11 Months

11 months and growing up so fast! At 9 months and 28 days, Eamon began standing without support, and he took his first solo step on July 8 (age: 10 months, 21 days). About one week later, he was up to a succession of steps and today, at 11 months and change, he is pretty comfortable clearing the length of a room on his own. He'll still drop down to a crawl at times, but is getting more and more comfy on his feet.

He's also picking up new skills, like offering us food and toys (without instantly taking them back, like he used to), and placing toys and objects in and out of containers (toys in the bin or in the trap door of his walker; last week at Romparoo, he put his ball in the basket upon request!). He also knows that the keys go in the lock. He'll even walk over to the door when he gets the keys and reach up to the lock--I remember Sam doing this same move last summer! Must be a boy thing.

And speaking of boy things, Eamon is suddenly fascinated by loud machines and vehicles, like buses, airplanes and helicopters. He'll stop whatever he's doing and snap his head around or up whenever one is nearby and then watches it pass with rapt attention.

He continues to be crazy about other kids (we make a lot of friends on the playground), puppies, and pretty much any other animal. Going outside with him is always a hoot because he's constantly finding one thing or another to squeal at or laugh with.

One more thing: We're getting lots and lots of chatter from Eamon. He's speaking his own language these days, but with serious intention and inflection. I think he believes he's having a full-on conversation with us, so I just pretend I know what he's talking about! As for "real" words, he'll say Ma, Da, Pa, Uh/oh, and sometimes, Key (of course, he's obsessed!). We're working on shoe (he's getting close), too. It's fun listening to him develop his voice and vocab...always a thrill a minute!