10 months old

and time for an update!  I'd better type this fast as at least 3 things will change by the time I'm finished.

Hobbies include (but are not limited to):

• Shredding magazines
• Eating hair, lint or any other little particles off the floor
• Dropping/throwing items off high places: highchair, carseat, and out of the bathtub
• Yelling.  Especially enjoys howling in the hallway of our building.  He doesn't even have to be in the hallway, just opening the door is enough.  I think he's going for the echo.
• Likewise, yelling/shrieking in public.  He likes when people look at him and you know what, this really works!  After a good shriek from a shopping cart, and 3 strangers turning to see where it came from,  he laughs and smiles.

Communication:  Saying "mama" and possibly meaning it.  His "aye" may also be "hi."   He "signs" his day away with the "All done" sign.  The moment I put him on the changing table or attempt to buckle him into the carseat, he is "All done!"  Today, however, he responded to an exclusively verbal question from me (I wasn't signing/gesturing away myself at the point).  When I asked if he wanted more milk, he did the sign. Way to go, buddy!

Movement:  Sometimes it feels like this kid is full of contradictions.  He's fat but hates food.  He's an adrenaline junkie who doesn't move much.  Not that I'm complaining about that.  He gets around quite well by rolling and now scotches backward on his belly.  He backs himself into a corner multiple times a day. literally.  He loves anything that moves him: swings, bumpy stroller rides, mommy and daddy.  He can't get enough.

Growth:   Maybe he's a giant.  That's my only explanation.  Just when I announce that I think his growth has slowed down, it starts back up again.  He's at least 24 pounds now and ridiculously long.  It never fails when I'm out in public for someone to comment, "It looks like he should be carrying you."  The first time I heard this, many months ago, I thought it was a creative comment.  It's not. At his 9 month appointment he was 23lbs.6 oz (90th percentile) and 30 1/4 inches long (95th).

Social: Loves his little friends.  Can't chase after anyone, but don't be fooled.  He will pull down any child within a 8 inch radius of his body.

What else?  His pointer finger is his ticket to the world.  He will stick that puppy anywhere.  Eyeballs, mouths, noses, beware: Jude's coming in!
He still loves clapping.  He even claps when he's mad, then gets mad that he was clapping.  That's one of our very favorite things :)

You amaze us, Jude.  Thanks for being so entertaining.