Reyen is 11 months old!

This month Reyen has done a lot of things. I think the biggest thing was at 11 1/2 months she started walking. When I came home for Elsie's ortho appointment she was walking around. For the last little bit she was taking steps. 7 at one time. Mike said since after Reyen's nap she had started walking. She was very determined. Every few steps Reyen would fall but get back up again. She was so happy and kept walking. Watching this little baby amazed me at how loving, forgiving, happy, determined little ones are. Reyen is full of so much love. She endures all her siblings carrying her and puts up with so much. I think with this little one we have been blessed with a peacemaker. She seems to calm all of us down and bring smiles to our faces.

Reyen loves to swing. She often gets in the swing and loves to go high. Dad would have never done that with his first kids. Well, this girl is ever learning. She has also started swinging on the big kid swing with no help. She holds on great and is so happy she is doing it all by herself. She doesn't go very high but for her that's ok.

With the weather suddenly heating up we have made it to a few splash parks. The first time I dressed Reyen up in her swimsuit she had no reservations. I was worried she wouldn't like it but she had not fears. She took off and ran around everywhere. The only time she stopped was when her brothers picked her up or a big boy said hi to her. Reyen froze, tilted her head to the side and stared at the boy. That is her shy look. I want to video it because it's hilarious with all her uncles. Reyen is really shy with strangers that are adults. Don't even think about picking her up or looking at her until she gets comfortable. It only takes five minutes but is oh so cute.

Here we went to the splash park with cousins. The kids loved it and can't wait until they come again.

Reyen still has 2 naps a day. If one is short the next is long. If it's afternoon she gets cranky. She has a nap before we pick Elliot up from kindergarten at 11:00. This particular day she was exhausted and I didn't want to wake her. She definitely has a favorite blanket. It's a soft, heavy blanket. With the weather being warm she often wakes up sweating. I have tried to have her lay on it and cover her with a lighter blanket but she still manages to get that thing on top of her. She looked so peaceful. She did not want to get up.

Reyen loves to go on rides. We bike to get Elliot and she often wants to go for more rides. Here she is wanting to go again.

On the days Reyen has short morning naps we go to the library for storytime. This time they actually had a dance time. Camden laid on my lap watching and Reyen went around with the big kids dancing. She really loved it.

Reyen found bubbles. She didn't know what they were.

Reyen is getting more comfortable on the trampoline and is actually starting to try and bounce. She only likes it with one sibling on with her which makes all her brothers sad. They boys have found it funny to shock her on the tramp when she looks like this. Rylan bursts out laughing. She looks hilarious!

Here's our happy Reyen ready for bed.