Just over 10 months

Just got back from over 2 weeks in Alaska. You took your first real steps in front of the beach cabin in the warm Alaska summer sun, on about July 7th, with a grand view of Mt. Redoubt in the background. You walked about 10 steps towards me before plopping back down and crawling. I applauded you, as did the seagulls and eagles. After that, you walk short distances daily, but as of today, July 19, you don't walk very far or very steadily. Dad and I both thought you would take off within a week, but you are still somewhat wobbly.

Some fun things you did in Alaska: went out on Grampa Frank's big boat. You loved that. We only went for about 20 minutes but you sat up in the bridge with me and Auntie Claire and flapped your arms while we drove around. You also went out a couple times while we were tied in the river and crawled around on deck. You like the birds the best! You also went to Granny Sandy's and Grampa Paul's and met Gertie (who I guess is your doggie Auntie) and played with her. You saw Great Grandma Margie, Great Aunt Mary and 2nd Cousin Lily who LOVED you and called you "Bebe Thor" all the time. She made you laugh. You also saw Great Aunties Judy and Karen. Uncle Theo even held you for a few minutes. We went to Dick and Sharon Waisanen's and saw their grandkids as well. I think they might have motivated you to walk... :)

One of the funniest things about you lately are the noises you make. You've been growling very heartily for over a month -- mostly at things you really like or when you're concentrating. You also squeal, scream, and make a low, stomach grunt while waving your arms like a bird if you want something (usually food).

Speaking of food, you're eating a lot more these days. In fact, I can't think of anything you don't eat anymore. Though you still don't especially like to be spoon fed, dad has much more luck with it than I do. When I feed you I give you things like: cheese, bread, crackers, apple, gardenburger, chicken, peas, cereal, tofu, beans, applesauce, yogurt, etc. You have had a great pincer grasp since you were about 7 mo old. You eat mostly whatever we eat. And tonight we're having salmon patties, and I bet you'll like those too.

You still nurse frequently but it is getting less. You can easily go 6-7 hours without nursing and be just fine, especially since you are eating so much lately. You sleep better at night, and start out the night in your room on your mattress. When you wake up you come into our bed. Then you might only wake up once more very quickly about 3 or 4 to nurse... I think you're thirsty. Last night I realized that I enjoy some of my sweetest, most tender moments with you at night. Details I will never forget, no matter how old you are. The first night we were back from Alaska you woke up about midnight and I went and got you. You were so warm and drowsy and your eyes were still closed, but your mouth opened slightly and smelled sweet. I lay down with you in our bed, cuddled you, pulled the blankets up to your neck. You searched to nurse and did quickly and deftly -- you're so good at it now. While we layed there the silver moonlight splashed across your face and I could see your dear face clearly -- the slivers of your closed eyes, your smooth skin, your mouth moving slowly and rhythymically. I was in heaven... sigh... you are a perfect baby.