Dear Otis,

Well, my pickle, it’s official- you are 1 year old! A year ago you entered my world and made it a more charming, hilarious, and scrumptious place to live. You’ve transformed from a little bundle of melt-your-heart helplessness to a full-blown toddler with a personality that I find utterly irresistible.

   

This month you really morphed from infant to toddler by becoming mobile. Sure, at 11 months you could do a wee bit of scootin,’ but this month you took our house by storm. Army crawling on your belly was your preferred method for a while. You were a human swiffer, constantly covered in dog hair no matter how many times I vacuumed.

In the last few days, however, you have taken up the conventional crawl as well as the “climb everything in sight.” You’ll climb walls, cabinets, your dad and I . . . You only get to your knees right now, but it’s only a matter of time before you discover what those feet are for.

  

You are getting relatively proficient at walking while holding our hands, but seem content so far with the independence of crawling.

Another big milestone this month is that you actually play with your friends. You don’t just watch them and let them steal your toys anymore. You giggle and talk and I swear you and Eli played hide and seek around your learning center the other day. You are very social and so far you don’t shy away from anyone.

You have a whole arsenal of tricks now. You high 5, clap your hands, imitate noises, play the drums, and read books (often upside down or at lightening speed). You have one book that has Pete the Cat on every page. There is one page that he is on twice and you point to one cat and then the other and look at me. Pretty smart, eh? Oh and sharing is still one of your favorite past times. Be it food, dog hair, toys, or air- you will share it with whoever is in the room.

Your dad and I were lucky enough to take a week off this month and we enjoyed a lovely staycation with you. We went wine tasting (well, you came along for the view at least) and went to the Bay Area Discovery Museum. We also turned our hot tub into a cold tub for our water lovin’ guy.  We are so enjoying that you are at the age where you appreciate new surroundings, and we love taking you to new places.

  

Physically you are quite the stud weighing in at almost 21 lbs, half of that being just your hair. Everyone loves your curls. I did at least trim the mullet.  It has many styles, depending on when you’ve had a bath and when Tia (your daycare provider) has taken a brush to it.

But with that hair, that smile, and that love for attention you are always adorable.  Here are some memorable ‘do’s (and don’ts).

  

What can I say kiddo, we are smitten. You are a blend of feisty, merry, and giddy that warms my heart and makes me proud to be your Mom. I love you Oaty Goats!

Love,

Mom