Highway to the Baby Zone: 13 Months!

13 Months Old today! Where has the time gone? I just cannot believe this time last year I had a 1 month old - time really does fly.

Well, what more can I say about Ronan, other than he's the best? Because Rob has been sick with the flu this week, I've had to do everything - and I mean everything - since Wednesday. It's been exhausting! But anyway, I picked up Ronan from school this evening and one of his teachers gave me a wonderful compliment about him. She said, and I quote "Ronan is just so precious. He will be playing, then he will crawl over to me, lay his head in my lap for a couple minutes and then just go on about his way playing again. I hope your next baby is just like him!" (oh, and no, that does NOT mean I am expecting again!) So, I thought that was really sweet and such a good example of Ronan's temperament. He is just so laid back and so very sweet. I had to agree - I will be so lucky to have another baby some day that is as sweet as him.

Ro continues to truck along and is learning so much each day - you can just see the wheels turning when you talk to him. Even though he doesn't say much yet, it's amazing how much he understands. He has picked up how to shake his head 'no' because while out to dinner tonight with Mimi, I was trying to feed him more food and he kept shaking his head no. If I walk up to him when he's sitting in his high chair and say "up?" he will put his arms up in the air for me to pick him up. Where does he get this from? Ha. He was looking at a book the other day and I asked him "Ronan, do you want Mommy to read the book for you?" and he lifted the book up and handed it to me. It's just amazing. He also loves his stacking toys and sorting toys right now and really understands how they work now. He can't distinguish the shapes just yet to put them in the correct matching slot, but we're working on it! He's just such a funny, smart and determined little boy. I know before I know it, he will be walking and talking up a storm. I have a friend at work that has a baby that is almost exactly 1 year older than Ronan and I am amazed at the things she says her 2 year old says...that's only 11 months from now! She can tell her mom exactly what color and kind of clothes she wants to wear. That seems like such a short time away for him to know all of that. It's all happening so quickly!

While he's not walking or standing on his own yet, I know it's on its way. He gets on his knees and lifts up and props his toes up behind him like he's getting ready to stand up, but then he quickly gets distracted by something and crawls away. I really think he can do it, but is just too busy and distracted to do so. I am not pushing it - it's hard enough to keep up with him now! I cannot keep this kid off the stairs (thanks, Grandpa D!). Ever since he really learned how to crawl up the stairs over Christmas, that's all he wants to do. It's very cute, but it's only fun for Mom or Dad to spot him up the stairs so many times. Hopefully he will find a new hobby soon. :)

Ronan Loves:
Mommy (he's hit the serious separation anxiety phase, but it sure does make me feel loved!)
Bath Time - he could splash around and play for hours
Books - becoming more and more interested in "reading"
Stacking toys
Little Tikes Activity Garden (thanks G & G D!)
Hugging and loving on his baby doll, his puppy from Grandma W or his Wubby
Pointing at everything he wants or thinks is interesting

Ronan Hates:
Not getting his way (so it begins)
Having us brush his teeth - he wants to do this himself, even though all he does it chew on the brush!
Ear infections and 2 teeth coming in at the same time - can't blame him on that one, but that was a few VERY challenging days

Favorite Foods:
Mommy's homemade spaghetti sauce and whole wheat pasta
Homemade quesadillas
Annie's Cheddar Bunny crackers
Pizza
Panera's mac and cheese
Do we see a theme here? Ronan loves carbs and cheese! I offer veggies at every meal, but I need to get more creative with sneaking them in!

13 Months Pictures - A Progression of Ronan

Hey Mama, you're funny