The Reynolds-Hales: Mr. Independent

So at 11 months, Cole is Mr. Independent. He's just becoming his own little person and likes to do certain things and has his own opinion about things. It's so funny! He's walking pretty much exclusively now. I'm so proud of him and it's cute because you can tell he's proud of himself too. He is loving the freedom of running around different places like the park, the mall, the backyard, etc. and picking things up that he finds and massacring plants. One of his favorite things to do right now is to walk around while holding things in both his hands.

This is a typically day in the life of Cole. Walking around with something in his hands. Here he has his trucks.

Walking with blocks.

Walking at Tutu and Grandpa's with stacking cups.
When Cole likes to do something - he is serious about it.

Cruising around...with two water bottles in his hands of course!

Today his new travel crib arrived for our big trip next month. We got the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light because it's super lightweight and super easy to set up. So we set it up right away so Cole could get used to it and know that it's his. He took to it right away and pushed it around the entire living room/kitchen. Then he dropped several of his toys inside. Whether or not he will actually sleep in it is still to be determined. But we're testing it out this weekend while we stay at the Grand Del Mar for one of Vere's business trips. And again at Tutu and Grandpa's next week while Vere is in Toronto.

Taking the new crib out for a test drive.

All of the stuff Cole dropped into his new crib.

Cole is in love with Daddy this month. Chases after him when he leaves for work in the morning. Is so excited to see him when he gets home from work. And I'm afraid to say... even prefers Vere to me sometimes :( There have been several occasions when Vere has tried to hand Cole off to me and Cole has clung to him for dear life! And lately Cole has wanted an extra hug from Daddy before Mommy takes him and puts him to bed. It's going to be tough being the disciplinarian vs. the "fun guy" but I will try not to take it personally. I also think Cole is starting to realize that Vere travels and works so much that time with Daddy is precious. Mealtime is no longer fun time. In the last few weeks, several things have occurred with mealtime:

Cole does not want Mommy to feed him anymore. Anytime I put a spoonful of something in front of him, he either ignores me or swats it away along with everything that was on the spoon.
Everything must be bite size pieces so he can feed himself.
If Cole doesn't like something, he picks up each piece and drops it onto the floor.
Before Cole tries something new, he smashes several pieces with his index finger to decide whether he will eat it or not.
When Cole is done eating, he takes his hand and swipes his placemat until there is nothing left in front of him.

It's been a little tough figuring out what to feed him because he is also picky.

Things he'll always eat: fruit, toast and snacks

Things I need a back-up meal for: vegetables, pasta, meat and cheese.

Depending on Cole's mood, he will also eat grilled cheese, tofu with teriyake, avocado and cream cheese spread on bread and sweet potato chunks. I'm stressed out trying to find yummy but healthy solutions....

Eating toast like a big boy!

Mmmmm.... toast.

Cole has also decided he doesn't want to sit and drink his bottle anymore.
So he stands, leans against things or walks around.

Bottle time on daddy's head!

This is a quick little video because I only caught the tail end on camera. We bought this toy last weekend. You put the balls in the holes on top and they come out the bottom. I didn't think Cole would actually get it but I thought he would like playing with the balls for now. But he totally gets it! He is so smart!

Latest cute pics of Cole...