Letter to Jarom: 11 Months

Dear Jarom,

Today you turn 11 months and the most amazing thing that has happened this month is that you started walking. You took your first unassisted step about two weeks ago and you haven't stopped since. Every day you walk a little better and a little longer than the day before. It's so much fun to see how far you'll go! Daddy has taken to calling you Frankenstein because you're still not too sure on your feet. Sometimes you hold your arms out in front of you and your steps are a little jerky - so you do resemble Frankenstein a little bit! Also, since you got that hippo from your cousins you've taken to pushing anything around you can find so you can practice walking better - laundry baskets, empty barrels, boxes.

We took you to the swimming pool for the first time this month and you LOVED it. You splashed and splashed and it didn't even bother you when water got in your face. Grandma Lynn bought you a little pool for when you're at her house and she said you had a good old time playing in that too. We also took you to the park for the first time and you loved the swings especially.

You're very mischievous. You like to pull all the spices out of the spice cabinet and all the pans out of the bottom of the stove. We try to keep you away from the garbage can but you won't leave it alone and Grandma even caught you putting your toys in there! And just today I caught you sitting in a pile of diapers you had pulled out of the holder in your room. I would have gotten the camera but I was afraid you'd have the rest of the diapers out by the time I got back.

Mommy started a new job this month and the schedule is quite different than what we've been used to but you seem to be adjusting quite well. Grandma Nora has been staying with us for a couple weeks while Grandma Lynn and Grandpa Mike are out of town and it's been kind of nice for me to have someone else around to help take care of you every day.

I think you've started to recognize when we come and go. Grandma said you cried one day when daddy and I left for work. Then when we get home you cling to us and won't let us put you down. I'm glad you like us that much! You're just such a fun little boy to be with and we love every minute of it.

Love, Mommy