Eleven months

Beautiful little man, I have checked the calendar and there is no mistake: there really is just one month left of your first year.

Today though you are still "just" eleven months and I'm determined to savour that and squeeze every drop of joy out of even the hardest of days.

Your current sources of delight:

- Noah. Yep, he really is still top of all your lists. He doesn't get old or boring, I can certainly back you up on that. Even hearing him coming from another room is enough to set you off squealing and kicking your legs in anticipation at seeing him. What blessed boys you both are to have such a relationship at such a young age.

- Music. Specifically, Watoto children's choir (Daddy likes to think that's the connection with your heritage, I suspect it's more to do with happy, smiling children dancing and singing to Jesus with beautiful rhythm!!) - and Uptown Funk! Less 'holy' but no less rhythmic ;)

You also fall asleep much more readily (in our arms) if we pop some tunes on for you! Funny thing.

- Clapping. Whether to order or at will, you can't help but beam proudly when you clap. You've been trying to do it for ages but somehow always ended up shaking hands with yourself until last week you finally just got it! 

- Doors. One of your more dangerous interests.

- Standing - and pulling yourself up to standing - in the most risky places. Like the bath!

- Bath time. Still your happy place.

- Remote controls. Or anything resembling one. A baby monitor or a phone will do the job just as well. And you don't only like them for chewing or throwing; nope, you pick them up and point them straight at the tv. And if you're not near the tv you shuffle along until you are and then you point it! How do you know?!

- Pens. Copying Noah and trying to draw is a new fascination.

- Food. All food. Any food. Yours, ours, Noah's, strangers'...! And you are not subtle, you are so very loud about it.

- Milk. You still have at least two feeds a day from me and more than one at night!! Such a good little feeder, and we've fought for that especially lately. 

- Noise. And all noisy toys.

- Sketch. That dog knows to move when he senses you approaching though. He's not stupid. You love his cage too. It has a door...!

- Making us laugh. You, little man, have a wicked sense of humour and we love it.

-"Quacky duck!" Your bath time book. Every night, without fail.

- People. Especially children.

- Wires. That's not a great obsession of yours.

Reuben, you will never know the love, joy and laughter you bring to this family. Thank goodness you're blissfully unaware of the struggles at the moment but you are worth it all and we are so grateful for you. Happy 11 months little one.