Dada, Dog Dog, and Duck Duck

I can't be sure whether it "officially" counts, but we think Clara has started saying a few words. She can now some what point at the dog and properly identify him. There are moments when "dog" sounds a lot like "dad", but hey, she is only 11 months!

Clara has also figured out that if she doesn't want to be corrected for playing with her sippy cup, she can just turn around while drinking and avoid having mom and dad see her. So, immediately upon getting her cup now, she starts spinning to ensure her back is to me. Amusing, annoying, and intelligent all at the same time.

Hank is just so close to taking his first step that I'm constantly watching him. He pulls up to standing then just debates whether it is worth it to take that step. So far, the lure of crawling fast outweighs the fear of taking that step. But, I suspect it won't be long.

We had our first substantial snowfall last night. If the snow sticks the rest of the day, we might take the little ones to play a bit in the snow. I suspect there will be a lot of snow filled afternoons this winter, so the sooner we can adjust to taking them outside in it, the easier the winter will be.

It's hard for me to really accept that their first year is almost over. With the new developments daily, I'm trying hard to focus on the positive. But, there is a part of me that longs for the little babies they were. I suppose that is just nature's way of ensuring the human species continues.