11 months!

Out precious boy just hit the 11 month mark yesterday...can't believe in one more month he will be 1. Sigh. It seems Michael has developed so much in the last month alone...trying to say words, giving affection, displaying comprehension of things and directions, enjoying his books more and more...and then in some not so desirable qualities, characteristic of nearing the toddler stage - expressing his needs or wants with a scream, striking just for the sound/effect, trying to catch our attention before doing something he is not allowed to do... Time for discipline - firm, consistent, gentle - to be more in order. :) But Michael is really such a dear, sweet boy, and very close to his parents. We love him so very very much. Here is how we spent his 11-month day. 

Early morning nurse and snooze - look at those lips!

Yes, that is a scratch from Michael on my face. Accident, I'm sure. And yes, I am exhausted.  All of his 4 top teeth are coming in together.

 Then he woke up and we watched the birds...and looked for Mr. Squirrel.

Then we had a little snack with Papa. Michael now voluntarily folds his hands for grace before meals.

It was a grey and drizzly day, but we are learning to not let that stop us from venturing out and exploring. I am also learning that is it a different kind of beauty, and presents a different kind of lesson - we can learn from the still, steadfastness of nature; it continues to remain deeply rooted in Being and purpose no matter what the weather. We checked out a beach on the Puget Sound - Carkteek Park.

 Michael saw his first train(s).

 Michael's very common "extended hand pose" - I think when he does this with his typical "uhhh?" sound, he is asking what something is. We see this gesture and hear this all day long. :)

 Then Michael fell asleep just as we reached the playground, so off we went again.

 We drove around a new (to us) part of town and found an organic, free-trade chocolate factory - of course we had to go inspect and they had taste samples! Score. Would like to return for the hour long factory tour someday.

 Then we picked up some coffee before heading to another one of Seattle's parks.

This is the Gas Works park, overlooking Lake Union, which borders downtown Seattle. These structures are the remains of a 1906 plant which manufactured gas from coal until the 1950's. 

Yep, so this is our city, folks. I bet this grassy knoll would do beautifully for a picnic some bright, clear day.

It was an enjoyable Saturday; cuddling our little boy and experiencing more of Seattle. These days pass so quickly - too quickly - these ever changing seasons of our lives. There never seems to be enough time to love, to appreciate, to forgive, to fix, to improve as fast or as much as one wishes. And so we learn to embrace the present moment as completely and as intentionally as we can, and do our small things with great love; there is no greater purpose to strive for than that.