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11 months

My dearest Gavin,
You have become such a little man! I love it/you with all my heart. Every breath you take, every thing you attempt to say, every step you take, every little thing you put in your mouth. All. Totally. Adorable.

I can't believe you are nearly one year! It seems like yesterday we had just come home from the hospital and were learning to navigate this new life together. It has been a crazy ride, but we are in such a good place right now. You have the best qualities of each of us. It really is an amazing thing.
My biggest worry was that you would be a high maintenance kid. You went through a significantly fussy period and I fretted that this would become the you I would know forever. Thank goodness that has been far from reality.

You are such a mellow kid. You go with the flow--letting the girls lug you around like a sack of potatoes, run with us from activity to activity, eager to see where we go. You are an independent player. You love to explore. I frequently find/hear you moving the stool around in the kitchen so you can get a glimpse of what is on top of the cabinets! You move it to the windows, so you can get a better look outside. You move it next to the intercom, so you can reach the phone. You are a smart one! Climbing has been your thing since 9 months, but it is definitely a highlight of your life right now.

Claire and I often joke that you are part dog. You love and are most often seen carrying something around in your mouth. It started with a teeny tiny car that Grammy and Papa got you for Christmas, but it has moved to doctor's tools, bigger cars, spoons and pretty much anything else that you can find. Our laundry room has a small open area with loose rocks. Why, I'm not sure. Anyway, we have to watch you like a hawk as you often scoot in there and toss a rock or two in your mouth before you make an escape.

You love to play with balls, cars and books. Mya introduced you to her play kitchen, so you now love to cook. The girls frequently bring you in their rooms so they can play with you while Daddy and I catch a few more minutes of sleep. They read you books, play babies and act silly to make you laugh. You love them like no other. Seeing your sisters after a nap or after school, brings a huge smile to your face. Your whole body shakes with excitement. They love you so much too. Each morning, I have to alternate between them for they both want to carry you downstairs. They love to get you out of your crib after naps. You are truly the light within this family, G.

You go by a few different nicknames. Mya started calling you "Gavo" awhile ago and that has seemed to stick. Claire and I call you "Gavi", Daddy sometimes calls you "Buddy." Everyone seems to call you something different. I call you by many--Gavo, Gavi, G, Gavin.

You are walking. You've been walking for a few weeks already, but we've finally moved beyond 4-5 steps! It is so fun to see your face of excitement, pride and panic all at once ;) You are doing so well!

You are a pretty good eater. You eat anything, but lately have been spitting out the outside casing of blueberries. They used to be your fav. You still love mac and cheese, but really will eat anything--spaghetti sauce, chicken, sweet potato, peppers, grapes, applesauce, yogurt, cereal, chips, tomatoes, cheese, strawberries, bananas, etc. You eat it all. When we don't feed you fast enough, you get so mad. You want what you want and you tend to want it now!

Gavin you are a great sleeper! I am so happy to write this. We have a nice little routine of a bottle, snuggles with me or daddy, then down in your crib around 6:30 pm. You typically sleep until 6:00 am. It is awesome. You occasionally wake during the night, search for a paci, then go right back to sleep. You are much like your sisters. You love to have a paci in your mouth and at least one more in a hand, sometimes two or three. I love remembering these crazy similarities.

You still wear a size 3 diaper, drink similac formula, wear 9 month and 12 month clothing. I frequently carry you around in our Tula baby carrier. You are happy as long as we are moving. You go to Ms. Natalie's every day. Your face lights up when you see her each morning. I had to bring you to the CDC for 4 days this month. It was your first experience of going somewhere new for the day. It broke my heart to leave you crying as you watched me leave. However, I am so thankful that you have Ms. Natalie to love you when I am at work. She is so good to you!

Gavin you are a delight in every way. I love and cherish the time I have with you, trying to take in and lock in each look, noise and experience, knowing they won't be repeated. I love you with all my ability and want nothing more than to be the best Momma, cheerleader and teacher for you. It is with such sweet blessings that we celebrate 11 months together.

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