Wudgie* walks!!!
At 11 months, Emil does a few things really really well. He flushes toilets like a pro. The best tongue-clicker on this side of the Mississippi. Climbs stairs at an incredible speed (plus the dishwasher, up onto a chair in our living room, into the water table 3 feet off the ground… you name it, he can climb it). Emil is also an expert head-bonker. He bashes his noggin against something at least 30 times per day. Oh, he’s really really good at stealing food from his brothers (even though we feed him plenty). And now… he walks too (though I wouldn’t go so far as to say he’s very good at it. Yet).
But my favorite new skill is the clapping. Emil claps his hands together like an enthusiastic middle-school cheerleader about every little thing. Time to nurse? CLAP CLAP CLAP! You’re getting me out of my crib? CLAP CLAP! Is that the dog? CLAPCLAPCLAP!!! He claps when Milo so much as glances his way. Claps after nursing. Claps when he’s getting his diaper changed and even when he’s starting to get tired and cranky. He’s a clapper. The face he makes while clapping:
So yeah, I’m kind of brushing over the whole walking thing not because it isn’t amazing and doesn’t warrant some sort of excitement. I just have mixed feelings about it. I am at once thrilled and sad. Thrilled of course because I am his mama and I am going to cheer him on at every milestone, every step of the way. Sad because he is my baby and you know that whole thing about babies not keeping? Yeah. My baby is not keeping.
But I think he is onto me feeling torn about this milestone because he does most of his walking when I’m not in the room (Andrew shouts to me, “Emil just took 5 steps!” and Milo claims he walked clear across the room while clapping when I was elbow-deep in dishwater) or when he thinks I’m not looking. I’ve taken to sneaking around my own house, peeking noiselessly around corners when I suspect he is just casually walking around. And he IS!!! At least he has the courtesy to spare my feelings.
Emil, next month you will be one year old. You are a joy in all of our lives. Oliver adores you and kisses and hugs you hourly. Milo carries you around and encourages you to walk and talk. He reads stories to you even though you pretend you’re not listening. Your papa and I adore you too, and cannot imagine our lives without you! Happy 11 months, buddy!
*Milo and Oliver have nicknamed Emil “Wudgie” for some reason. They call him this and laugh hysterically. When I asked them what “wudgie” means, they claim “fast.” Somehow that doesn’t fit, but the nickname is starting to stick.
wudgie?! that’s amazing. i love that nickname.
adorable little boy you have there.
One of my favorite things in the world is watching little ones who are just getting their walk on. They lurch like drunken sailors and it always makes me smile. Enjoy this (and possibly post a video of him lurching to make the world a better place.)
Love the nickname & Emil is so adorable. I’m already feeling a little nostalgic for when our baby (who isn’t due until October!) starts passing milestones, as I know this will be our last. Parenting just messes with your mind. 🙂
Oh, my. That last picture. He is such a beautiful kid! Beautiful in the handsomest, most manly sense of the word. You know.
I lovelovelove the Frankenstein legs thing that new walkers do. Right on, Wudgie!!
He is so happy and adorable- and an early walker to boot! I love the way you say ‘babies don’t keep’ 🙂 I never heard it put that way before but it’s so true. I spent the first year on the edge of my seat hoping each milestone would come faster… then he started walking and I had a meltdown and wanted my baby back. At least you have all the great pictures and stories- those’ll keep 🙂
Emil is totally adorable! I love the new-walker thing. They look so grown-up and so babyish at the same time. The climbing, though? Scares the pants off me.
SOO precious!! Congrats, Emil….sweet post, Lauren!!
“Wudgie” – I am laughing out loud too! I LOVE that. And I love even more how freaking sweet those 2 are with their little brother. I CANNOT believe Emil is walking.. how fast did time go!? Too fast. He’s getting even cuter (if that’s possible). I really miss seeing the smallest Knights (and the “big” Knights) in person… hope you guys might visit one day soon! 🙂
Sweet, sweet boy! I love it! Love his nickname, love the clapping, the clandestine walking…all of it! Good job, mama! And definitely, next year, let’s meet up!
I’ve been reading your blog for a few weeks, and I must say it has already become a favorite! So humorous and with this obvius great love for your kids. Always spot on! I’ve actually not read any danish blog (I’m Dane) that relates to my family life in the same way.
…And now I understand why I didn’t see my son walk until nearly a month after his first steps. (which were on his 1st birthday, right into my sisters arm, – while I was in the kitchen making cake. He was sparing my feelings, but still making sure there was enough audience for the big move. Clever boy!
And for my sister I bear no grudge. I’ll just make sure I’ll be the first one to know about her kid’s first girlfriend. 🙂 )
Nette, thanks for commenting!
And I love your plan to be the first to know about your nephew’s first girlfriend. That is one way to get your sister back! 🙂