Standing on his own two legs

A couple of weeks ago at the beach, Max decided all of a sudden, to stand on his own. This is him pulling himself, getting his balance, and letting go. Once he had held his balance for a few seconds he claps his hand, cheers for himself and points both fingers to the sky.

This is my favorite of Max, standing alone, checking out the sea, cheering himself on.

Dinner Guest

Max likes to eat and play with his food. His two hands were not enough to get the job done so he invited a new member to table. Can you see who is peeking through here?

Here is a better view.

Toes! Welcome to the table toes. We were baffled that he was able to get them on his tray and using them to play with his food. Max likes his toes. He loves it when I kiss them and tickle them and when I take off his shoes he sticks them out and spreads his toes to give them some fresh air. Hopefully his toes will love him back and help him start walking soon.

Max: Age 14 months

1. Max says "hi" or "hiyeeee" to just about everyone and everything (like the wall).
2. For the past week and a half Max wants to be held mostly by his Dad. Mom's back is thankful for this development.
3. Going up and down and up and down the stairs is a fun past time.
4. Max Walker is not walker. He can crawl like the wind and loves to walk around holding your hands. If you even try to let go of one hand though he will sit down on the job. Two hands or nothing. Its a wonder he isn't walking.
5. Throwing balls around in the house or pool consumes about a third to half of our day. This is the only picture at the pool where his head isn't covered by a beach ball he is holding over his head.
6. Doggies are a big hit and when he sees them he says "woo" as in "woof." He loved being around Miss Famous although I can't say MF reciprocates the sentiment.
7. Max often says "oooohh" and points at something that interests him (usually a doggy).
8. When out at a restaurant with us Max isn't interested in being part of our table. He is craned around in his high chair interrupting complete stranger's meals. He has barged in on blind dates, romantic breakfasts, lunch meetings, family dinners, and many more. He is also a shameless flirt. Someone tells me "my baby is a flirt" about once a day. The thought of these behaviors increasing exponentially until he's a teen is TERRIFYING!
9. Too much attention is non-existent for Max. He loved being in Utah and playing with his aunts and uncles. His feet barely touched the ground the whole week!
10. Max is very friendly and sociable. He takes after his Daddy. He is always excited if there are other children near by. I think he is going to love nursery. I think I am going to love nursery (just 4 more months).

Evidence of the "ball-mania."

Toilet Trouble

Max has discovered a new fascination- the toilet bowl. In his mind nothing could be funner than a bowl full of water. His dream come true is my worst nightmare!

Use Your Noodle

Max decided to take the saying literally. He LOVES noodles and anything like it-such as spaghetti squash. He slurps and sucks them down sometimes without even chewing (I have diaper evidence). I pulled a package of Top Ramen out of the cupboard and decided to see how Max takes to these noodles and he went gonzo! This picture is tame compared to some of the things he was doing before I could grab my camera. Noodles were coming out of his mouth like streamers off a parade float. This Top Ramen incident reminded me that when I was a kid I also loved Top Ramen. For my birthday my parents jokingly gave me a huge box of Chicken Top Ramen. I guess this is at least one way Max takes after his Momma!

Max 13 Months

1. At 13 months Max Walker is not a walker. Not without the aid of a push toy or his parents (my back aches).
2. Max dances whenever he hears music. It has been bouncing for the most part until lately he started stepping in place.
3. One of the things Max is worst at is holding still (especially during church).
4. Max LOVES to play with other kids and be around people. Not at all afraid of strangers and is a shameless flirt!
5. Throwing and chasing balls around the house is one of Max's favorite activities.
6. Going to the pool or even splashing in the bath is one of Max's favorites.
7. The busyness in this little body is so extreme that lying down to have a diaper change or put jammies on is too much. Max will take off, crawling at the speed of light, Nicodemus around the house to escape these necessary activities.
8. Max loves to "read" books. He points out all the special details (especially doggies) and loves to turn the pages, two or three at the time.
9. Tearing things apart is also a favorite past time. Spilling all the contents of the diaper bag, throwing the clothes out of the dirty laundry basket, rolling TP around the house, and tipping over garbage cans are a few of his "best" tricks.
10. Waking up to Max in the morning is the best part of my day. He is always cooing and happily playing in his crib. When I walk in he gets to excited he sometime claps and hugs me tight when I take him out of his crib. Then he quickly wants down so the busyness can start!

Second Fourth

This is Max enjoying the fourth of July fireworks with his friends in Michigan. He was a little nervous about the firework display.

Kate, Max, Sam, Linsey & Sophie

Watching the fireworks, except for Sam who revealed his pyro tendencies at a young age. Couldn't keep his seat in his seat.

The whole gang!