Halleluja!

It has arrived!  The first tooth…finally:)  Otti's been spending a large part of his days rubbing his tongue back and forth on that new tooth.  It's pretty cute. Of course we can't seem to get a pic, but hopefully soon!

Here's Ot being a hotshot standing against the ottoman with only one arm, keeping an eye on Gram.  He also did a no arm stand which resulted in a spiral and bonk on the head.  Oh how I remember these days… I'm going to try not to swaddle him in bubble wrap for the next 6 months but it's not going to be easy!

Movin

Otti is giving Gram a run for her money lately.  He is movin', movin', movin'.  I have childproofed most of the main and upper floors.  There are gates blocking the stairs going down, but no gate to prevent Otti going up.  This was not an issue until today, when he decided steps are way cool and those little metal accents on the balusters move up and down!

Ot is also progressing in the crawling situation.  He is moving from army crawling to the real deal.
As you can see by the pic below Otti is now on all fours, rocking and ready to crawl.

He also loves standing against the ottoman or chairs.  Otto is happiest actually if he is on his two feet and has decided that it is great fun to walk.  Hold his fingers and walk behind him and he is cruising.  I keep telling him that he doesn't need to be an early walker, hoping it will sink in before this rascal leaves me in the dust!

We continue to find new ways to play that don't involve toys since they are not nearly as interesting.  The dollar store has become our new hangout.  Ot loves sensory items and theres plenty of tactile goodies to find there.  He played with this tinsel and cake pan for half an hour.

A funny side story…  I started playing a harmonica for Otti one note at a time and he was really interested…until I ran the notes together from low to high.  Big pouty lip and tears came immediately.  I felt like bad gram but also was fascinated.  Evidently only single notes that are joyful are allowed to be played.  Otherwise it's just too sad for our little Ot.

Army Crawl

Otti on the move!

Growing

Here's a couple pics of our boy growing so fast!  He is learning cool new skills at a rapid pace!

This is a video of Otto playing with rice.  Ot's into non-toy toys lately!

• Otti now kisses the cute baby in the mirror…well, actually he full-on french kisses the cute baby in the mirror;)
• Ot is eating lots of cool new foods.  Avocado, sweet potato, squash, peas, bananas, applesauce and those weird organic cheerio thingys.
• He is army crawling all over the place!  He started a week ago and has become a pro! 
• Ot can pull himself up in the crib.  ?   ?   ? already?  
• His upper and lower gums are white! We cannot believe those teeth have not popped through!
• Otto's hair is growing,  growing, growing and guess what color it is?   Auburn brown!

We love watching Otti's new development and are amazed at how fast he is growing up.  It is bitter sweet but absolutely so fun to watch.  We love our happy, cheeky boy!

New Rule

Dear Gram,

I know you have gotten use to my morning nap from 9:30-11:30, but that was when I was little.  Now I am a big boy and don't need naps that long or that early.  We will now be changing our schedule in the morning to a very brief 30 minute nap at 11:15.  I realize that means you are going to need to get in the shower before I get to your house, unless you want the mailman to see you in your jams…but, as you know, I am the boss and I make the rules.

Sincerely,
the love of your life,

Otti

 more playing…less napping