Here we are, one month away from Gabriel turning 1! Hard to believe some days that nearly a whole year has gone by since he joined us Earthside. I find that I try to hold onto every little bit of baby-ness that he has left. Since he started walking he's been more like a mini tot than baby but there are still plenty of moments throughout the day that remind me he is in fact still my baby.
At 11 months Gabriel is quite the active baby. He is constantly on the go. From the minute his big bro & big sis come down in the morning until they go to bed...he is on the go. He runs, walks, climbs everywhere. There is very little stopping him these days from doing and getting what he wants. He climbs everything he can get himself onto. Gates, beds, couches, attempts to climb slides. The second the gate comes off the stairs you'd better beware, Gabriel is likely right by you climbing his way up. He masters climbing down steps quickly as well.
He isn't much of a talker, more of a screamer when he wants something. He says hi, bye, ball, gata. He calls Matt 'dada' and he has his own version of Leah. He understands plenty though. He can follow simple instructions, understands no and stop. When he does start to babble he will let you know if he's annoyed that you aren't talking back to him. He loves the back and forth conversations.
Gabriel is definitely coming into his own personality. Temper tantrums happen instantaneously when he's not getting what he wants but he is also easily appeased or distracted.
He loves peek-a-boo and playing hand games. Lately he has developed a bit of an obsession with balls. He loves to throw them and have them rolled or thrown back to him. He likes to empty boxes of items, corrals them in another area then proceeds to take each item one by one and puts them back in the box.
Gabriel has turned out to be a lover of food. It took some time for him to come around but he is open to new foods and textures. He enjoys his meals. He continues to nurse throughout the day and night. He isn't a big sleeper but when he does finally get down for a good nap, he sleeps for a long stretch.
11 Month Milestones
Mastered Skills (most kids can do)
Says "mama" or "dada" to the correct parent
Plays patty-cake and peek-a-boo
Stands alone for a couple of seconds
Cruises
Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)
Understands "no" and simple instructions
Puts objects into a container
Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
Says one word besides "mama" or "dada"
Stoops from standing position
