Who knew that this would be such a fun age!  I have watched my little bundle of sleeping, eating, and crying start to grow into this amazing little human right in front of my eyes.  His little personality -or should I say BIG personality- is starting to really shine through, and it is a miracle to watch.  Here are some things about Tobie…

1)  He has the most amazing laugh I have ever heard.  If I could bottle it and give it to the world, the world would have no choice but to smile back.  It is a throw-your-head-back belly laugh that crinkles with mischief.  It is my favorite thing in the whole world.  The first thing that ever made him laugh was blowing zerberts on his tummy.  My husband and I had such a surprised reaction when we heard it, that he immediately started crying :).  Since then, the word “Icky” seem to make him fall into hysterics, throwing trash in the trash can, spitting a small rubber toy in his face, telling the dog to do anything, and singing Pop goes the Weasel.  Ohhh…and anytime Mommy says “No”…that seems to be just the funniest thing in the world!  I know…I’m in for it!  But whenever it happens, it is beautiful.  I basically spend my day trying to see what will bring that laugh and toothy grin about.  Tobie is also funny.  He tries to make you laugh with faces or the ever famous pull your hair game.  He also thinks it is hilarious to open his mouth and bounce his face up and down on your belly making popping noises.

2)  He is determined. His dad says he gets this from me.  He is curious.  I say he gets this from his dad.  Determined to explore, to crawl, to stand…to stand with toys in each hand.  I can tell he will be an explorer, a discoverer, an inquisitive soul. He is most happy with a box of previously unexplored items.  Each item is picked up, turned over and examined, and then tossed vehemently to the ground to empty his hands for the next object.

3)  He is intense…Tobie takes things seriously.  Funny things do not just elicit a giggle…the elicit a head thrown back belly laugh.  He is not a baby who will “quietly cry it out” .  If he is upset, you will know it…and to ignore it will only result in more determination to have his feelings known. He fights sleep, wanting to continue his mastering of standing and opening his favorite toy boxes…until he finally winds down like a motor…sounds and all.   He is silly at home but when out in public he “drinks it all in” with a serious little look on his face.  I have had more than one cashier (more like a million) remark at how serious, how intense, or what an old soul he was.  I think his wheels are always turning.

4) He loves to interact…with the world, with the people around him.  If taken into a group where people are sitting in a circle, he will immediately crawl to the middle, plop down, and just soak it all in.  He loves to watch people talk and mull over what their face is doing.

5)  He is a sweet, loving amazing kid.  The minute his eyes open in the morning and he sees his Mom and Dad, his face breaks into a sleepy smile.  And in precious, rare moments where all his energy has run out, he sighs and rests his head on your shoulder.  He tries to share is snacks with you and brings stuffed animals over for you to hold.  He instinctively bops to the beat of music and loves to sing songs (or at least listen to songs being sung).  He fearlessly crawls all over our 100 lb German Shepherd, pulling ears and fur in the midst of sloppy kisses.

The world is a new and beautiful place for him, and through him our world is a new and beautiful place.