Month eleven: Take me as I am

Madeus is just shy of 11 months. He is lean and tall - he has to wear bigger pants for length but needs them rolled at the waist. His hair is growing fast and it is quite blonde. His eyes are still bright blue. He looks the best in black, white, and blue. He does not like shoes and can get even the "impossible to get off shoes" off. He cut both front teeth last weekend and clicks his tongue to feel them. He drools a lot and chews on everything.
He is very vocal and demanding, particularly about food and walking - quite different from his laid back and quiet, early, childhood demeanor. He can walk between couches now while holding a credit car and remote control. He crawls more as well, especially when he wants somewhere fast. He understands "no" but doesn't agree with it. He knows when he is doing something or going somewhere he should not. He will look back at you and then continue on his merry way. He is refusing to eat everything but wants to eat everything!?

He has just taken notice of videos and will watch for a little while. He has started to love his books, mostly turning the pages but sometimes he will let you read. Music is interesting him as well, particularly the song "Mahna-Mahna", over and over again. His favorite toy is his soccer ball and he actually kicks it all over the house much to Mike's pleasure. He has his first babysitter, Morgan, and smiles, but puts his head shyly on mine, when she enters the room. He is in baby Spanish classes and likes to shake - and eat- the maracas. He sleeps with, and spoons, his stuffed dog that is almost the same length as him. He reaches for you more now, especially in the crib, which makes it hard to leave him. At 11 months old, Madeus is a growing, loving, little man and I am just trying to hold on to time as the big "1" approaches.