Mateus at 12 months.....

Is on  the move!  If there is a wall to find, an object to pull himself up on he does it and just goes.
He's also getting braver and taking a few steps on his own before falling into someone's arms.
Signs and vocalizes "all done" and will use it when he is done eating and as soon as you put him on the changing table.
Signs "more" for everything he wants and hopes you follow through with his request.
HATES to have his diaper changed, clothes changed, anything involved with having to lay down on his back!
Is slowly transitioning off the bottle and is working on his sippy cup skills.
Says the word "cat" and points to Nala
Is obsessed with finding all the cords in the house and when you call his name he will shake his head, smile, and then touch it anyway.
LOVES to hear music and will bounce his head from side to side
Is developing quite the palate and I think has quite the sweet tooth (he inhaled his first nutri-grain bar)
No longer sits contently in his carseat, stroller, or shopping cart....
Thinks that 6:30 is a great time to wake-up EVERY single morning  (getting ready in the morning now has it's new set of challenges).
Continues to be quite vocal with his babbling and is making his mommy proud! :-)

My Open Letter to Mateus

Dear Mateus,
                     As I'm sitting here typing this letter to you, I'm reminded of this time last year when you were starting to let me know that you were ready to come meet us.  Thinking back to my labor and delivery- it was kind of reflective of you....a little laid back at first but then ready to go when you wanted to.  When I was pregnant with you, I often thought about what you were going to be like- what would you look like?  What would your personality be?  You have turned out a nice mix of Daddy and I.  Easy going when you are well rested and fed but also very determined and a bit of perfectionist when attempting new things.  I still remember so many nights being up with you snuggled against my chest wondering when I would get a full nights sleep.  Now I get those full nights of sleep but boy do I miss your middle of the night snuggles and stretches.  Our relationship started like any would...slowly getting to know each other, learning each other's quirks- but we finally found our groove and our lives we're changed forever for the better.  People tell you that a baby will change your world- to this I say they are absolutely right.  But what no one can truly convey is the love you feel for a child.  That love came like nothing I every knew and continues to grow deeper every day.  You have taught me selflessness and how to be more present in the moment.  I have cherished every single moment with you as we've learned from each other.  I love the way you chatter away and get a big grin on your face when you are happy and excited.  I'm enjoying watching you explore and learn about everything around you as you take each new thing in for the first time.
12 months went by in the blink of an eye and you are no longer a baby.  You have grown in leaps and bounds and continue to amaze and entertain us everyday.  Please know how much your Daddy and I love you and how much we look forward to our new adventures into toddlerhood.
Happy 1st Birthday to our Little Man!
Love Always,
Mommy