Closing in on a year

Planning Gavin's 1st birthday has me thinking back on what has almost been 365 days of being a Mom in "my path in Mommyhood." Thankfully some memories are far enough away that they don't immediately evoke some anxiety, ie. the horrendous sleep deprivation of those first few weeks. You can just not compare it to anything--that much lack of sleep and learning how to be a Mom! Once again- nothing short of God's position in my life could have gotten me through that with (most of) my sanity. Hopefully in the FUTURE (not near future), the 2nd go-round will not be as traumatizing. :)

So, Gavin's recent developments:
1. I keep forgetting to say that he helps me put on his clothes; he's helped by putting his arms through arm holes for a month or so now. He recently will stick his foot out when I'm holding him to put shoes, socks or slippers on. :) So cute. Good thing there are ways to cover those fat yummy baby toes or I'd gnaw on them all the time!! :)

2. Dude has 8 teeth and LOVES to bite in to apples- yes, apples with them. This we have to watch closely because if he's eating anything thicker than stage 3 baby food, he's most likely chip-munking it in his cheeks. (For those unfamiliar with this made-up phrase: he stockpiles food in his cheeks for hours on end, if left alone). This also poses another hazard---check baby's mouth/cheeks before nap time!
**Note: Gavin stole an apple yesterday from Stephanie's son (daycare provider)! :)

3. Standing- buggy boy is standing unassisted for a few seconds at a time. Also transferring in standing position from one toy to the next or from one chair or from one part of the counter---anything he can balance himself on!

4. Dog bowls (food and water): Gavin's obsession. He run-crawls (very fast crawling) towards them if left in his eye sight. He's soaked himself and the surrounding floor a couple times now. Fun times with baby!

Ok, so there's so much more that is uber-interesting about my little guy but it's SO LATE---8:37pm----and I'm tired and recovering from a cold this sweet baby gave me this past weekend! :)

More exciting adventures to come. :)