The Big One

Benjamin!

Your first birthday has come and gone and you're no longer a little baby, but a pre-toddler, trying so hard to be like the big kids. You love singing and screaming, have perfected the knowing smirk, and love a good laugh.

As expected, this year passed quicker for me than it had with Abigail or George, but it has been amazingly sweet and fulfilling, none the less.

I am so excited to see your growth in the coming year and I look forward to cheering you on as you take your first steps and utter those wonderfully sweet first words - there are such fun times ahead!

Here's what's new this month:

You eat like a champ and will try most anything; baked brussel sprouts are a surprising favorite right now.
Playing in the stairway between the two baby gates is your favorite thing to do (and totally defeats the purpose of them!)
Your first steps have yet to be taken, but you're standing independently and taking a single step. So close! I'm actually surprised you're not walking yet.
You're finally growing out of your 9 month PJs. I can get them to fit, but they're tightening at the shoulders. Lucky for us, Mamie and Auntie Gloria bought you 12 month pajamas for your birthday.
Nursing in the morning is still mandatory, but you've been less interested during naps... you may be my earliest to wean.
You get bored when Abigail and George are gone; noise and chaos is the environment in which you thrive.
Bey is your main nickname, but we also call you Ben Ben, Benny, and Benny Boy. Benjamin and Ben are rarely used (which is the case with everyone in our family - if your real name is being used, chances are you're in trouble or about to be)
Blowing bubbles while sitting next to George gets your brother SO MAD - I can't help but think you understand that and do it in spite of him. Teaching George to stand up to you is something we are working on. (That's something I never expected!)