11 Months!

Mateo is 11 months old today, just one month shy of his first birthday. Hard to believe. He uses anything and everything (laundry basket, empty diaper box, stools, etc.) as a push toy these days and is practicing his balance, although he hasn't ventured a solo step yet as far as we've noticed. He loves vacuums (yes, vacuums), enjoys climbing back and forth through the side table in our living room until he's dizzy, has given himself yet another bloody lip (well, last time it was a bloody nose) by smacking his face on the hardwood floor, and has learned to sign "more" (particularly handy during snack time; see photo above). And he thinks his sister is the funniest person on the planet.

Emilia, who cannot be forgotten, has become a little fish. It helps that her amazing father takes her to the swimming pool four times a week. She is now swimming on her own and can even show you how she does the butterfly (she doesn't have the arms down yet, but the butt action is spot-on). She also loves dancing, although she isn't exactly the most graceful (must be genetic). She takes dance class at school once a week and enjoys showing everyone her ballet moves, but "dance party" is her favorite style by far. Oh, and "Dancing with the Stars" is her favorite TV show. Come on over and you won't be left out; get within a mile of one of her dance parties and Emilia will command you to "Dance! Dance!"