10 months!

Wow, only two more months until J.'s first birthday...how crazy is that?!? I think I'm most excited about this because it means that a) he can finally sit facing forward in his car seat; b) I don't have to stress over food allergy concerns with milk, strawberries, eggs, etc until there really is a problem; c) I get to plan a big par-tay.

We actually hit a major milestone yesterday (a real one that doesn't involve pooping in a bathtub) - he fed himself finger food for the first time! Not only that, but in the last few days, he has learned to kick a soccer ball (we hold his arms while he stands up and kicks it), which he loves to do (new nickname: Baby Beckham)!

Every once in awhile, I think I hear him saying "mama", but it's hard to tell for sure because he never says it to my face. It's always when I am in the next room listening. He's said "da" a few times, but never "dada" -- but progress is progess, so I'm not complaining.

His favorite activities include kicking the soccer ball, chasing the soccer ball, watching Baby Einstein videos (his favorites are Baby Galileo and Baby MacDonald), going for walks in his stroller, being held while mommy dances with him, being held period, watching the dogs, being outside, and snuggling with mommy and daddy at night.

He has 6 teeth now, and is starting to really enjoy biting into things (and mommy). In addition, he weighs 22.6 pounds today, or something near that (it's hard to tell for sure exactly how much he weighs because he won't sit still on the scale now).

Some days, I feel completely worn down, but whenever I'm not near him for a few hours, I completely crave him. I love his chunky legs, his chubby cheeks, his sweet smile, and his infectious laugh. He's my squishy monkey!