Russell, 13 months old

Russell Joseph turned 13 months old today. He is changing so much everyday. He says Mommy, Dada, Hi, Hey, and Bye-Bye (and waves!) all the time. Each day brings a new word. The recent ones are thank you, monkey, duck, puppy, longhorn (he has UT longhorn stuffed animal), and baby. He also roars when you ask him what sound a dinosaur or lion makes. And he says "oh-oh ah-ah" for monkey, arf-arf for a puppy and quacks for a duck. He's so proud of himself, grins from ear to ear...so precious. Oh, and of course he has learned "no!" But he imitates me and says "no, no!" And he is usually saying it to me as he is doing or eating/drinking whatever he is saying no to, of course. Our favorite though is whenever he doesn't know a word, he points and yells "Mo-mee!" The syllables are very pronounced and the "mee!" is really high pitched. His face squishes up...quite dramatic actually and very funny to us!

Russell loves to get costumes and clothes from Susannah's closet - and he tries to put them on. He works really hard at getting at least one leg into an article of clothing. He especially likes to try to put her panties on. It's hilarious, he gets so excited when he finds a pair, runs over to us squealing, sits down and tries to put them on. I have to get it on video tape for future blackmail, ha!

Miss Pam and Miss Tracy at the Y always tell me how cute he is, which is music to my ears. I am so happy that he is enjoying his time around other children and teachers. They tell me that he plays really well, but that the funniest is when he chases Susannah around with much excitement, growling, squealing, and even screaming at her if she doesn't pay attention to him. Oh Russell. My sweet baby boy is loud? You don't say! He's lucky he has an awesome - super patient and sweet - big sis.

Russell loves to clean. I mean, LOVES it. He carries Susannah's pink broom around all time. He really responds well to music. He is such a little dancer. He has the baby bounce-squat mastered and he claps alot. Russell also loves babies. I thought this might be just a girl thing, but no, Russell loves babies too. He cuddles and rocks Susannah's babies and he loves to see other babies in person. He points, says baby, and pats them. Love! He also blows us kisses, but does it from his ear :)

And my favorite, he runs to me with total joy! I just love it - my heart melts. Whenever I pick him up, he just gets so excited and runs right to (and sometimes over others, oops!) me. Russell is such a snuggler. He is always trying to sit on us or lay on us. What a sweet blessing you are Russell Brown. We love you!

He climbed right into the refrigerator, pulled out the sack of hamburger buns and started eating one.  I swear Russell, you are a hoot.

Russell has mastered sleeping in the car - must be that 2nd child thing.  Here is, totally out, with both his and Susannah's blankets.

And now wide awake and on the move!  I'm snapping a picture as he is tackling me.  Smile!

Russell loves his Sophie dog.  He talks about "puppy" all time and loves to pat her.  Sophie's all about the love....especially the love that flows from the high chair.

Jail Break!  Smartie pants is figuring out how to open everything.

Baby cheeks :)