Eleven months! Craziness!

Julia turned 11 months on Saturday! Craziness! Less than a month now until her first birthday! Where has this past year gone?!

• Julia is talking more and more! She's getting really good at saying words in their proper context! She is also able to repeat words pretty well, usually at least getting the first syllable right. Some new words this month: "mama" (with the correct association! ;-), "nana" for banana, "moo" when asked what sound a cow makes, "bop" for boppy, "wa" for water, "ma" for monkey, "Julia," "no" and "yeah." A couple weeks ago, I told her no about something, and she said, "ye!" I repeated no, and she repeated "ye!" Isn't it too soon for her to already be arguing with me? ;-) My mom has also heard her say "Sarah." And tonight, I pointed up at the crucifix in her bathroom and, clear as day, she said, "Jesus!" Yay!
• Julia has gotten great a climbing. She loves climbing on the fireplace and under tables, and she has so much fun climbing the stairs at my parents' house. My mom puts the pack and play in front of the stairs to keep her from climbing, but she recently figured out how to shove the pack and play to gain access to the stairs! Sneaky baby!
• She is getting a couple more teeth up top - bringing the total to 6.
• Julia is a good eater! We reintroduced wheat without incident. She's been eating a wide variety of foods and really enjoying them. She had ice cream - Dippin' Dots - for the first time at the mall when her Grandma Mary was visiting. She hasn't had any ice cream since, but if she's truly our daughter, we're pretty confident it will be a favorite :-)
• Julia is getting good at playing ball. We roll it to her and she rolls it back.
• She's really great at letting us know what she wants via noise and gesture
• She is sooooo close to walking. She's very steady standing and walks with support so easily. But, every time she's attempted that first unassisted step, she's fallen. Not much longer, though! We finally broke down and bought her some shoes so she can romp around outside without hurting her feet.
• Julia is giving hugs now! So sweet! She spreads her arms wide, puts her head on your shoulder, and squeezes. Love! She also gives stuffed animals hugs now, which is so cute!
• Julia Grace is our pride and joy! We love her!

Outtakes, for your viewing pleasure:

Being in my crib makes me SO SAD! Don't even TRY to get me to smile!

I am NOT staying in this baby chair!