Cody is 10 months

The Christmas spirit is really with me this year. It must be because of the 10 month old we have crusin' around. Cody has such a big happy smile. The past 10 months have been magical and to watch our little one grow and develop has really given me perspective on life in general.

Last night after dinner we were hanging out by the Christmas tree playing with Cody. TJ supported him with his fingers. You know the baby hand gripping the parent finger while standing. He stumbled his way to my open arms. Cody is on his way to walking around. That just may be our Christmas miracle this year. What took thousands of years for our species to walk upright and how this little one does it in 10 months outside of the womb. A-mazing.

He is right along with his development emotionally, mentally, socially and physically. He is on a good sleep schedule and really only fusses for the usual kid related irritations; tired, hungry, teething (8 so far and a few on the move but have not broken through), frustrated at a toy, bump bumps, over stimulated, on and on. He has a good appetite and is not too much of a picky eater as everything is still new and interesting on the food front. We tried some tofu and avocado recently. They are good bite sized and easily dissolved finger foods. I even went so far as to coat the avocado in the baby oat cereal to give it some traction for Cody’s little fingers. Bananas and the avocado tend to get slimy. It seemed to help and he enjoyed. He babbles and talks to us. Plays thoughtfully with toys but still puts almost everything in his mouth. He listens pretty well with the “no’s,” but if we give him an inch he is all over it, pushing the boundaries. He is good with the dogs, playing ball with Percy and hugging on Nellie. Likewise with the dogs and Cody. Again they realize they get something from this little master that benefits them. Whether it is waiting for that Cheerio to drop or pat on the back -- they are fast friends these days.

Back to the Christmas spirit topic. Seems like every holiday I pick one icon to use as a theme for creating stuff and decorating. Halloween this year was a spider and so far Christmas has been Santa. We have an electric heater that looks like a fireplace, so we have a mantle to hang stockings on and for Santa to visit properly. Maybe I am going through the natural transition a parent goes through to start the Christmas magic with Santa. Ho, Ho, Ho!

I really enjoy the Christmas tree and gazing upon the ornaments and reflecting on this good year and grateful for such wonderful family and friends.