the state we're in

Thanks to Cup of Jo for this sheepish giggle.

For Conley’s tenth month: less words, more photos.

Thanks to having both of our families local, this marked the first year we were able to stay in the metroplex for Christmas and see most of our loved ones.  Leading up to the holidays, well-meaning people liked to ask if Conley understood any of the festivities. Obviously, it’s been a long time since any of those people had a 10 month old. My response was that Conley doesn’t even understand he has a nose on his face; however, it was still a joy to see him explore the Christmas tree, play with the Nativity, wonder at the twinkle lights, tear through wrapping paper, and most of all, eat up the special time with family. This kid loves a party. Even though I know he didn’t comprehend what was going on, he appreciated the novelty of it all, and his fresh perspective made it so fun for us to experience, too.

 

 

For his first Christmas, Conley received a wagon, a new car seat, some “walker” toys, stuffed animals (they get all his kisses), some stacking ring towers, and so many other fun things. The joy continues as we get to watch him play with and explore his new toys!

 

(Note the wagging tongue, his ubiquitous new accessory. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing that same look of concentration years from now as he’s learning the latest football play—I mean, solving a tough math problem. )

 

Developments in or around his tenth month include cruising, handing us things he’s holding, beginning to babble more (as Kendrick noted, if Conley ever discovers consonants, he’ll have a lot to say), and sprouting two teeth (see doll-faced evidence below)! He had a couple exceptionally fussy evenings before we realized his first little ivory was popping through. The second one showed up just a day or two later.

And chalk it up to inexperience, but I was beginning to worry our boy would never be a reader. He was just always so busy and couldn’t sit still for books. But I’m relieved that month ten also brought a new interest in “reading.” Now we read all throughout the day! He’s an avid page turner and favorites include Brown Bear, Brown Bear, a Peter Rabbit pop-up, and The Going to Bed Book. I love holding him in my lap for storytime!