Milayla - 11 Months

Yes, it's been another month for Milayla. She is one very energetic, ambitious, wide-eyed, intelligent, ticklish, curious and organized 11-month-old.

Getting her to sit still for photos is nearly impossible these days, so this month's photos consisted of a lot of blurry shots of her exploring the apartment. We did manage to get some clear ones at least!

So, while the usual photo chair sat only occupied by Milayla's much-loved giraffe, we crawled around after Milayla catching her in action.

This last month has brought the final cutting of her top four teeth which has meant a lot of drool, but Milayla has been very patient and cuddly through it all.

No solo-walking yet, but she adores walking along the furniture and trying to reach as high as she can.

 The only problem she seems to be encountering is that she will grab hold of shelves and tables while standing on her tiptoes and not be able to get back down. The following pictures are truly priceless as the first one captures the precise moment that Milayla realizes that she is stuck while the second photo captures her plea for help (and you can see those little fingers of hers clinging on tightly to the corner of the table).

 Of course, we happily oblige her call for help and it is only a matter of seconds before she is on the move again for the next big adventure.

Books are really beginning to take centre stage for Milayla and she will often head to the book shelf to pick out a book to look at or to have read to her. Nap time and bed time must both be preceded by cuddling up in her chair with Mommy and reading her favorite book ( which is presently, "If Jesus Stood Beside Me"). She is beginning to remember objects and will point to them when asked (cats, eyes, etc.). Her favorite thing to point out at the moment? Teeth. If the character's teeth are showing she will point to them and then to yours. Perhaps all that teething has made her very keenly aware that those pearly whites exist.

While Milayla loves playing with trains, cars, puzzles and her shape-sorting box, she seems to find more enjoyment in putting them all away than playing with them. She has become surprisingly good at knowing which cubby/drawer particular toys go in and does a little dance/wiggle after she puts something away. And when cleaning time comes, she is eager to receive her own cloth and she starts wiping the floors and toys all the while with a huge grin on her face. She even tries to take pieces of folded-up laundry from the living room to the bedrooms.

 Milayla is definitely keeping us on our toes lately as tumbles, bumps and bruises are a daily occurrence around here. She will turn to you, smile then wave when she is about to try something she shouldn't. And when you come after her she crawls away at top speed laughing uncontrollably because it's the greatest game in the world. She dances and sings often; it is unbelievably precious. She gives unlimited hugs, kisses and cuddles and will purposely seek out family members for the sole purpose of giving a hug, kiss or cuddle. Enjoys pointing out where your teeth and nose are. And loves chatting. She is a continuous joy (even when she is getting into trouble :) and we feel so blessed to have her and her wonderful personality to enrich our family. Here's to another great month!

Love you, Milayla.