The "N" word... And no, it's not what you think.

No. We say it everyday. We hear it, we understand it. But what about babies? I think that my 8 month old understands. When I say "No, please don't do that" he turns to me & smiles that sly, I-know-I'm-making-trouble smile & continues on with what he was doing.When he is getting changed he LOVES to roll over making the 30 second routine change a 10 minute ordeal that may or may not require a bath by the time we are finished. So, I figure that he is old enough to learn the word & start to obey when it's used. But of course my stubborn little guy won't hear it. As he rolled over, grabbing at the railing- holding on with white knuckles, I kept up by removing his hand(s) and saying no. 30+ no's, 20 minutes & a frazzled mom later, we emerged from the bedroom. Once again he won. This is a work in progress :)

 Besides learning the dreaded-to-any-child "N" word, today marks one of the many days ahead of his trouble making. Today was the 1st day that he "broke out" of  his Bumbo. As he was watching Baby Einstein, sitting comfortably in his little seat, I ran to brush my teeth, came back & he was under the coffee table with the dog. He must have been planning his escape for days, weeks & possibly months waiting for the 2 minute time frame where I run to the restroom or to make the bed. This time he chose to dive in & escape. And he succeeded. He didn't even make a sound. Let me tell you, my son gets cuter by the day as well as more mischievious. I have my hands full!

                                  *Carter knocked over the laundry basket & climbed right in.... lol

It's so amazing to watch your little one learn & grown. I'm finding that it's a learning process for the baby as well as the parents. I know that he will learn the word "NO" as well as learn how to walk, talk & one day, very far away from now, drive. He is already growing up so fast. I wish there was a way to freeze time for a while. Keep him a baby for just a little longer. But I know that's not possible so I'm cherishing every smile, bump, bruise, laugh & new experience. I am so blessed to be able to be with him all day.