trying to pull yourself up. You will grab onto anything that is still long enough for you to give it a try. Pant legs, couches, Jaxon and many other things have had you tugging on them while trying to get up. At this point you only seem to get yourself on one foot but we know that other one is going to follow it real soon.

You unfortunately also had another ear infection this month and that means that there was a general lack of sleep in our house again. This is never fun for anyone though. You got to the point where you wouldn’t stay asleep unless you were asleep on me or next to me. We are finally at a point where that isn’t the case anymore. It’s tough when you’re not feeling well because all you want to do is snuggle.

You are still talking up a storm and now you will sometimes even point when you are telling us a story. You also point when you seem to be talking to Jaxon. I get a kick out of this every time.

We are looking forward to another fun month with you. We have lots of fun things coming up a fun vacation and your first birthday and party. I’m looking forward to all of it and so is Daddy.

Love, Momma

Speaking of the twins, pictures from our trip to Rochester last weekend have been posted.

In the past month you have discovered how much fun it is to blow bubbles. You enjoy it so much that sometimes you wear a few different bibs throughout the day. You are also discovering your hands. There are times when we catch you just staring at them in awe. Then there are the times when you really use them while playing in your excersaucer or while sitting in your Bumbo seat playing with toys. Both of these items are great for keeping you busy and giving us a bit of free time to get things done. You have noticed that there is a dog in the house as well. You are still pretty much indifferent to him eventhough he seems to think you’re pretty neat.

Your personality has also really developed a lot recently. You have always been a content baby but lately you’ve been even more of a happy babe. You have been enjoying looking around more and being able to focus on things farther away. Its taking some getting used to but it’s been fun.

The more time passes the more you really look like a blend of Momma and Daddy. When you were first born there was no doubt you were a Ma. These days the Tanner features are starting to show through as well.

In the middle of August you took your first road trip to Rochester with us. You did very well on the long car ride. I’m sure we’ll be doing it again to go and visit your friends, the twins, Audrey and Emily. Erin and I really wished we lived closer so that the three of you could have play dates and Erin and I could have fun Mommy time.

In the past month Momma and Daddy have grown to love you even more. Who would have thought it was possible. But each day we seem to find a little more room in our hearts to fill with love for you little one.

You are still such a joy first thing in the morning. You always have a big smile for us when we come in to get you up and get your day started. I realized just how much I miss this when you spent your first weekend away from us. Yes, this past weekend you stayed with Yeh-Yeh and Ni-Ni while Momma and Daddy went to watch Penn State stomp on the Irish! We missed you terribly, but we had a nice adult weekend away. I know that, as with dropping you off at daycare, each time will get easier. When we got back to pick you up you were very happy to see both of us. What a great feeling that was. Seeing your smile again made my day. I doubt that will ever change.

Love, Momma

We hung out and ate Tom’s wonderful grilling a few nights. He has a secret spice rub that is so delicious that I even ate pork tenderloin and loved it. (For those who know me that’s huge because as a rule if it’s a cut from a pig with the word pork in it I generally think it’s greasy and don’t enjoy it.) Tom is quite the master of the grill.

Us gals had a nice time catching up and playing with the babies. We also enjoyed some adult beverages as well. Including Tom’s Sangria. I tell ya, if you’re ever at their house insist that Tom grills and makes Sangria for you.

Saturday we got the official tour of Greece, NY where both Allison & Erin grew up. We also got to stop at a few of their old haunts for some delicious greasy burgers and creamy custard. We also took a nice walk near Lake Ontario and enjoyed the cool weather.

Saturday night we went to dinner at Dinosaur BBQ. If you’re ever in the area we highly suggest you stop in for some amazing food. As a side dish their corn rocks! They also have a great selection of beer. We recommend the Cascazilla as a yummy local IPA.

Sunday we said goodbye and headed home. You can tell it was a great weekend when you had lots of laughs, great food & beer and very little sleep.

Thanks so much to Tom & Erin for a wonderful weekend away!