FIRST WORD, new job, and other updates

Updates (meant to be written at 1 year, actually written 2 weeks later):

#1: FIRST WORD! So, I am very tardy on posting this most newly attained milestone. As I wrote awhile ago it has been clear that Joseph understands some words, but I have found it very difficult to tell when he is actually saying words himself. He makes so many sounds—constant babbling when he is in a good mood—that it is hard to sort out what is actually a bit of beginning English. However, 2 weeks ago when I picked Joseph up from daycare, Sarah (the totally amazing daycare provider) offhandly said, “oh and he said ‘hi’ a lot today.” When I was skeptical she told me, “well he waved and said hi to all the other kids, so he was definitely saying hi.” After we got home I realized she was right. Actually for a long time we have thought maybe he was saying kitty (“tee”) but never had proof. He also now says “Daddy” ALL the time as well as “uhoh” and he loves to point at things.
* Unfortunately our beloved kitty has gone missing. He has been gone for two weeks and we don’t expect a return. Very sad.
* Joseph is really starting to understand what things are used for and likes mimicking actions he sees. He “brushes his teeth” and hair. His new, very entertaining trick: If I hand him my cell phone he carefully opens it, puts it to his ear, and says hi! So cute, though probably also a sad comment on my telephone usage . . .
* His hair is out of control! It is so long that it is almost in his eyes when wet and not all curled up. I now have to comb it out after his bath and have caught myself thinking “if only I could use some barrettes.” So it is clear that the time has come for the first haircut. Just trying to fit it into the schedule . . .
* At his one year appointment he weighed 27 lbs 2 ozs and was 30 inches tall which means he is ON THE CHARTS for the first time since he was born! He also demonstrated for them both his charming happy self and his temper tantrum self.
* As reflected above we are finding out more and more about his personality. He is very opinionated. Persistent. He knows what he wants and what he doesn’t want. You should see him shake his head no. He can be the happiest most charming guy ever or he can FREAK OUT. He likes action and is happiest when a lot is going on. He is still a horrible sleeper and is crabby when it finally catches up to him.
* He is a climber. This is actually much scarier and dangerous then walking. Every day he figures out some new climbing scheme. He pretty much always has numerous black and blues. Half the time when falls though he doesn’t even care and just gets right back up.
* He is a very accomplished walker. He can bend over, squat down, navigate rough terrain outdoors, chase chickens, pretty nearly run, step over things, go anywhere he likes, carry things, drag things . . .
* In the fall I will be tackling my next big adventure: I will be teaching 5th and 6th grade part time (every morning) in Leicester, VT (nearby small town). I will be responsible for morning meeting, language arts, and math. I am so excited and also completely petrified. I think it is a great opportunity, but it pretty much feels like jumping off a cliff. I compare it to having a baby: you are never ready, it will be extremely hard, and I even plan to freeze some meals in perpetration. However it will hopefully also turn out to be totally worth it despite all the HARD work.
*Joseph gives real hugs now--both spontaniously and on demand. It seems like he is getting more cuddly as he gets older. Brad and I really enjoy this!
*My best friend Jenn is getting soooo close to having her baby. She is 32 1/2 weeks along. I am so happy for her, she is such a great friend, and I can't wait for her little guy or gal to be on the outside. Plus it will be nice when she can really understand what I mean by sleepless nights. Mostly, I just want to see the baby!! Place bets on what she is having on her blog if you like. I have predicted: a girl, 8 lbs, 15 ozs, 20.5 inches, on July 15 and I will win! All my love Jenn, Travis, and BABY!
* Today I planted my first garden (lettuce, spinach, basil, tomatoes, peppers, green beans, carrots, cucumbers, acorn squash, summer squash, and pumpkins). We will see how this experiment goes.