11-month Update

It is hard to believe that we are nearing Rowan's first birthday. Jeremy and I marvel at how slowly the first three months seemed to go and that the past seven have whizzed by. Rowan is transitioning into such a little boy. He's getting bigger and gaining new skills every day. Here are some stats for this month.

• Weight: 21 lbs. 
  
• Height: impossible to measure! He's a wiggle worm.
  
• Likes: Toys, especially blocks and stacking or nesting toys; Peek-a-boo is still a favorite - now he will cover his own face with his hands or a blanket. He'll also hide on one side of the couch and then peek around to scare you; He loves his rag. He likes to have one to fall asleep with. He also loves the swings and sand at the playground.
• Dislikes: Being told "no". It makes him mad and he'll talk sternly to his toys. Having his face wiped after eating. Staying still for a diaper change.
• Communication: Rowan can say "Da-da", "Mama", "Kee" (kitty), "uh oh" (sometimes it's "uh uh uh uh OOhh"). He can also shake his head no. It kind of sounds like he says "dat" when he points to something. I respond with "Do you want to know what that is? It's a ..." Hopefully that's what he's trying to say! He likes to watch your mouth when you speak. It's like he's studying how to say things. Then he'll start babbling and trying to imitate your sounds.
• Eating: He is usually such an awesome eater, accepting everything he is offered. Not lately. He'll have a few bites and then shake his head "no" and karate chop your hand away. He may eat it later, especially if he thinks you are eating it. Our theory is that is testing boundaries and exerting power. He's been sick, too. I imagine that must interfere with tastes and appetite. 
• Teeth: Rowan has two new teeth, #5 and #6. They are on either side of his top, middle ones. He's been rubbing his mouth a lot, which makes me think that more are coming in on the bottom.
• Skills: He can cruise around the room really well by holding on to furniture. He can also pull up to his push toy and walk around. He still prefers crawling when he wants to get somewhere fast. He's gaining proficiency in feeding himself. Rarely does he miss his mouth. He can make all kinds of gross mouth noises. He tries to copy things that you do with your hands, like snapping, drumming on the table, Itsy Bitsy Spider motions, etc. 
• Discipline: This is a new experience for all of us. Rowan used to freeze when we said "no", now he just ignores us. He thinks I'm hilarious when I get on to him, even if a hand tap is included. You can tell that he knows what he's doing is naughty, but he does it anyway. He's definitely testing us. One of his favorite no-no things to do is touch and bang on the TV. Sometimes he'll change the channel. I reprimanded him the other day for messing with the TV and he threw his head back and belly laughed. Arghhh! It's funny, but it's not at the same time. 

We're still having a blast with this whole parenting gig. There are times when it is rough, but the fun times outnumber the sour times 1000-fold.