13 Months

13 Months!

Lincoln turned 13 months on July 15th, and he seems like he has been a toddler forever!  He had a month of "firsts" as he took his first steps, is really babbling, had his first haircut, and had his first trip to Children's Hospital (he is fine now!).

Lincoln sleeps through the night, and we have been playing with his naps trying to figure out if he can transition to one nap or stick with the two naps.  When he takes one nap a day, he does not nap very long during the day hours but then sleeps over 13 hours at night.  When he takes two naps, he naps well during the day and then sleeps about 11.5 hours a night.  It is a trade-off, but right now I think we are sticking with two naps a day and go from there!

Linc telling me that he is tired :)

Lincoln has always been a good eater and eats pretty much anything we give him.  He prefers fruits and vegetables and will house mac and cheese, chicken fingers, and spinach soufflé.  He tends to eat mostly with his left hand and is beginning to get quite good at using a spoon while eating his yogurt.  Speaking of yogurt, we introduced milk when he turned a year, and he has been fine with whole milk, yogurt, cheese, etc.  He does not like nor use a sippy cup.  He will drink from an actual cup with help and drinks almost all of his fluids through a bottle.  We will have to break this habit soon!

Lincoln is always moving.  He pushes his little push toy around wherever he wants to go, will park it, do his activity, and then continue to push it to his next game or activity.  If I leave a door open (to the bathroom, pantry, fridge, etc.), he is right there and inside.  He pulls everything off the shelves but then usually puts it all back although not always as neat :).  He is beginning to take steps and is so proud of himself when he does.  He has one routine in his room - he likes to sit in this little antique chair that is in his closet and then he stands up with a huge smile and will take steps to me.  The look on his face is priceless.

                                 

Lincoln is making more sounds although nothing that sounds like a "real" word.  His voice is so sweet; when he wants something or sees something he likes, he will make a little "aahh" sound and look at you with those big blue eyes.  Impossible not to smile and usually give him what he wants.  He loves to look out the windows for cats (cas), dogs, and cars (zzzzmmmm).

We have been staying quite busy over this last month.  We go to the zoo about twice a week and have yet to see the same exhibit twice.  He LOVES the animals, and for the first time he realizes there are animals in the exhibits and loves trying to find them (does not quite understand he can not pet them which can lead to some frustration).  We also go to the children's zone at COSI, play at our local park, take walks with a woman that I met while walking who also has a small child, and go to library story hour each Monday morning.  It is fun to see him with the other children, and I have made some acquaintances through the library hour.  No one to go to lunch with quite yet, but people that I have ongoing conversations with each Monday.  It's progress.

Lincoln listening during story time at the library

We forgot about this "party trick" but Brian taught Linc this question/response this past week.  Lincoln loves to do it at the dinner table, and Brian loves to see him do something that he taught him!

 

Lincoln continues to surprise me with what he can understand.  He can follow directions like "give Mama a kiss" or "please hand me the piece of fuzz that I know you really want to eat".  I catch myself saying "you are too cute" or "how smart" all day, and I truly mean it.  Sometimes it feels like our days are on repeat, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.  He is growing before my eyes, and I am so thankful I get a first-hand view of it all!  Lincoln is a happy, active, smart, and loving little boy.  He is not shy with his smiles and shares those smiles everywhere we go.  We love you, Lincoln Alan, and can't wait to see what the next month brings!