Porter Now

I made a comment about being sad that Porter is getting so big so fast after talking to Steve about buying him new shoes, socks and jammies...Porter very seriously said, "Mommy, are you sad I am getting bigger? Don't be sad about me getting big."

11 Months OLD!!!! – Firsts…firsts….and more firsts!

• Porter had his 1^st real haircut this weekend!
• He seems to be trying to mimic us more and more, both words and actions
• Using anything and everything to pull himself up…including his mom, dad and dogs
• He is doing a lot of freestanding, which makes me think he is getting his bearings balance-wise
• Still scooting along, and is often trying to crawl and did a little bit this weekend…always opting back to the scoot
• Hates…hates…HATES getting his nose wiped and his nails filed
• About to switch into his 3^rd and 4^th "big boy" car seat (since we now need one for each car)
• Loves it when mom shares her real food with him. Very big fan of bread, cheese and turkey from mom's Jimmy Johns sandwich this weekendJ Also seems to really like eggs.
• Loves being outside.

We had lots to do this weekend around the house, but still managed to run some errands and have some fun outside! We started our day out with family haircuts! Including little Mr. Porter's first real one!!! He was such a good boy and sat in the chair all by himself – never fussing or anything! We were glad – we had thought it might be a little traumatic.

The terrible 10’s (months…that is;)

Porter is really turning into quite the little character! He is really a lot of fun, but I was not expecting him to ALREADY be willfully disobedient….but even so, he hit that milestone about a week ago. He is fascinated with the dogs' and cat's bowls. He now knows we don't want him messing with them and delights in making sure we are paying attention before he goes in for the final attack….and letting out a mischievous little giggle with a broad grin.

He is now quite mobile. He is not crawling, but is cruising a lot and can use his little push walker toys like a champion. When there is not something or someone to help him get where he's going he has opted for a butt scoot method for his main method of transportation. Oddly – he can make pretty good time and it is quite a thing to watch!

His first Birthday is coming up so quickly! I can't believe it! It is on November 19^th and since it lands on a Friday we will probably have a family and close friend birthday party on the 20^th.

Some Porter Notables Include:

• Now has 8 chompers!
  
• Needs to have his first real hair cut sometime very soon because his hair is getting pretty shaggyJ
  
• He has a little cold right now….hopefully since his tubes have been working so well that is all it will ever be!
  
• Still LOVES music; he dances a lot and now can often be heard trying to sing….it is very sweet!
  
• Cannot wear any clothes smaller than a 12-18 month…what a chunk!
  
• Starting to try to feed me when he is eating a meal or snack and give toys to me when we are playing
  
• LOVES playing with the dogs (or rather stealing from;)
  
• Says Ma-Ma and Da-Da with some real purpose now…..for better or worse
  
• Gives kisses…the nice open mouth kind. I was crying while watching a sad part of a movie yesterday and he offered me a few to make me feel better
  
• Really likes being around people!!! Always seems very entertained when we get the chance to spend time with groups whether it is family and friends.
  
• Took part in his very first Buddy Walk!!!
  
• Loves his cousins!
  

Porter and his Puppies!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAQrSeIjck8

Miss a month…and you miss A LOT!

Porter hanging on the deck (day after I returned from CA)

Our Little Centerfold

JACKPOT!  Rollin' in the toys :)

Little Miss Taylor Grace Kriegel about 1 month old

Grandpa and Porter - January 1st - 2010

This month has been very crazy for me, starting off with a week in California with my Mom and Sisters, catching up around home and this past weekend a visit back to Delhi and Cedar Rapids to meet my friend Gretchen's newest beauty and Mom's birthday and to quickly see a few friends and family….so I haven't updated in over a month, sorry!
So….In the meantime – Porter keeps growing and changing so fast, we cannot even believe my eyes and ears!
BIG Notables:

• He has now gone more than a month sleeping through the night!!! I can't tell you how much of a difference this makes for our quality of life! Thank you ear tubes =)
• Has 4 new teeth coming in on the top making the grand total 6 Teeth!
  
• While I was in California, his Dad worked on letting him cry it out at bedtime and since then, we are pretty much able to lay him down a week and let him fall asleep in his bed at bed time. He occasionally cries for 5 minutes or less, but is doing wonderful!
  
• He is pulling himself up (as long as what he is using to do so can support him) and seems to prefer playing standing to anything else
  
• Porter has always liked music, but it is becoming apparent his favorite things are those that incorporate music. A piano, xylophone and bongo drums among his favorites
  
• He is now saying Ma-Ma, Ni-Ni, Bye-Bye in addition to his favorite….Da-DaJ
  
• In the past week or so, he has picked up a little shyness every once in a while, I don't know where he gets that ?!?!
  
• He may not say a lot yet, but he is very capable of letting you know what he wants and what he doesn't want. I think we are in for some battles of the will
  
• Been trying table food in the past few weeks and he seems to like it and handle it well. Eating has never been an issue with the little guy. His favorite has been cottage cheese so far!
  
• Is scooting backwards, but mostly rolling around as his main mode of transportation
  

In general – Porter is just a sweet little guy these days who lights up a room with his little toothy grin and wonderful giggle. He loves other kids and people in general. He is a big show-off!

 We celebrated his 9 month milestone last Wednesday on the same day as what would have been my Dad's 70^th Birthday. Celebrating Porter was another way to celebrate Dad – I only wish we got to celebrate with him in person! 

Happy Birthday Grandpa, we miss you so much!

Porter had his 9 month appointment and he is no longer off the charts, but safely in the 90^th percentile range for weight, height and cranium measurements!