One year old! As we’ve been to different parties and events over the last month, I’ve tried to remember Elijah at those events and then I have to remind myself he wasn’t here yet (just along for the ride). J
This month has sure been a busy one. Shortly after Elijah
turned 11 months old, we went on vacation to Myrtle Beach. What a fun time.
Grandma and Grandpa Steiner came along. We went to the beach, played at the
pool, rode the SkyWheel, went to the Aquarium, ate lots of good food, and
relaxed. Elijah also decided it was a good time to switch to a sippy cup while
we were there. After we returned from vacation, daddy was off work for a few
more days so we even had some post vacation relaxing time at home. We went car
shopping and eventually bought mommy a new car. We went to a Barn Dance and celebrated
Jenna’s 8th birthday before daddy’s vacation was up. Isaiah returned
to preschool and daddy to work but that didn’t stop the busy activities. We
celebrated on Elijah’s actual birthday with a family dinner. Mommy and Isaiah
went to the pumpkin patch for Isaiah’s first field trip, Elijah went to get
photos taken and then the next day to see Dr. Ware, and a busy week concluded
with a 1st year Birthday party, the Huffman’s Fall party, and
outdoor family photos this past weekend. 
First birthday parties are always fun times, with cousins,
aunts and uncles, and grandparents around to enjoy the moments. Some weren’t
able to make it so we have to include a link to the smashing of the cake!
Warning it is about 12 minutes long - http://youtu.be/_AGI3m7cWE0
We waited for weigh and measure until we went to see Dr.
Ware on Friday. Elijah weighed in at 23lbs, 13oz and measured 31 1/2 inches
long. Now that’s almost exactly what we measured him last time but of course we’re
using a different scale and measure system so it’s all relative! Needless to
say we don’t need numbers to see him growing like a weed! 
This month Elijah’s new developments included 5 new teeth
poking thru, leaving just one more cuspid and his last 4 molars. He’s definitely
enjoying his teeth as he adventures into new tastes and textures like spaghetti
and meatballs, baked chicken, and bar-b-que pulled pork. He still loves some
good ol’ mashed squash or sweet potatoes. Also this month, he is “cruising” the
furniture to get around. Unless he really wants to go, then he’ll just drop
down and zoom crawl to get there. He isn’t showing a lot of interest in walking
yet. He did learn to climb stairs while on vacation and now makes a bee-line
for the stairs whenever we’re not looking. I don’t know what he thinks is so
interesting at the top but he’s determined to go find out as often as possible!
Next step, learn to get back down the stairs gracefully.
While vacation was fun, Elijah definitely preferred his bed at home. He slept okay so long as he had a room to himself. He’s still today taking a good 1 1/2 morning nap and 1 1/2-2 hour afternoon nap, going to bed around 6:30 and waking around 6:45. You could just about set your watch to his wake up time! Like I said before, Elijah decided he was ready to wean while on vacation and has now completely mastered the sippy cups daddy found. He’ll down a full one before bed each night. We’re back to the fun of multiple “kinds” of milk. J
Elijah is one happy baby and we just love soaking up all the smiles, giggles, and snuggles we can get. Its so fun to watch him explore and experience new things. He defiantly prefers to experience them with mom and dad right at his side and has no problem letting you know when he thinks you might be missing something, or he’s missing you! We look forward to another exciting year watching him grown and develop. We love you Elijah!
