Double digits my little dude! I can't believe we are back to summer and you are going to be one year old so very soon. Time is just not the friendliest when you little ones keep growing up by the day.
You are quite coordinated these days, standing on your own and pulling up to check out anything that catches your attention. You love to explore the whole house and your favorite is chasing after Wren and I around the kitchen island after dinner. Bath time is also at the top of your list and you'll stay in there as long as Wren will allow before she wants to "swim" her laps. We still have daily family dance parties and Uptown Funk is your jam, sweet boy. You often cry when Wren cries and are more content when she is around. It is just too quiet when she's gone, I think. You play well independently and love to rip every single thing out of our little play kitchen roughly 10 times a day. You also love to tote around something manageable in one hand while you are crawling - Wren's baby doll bottle, a rattle, a small rolling pen, a calculator, Wren's tea cup.
You are saying "mama" and "dada" and grunting like a caveman. You scrunch your nose to be cute when you are getting a little attention (our family's version of trouble) often for being impatient and short tempered. Traits straight from your mama and namesake, Papa, I'm afraid. And I hate to admit, but sometimes we still have a some stress surrounding meal times as we have had some questionable reactions, but so far are still managing peanuts as your only allergy. Hopefully we can continue to safely introduce you to a expansive healthy diet and keep you safe and sound. I am still working on being laser focused, but relaxed enough to not drive everyone crazy. I pray often for discernment, intuition and confidence in this area because I can easily succumb to worry and fear when I remember watching you go through anaphylaxis. But then I come right back to God's graciousness in protecting you beyond my understanding or action and I am comforted all over again.
What a precious gift you are, little bro. We treasure every day with you and have so much fun getting to know you more and more as you show us who you are. We'll always be your biggest fans!
P.s. Wren wants you to know that we are headed to the beach next week and she cannot WAIT to show you everything she loves to do there! She loves you and includes you so well, Otis. I hope y'all are forever best buds and loving companions for each other.
