I can’t believe that we are fast approaching Sammy’s first birthday.  In a few short days he’s going to be 11 months old (eleven!) and the developmental milestones are coming thick and fast.  The picture above is blurry and the color is off, but it showcases how Sammy spends his days – on the move!  Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, in the house is safe from Señor Sam.  He can race down the hall in a flash heading straight towards whatever mischief we try to keep him from.  His usual destinations are the dog’s food and water, the toilet, the floor lamp, and the open back door.

When he’s not crawling, he’s pulling up.  Sam wants to be upright – reaching, climbing, and exploring at a higher level.  His favorite, favorite, activity is destruction.  No toy or book left on a shelf, no puzzle left with pieces in it, no food or dishes left in the child’s kitchen – everything methodically, intentionally, and, preferably, noisily is thrown onto the ground.  I spend lots of time cleaning up toys… and wondering why on earth we have so many darn toys.

Besides moving, and moving, Sammy is talking up a storm.  He’s only said “jump” the one time, but he’s pointed at a picture of a dog in a book and said “dog” the other day.  He also will “woof” in response to when we say it.  He sings little “doh doh doh” songs when he’s happy.  The cutest moment was last week when he woke up from his nap and started crawling around the house looking for something.  He crawled down the hall towards Clare’s room, where she was still napping, and started yelling babytalk variations of “Clare.”

Sammy is still a big boy.  At his 9 month check-up he was 25 pounds, and I bet he’s 27 pounds now.  He’s pretty much outgrown his 18 month clothes and is fitting comfortably in 18-24 and 24 month size outfits.  I put him in a 2T sleeper last night and it fit.  Sheesh.