Eleven Months Old!

Jacob turned eleven months today. He is so busy. I happened to have the camera on hand for a couple of funny moments this evening. I was working at the dining room table when I heard the very distinctive noise of the television being turned on. So, I went and checked, and sure enough, Jacob could reach the button. Later on in the evening, he also managed to turn on his favorite DVD by using the remote. Like father, like son...

tv power button

As for construction news, I thought they were going to come today to begin putting walls back up. We still have no walls...

Construction Zone!

We've been very busy lately (which is why we have taken almost two weeks to post). After the New Year, John was sick for a day and then returned to work for a couple of days. Then, the rain started. Over the weekend, we discovered a sliding door leak and an attic leak that was causing some damage to a bathroom wall upstairs. Then on Monday, we had more damage in our living room and dining room ceilings. Tuesday, the contractor discovered that the dining room water damage was actually a pipe leak. We currently have fans and a dehumidifier running 24 hours a day, and they should start putting things back together tomorrow. I have included some construction pictures in the latest album, and will add more to this album as things progress.

Construction Zone

Also, here's a great video of Jacob with his walker out front. During the weekend, when it was too wet, we took him to the mall with his walker and he was a hit! Too bad we didn't get any pictures.

An Afternoon at the Beach

We took Jacob to the beach for the first time today (it's about time, since we live 5 miles away). Jacob was not impressed. He made fantastic faces as we let his feet touch the sand and the water. We also used our Snugli backpack for the first time.

the beach

Jacob's first Christmas!

Here are some photos from our first Christmas with Jacob. We have been very busy the last few weeks getting ready for lots of family to visit. Within a three day span, Jacob got to see all of his grandparents and aunts and uncles. Jacob also had his first haircut a week ago, but Mandi forgot the camera. Oops! We only had the back trimmed, though, which you can see in one of the pictures. There are also a few pictures from this afternoon, when Jacob decided it would be fun to climb into the shower and crawl around.

Christmas

Jacob continues to crawl and cruise all over. He can pretty much get wherever he wants to go, and grab whatever he wants to play with:



And he can even climb the stairs now:

Jacob Eats French Fries

Yup, he did. In-n-Out fries. Are we bad parents? Probably. But he ate. By himself. Something besides the bottle. We consider this one small victory.

I also included two pictures that show why Jacob is not allowed in the computer room.

French Fries & Computer Cables

A Typical Day in the Stiles House

Here are a few photos to show just a few of the typical activities you might find going on if you stopped by the house on any given day.

A typical day

Jacob "helps" with the laundry

Jacob loves helping out around the house! Here he is, helping Mandi sort out the laundry, and helping us check to make sure the washing machine is fully emptied out.