Stepping Up to 11 Months

I can’t believe Owen’s first birthday is less than a month away.

I’m feeling kind of sad. This past year went by too fast. Owen isn’t really a baby anymore. He’s something in between a baby and a toddler – maybe a baddler? Or a todby?

Our todby is just learning to walk, bravely letting go and taking steps without holding on to anything. He can walk forward a few steps before falling on his ass. And now that he’s figuring out how to use his legs, he’s more attached to me than ever before. Holding onto my leg, he walks wherever I walk.

Owen also started pointing. There’s something so cute about his chubby fingers pointing at me.

This month, Owen experienced a few other firsts:

• First time in the ocean waves and first time eating sand
• First time in a pool – he loves “swimming”!
• First time at the Philadelphia Comic Book Convention (we all dressed up like superheroes, including Grammie Kopp)

And Richard would be disappointed if I didn’t mention Owen’s first “real” poop.

(Future adolescent Owen: please forgive me for sharing this with the world.)

Yes, Owen pooped his first completely solid adult terd. No more mushy, runny baby poop. Which means no more diaper blow-outs! Yay.

Richard was simply over the moon about this bowel movement. Many photos were taken. Luckily I was there to stop them from being posted on Facebook and Instagram. You’re welcome, folks.

So instead of pictures of feces, here are Owen’s second to last set of monthly photos. Which brings up a question – what should we do for Owen’s second year? More monthly photos? Just bloopers? Nothing at all (maybe you’ve had enough of Owen)? Please share your ideas!

And here are Owen’s June-themed photos for his 11-month birthday. Nothing says summer like a dip in the pool! Our independent fish was ready to paddle away into the big sea on his own. The chilly waters did not intimidate him at all. The only baby in the pool that day was Richard, who acted like the water was full of ice cubes.

And time for some laughs – bloopers!!

Splashing around for the camera takes its toll.

I’m pretty sure Owen is telling me to take the number 11 and shove it.

Owen thought it was hilarious to throw his number 11 during this month’s photo session. It was less entertaining for mom and dad.

After throwing it, he liked to act innocent.

Then he asked for mercy.

We must have taken over 50 photos before we realized the “s” was not showing.

Owen or Benjamin Button?