my 16 month old

Patriot Shane-

October has been SO fun and full of firsts.

You amazed me when:

• you wraped your arms around me and layed your head on my shoulder in a REAL hug, yesterday:)
• figured out how to open the childproof gate, 5 times in a row.
• decided to walk all on your own --now there is no stoping you.
• sat like a big boy in Colin's overstuffed chair, sipping your milk and watching the game w/ Mr. Matt.
• ran on the beach & played in the surf like you owned the place.
• climbed in to the swing on your play castle, flipped around and swang yourself.
• began to repeat almost everything we tell you, really trying to figure out how to pronounce the words and understand their meaning.
• decided veggies were no longer your friends & became a fruit fiend.
• used a fork correctly.
• flew on 8 flights in 4 weeks w/out any memorable meltdowns!
• calmly let me take pix of you in your adorable lion costume after first hating it with a passion.
• became a cookie monster with a sweet tooth as big as your mom's.
• flash that dimple at me and ask for "moh, waf-waf's" when you've already had 3.
• used sound effects for everything from cars to waterhoses.
• carved your first pumpkin with dada.
• laughed hysterically at something new everday.
• knocked on the kitchen door while signing & saying 'dada' expectantly.
• wore your first pair of Levi jeans and made me think, what happened to my baby?

i love you my sweet son & am thankful for all of the things you teach me to be, daily.

love always,
mama