mmmmmmMA!

Jared finally started saying Ma the day after Mother's Day. It starts out mmmm and ends with an emphatic MA! On Monday, he would only say it when he was crying or upset, and now he says it all the time. Today he said Dada clear as a bell as Steve was leaving the room, so Steve of course ran back to Jared to see what he wanted. :) Jared has no idea what he's saying, but it is incredibly cute nonetheless.

Last weekend, Jared stood unassisted for about 4 seconds in his grandparents' yard. He has been getting better at balancing by himself, sometimes letting go of his support to hold onto a toy with both hands. And I can get him balanced and standing about once a day, usually for about 5 seconds. Jared has no idea why I start clapping for him after he plops down to the floor, but I usually get a smile for the clapping.

Jared LOVES the breeze in his face. He likes it when we're out for a walk, or even if you just blow in his face. He loves car rides now with the windows down. On a recent car trip, he had a huge smile on his face, was babbling and playing with his feet, just enjoying the wind! Adorable does not even cover his high degree of cuteness in these situations! :)

We went to the Library storytime/playgroup again. Our friends Karin and Ella met us there, and another one of my coworkers coincidentally showed up with her son, so we had a great time! Jared didn't want to participate in the songs as much as he loved to crawl around and check out all of the other kids. He is quite the social butterfly - we were the first ones in the room, and Jared had to crawl around and see everyone else as they were coming in. He loves checking out the small babies, and watching the big kids run around. When he was near me, he preferred to crawl all over and around me instead of sitting on my lap - I guess those days are over. :(

Jared is very friendly to everyone, and has started flirting with women already. :) When we go out, he usually has a smile for everyone, but is still hesitant for someone new to hold him. He had a great time playing with Kristy and Chris when they came over this weekend.

We went to the Piney Orchard street fair on Saturday, and were very impressed that they had arranged a jet flyover. Then we realized that there was an airshow going on nearby at Andrews Air Force Base this weekend. ;)

I will try to get some new pictures posted soon. I finished up our first 2 Gig memory card today, just shy of his 10 month birthday. I guess I'm surprised that it lasted even that long. Good thing we have a brand new one, ready to be filled.