Will Travel With Kid

So, I'm going to be going to Oregon alone with Calder next week and I need some advice from all of you. I haven't traveled alone with Calder ever and so I'm a little nervous. I have three questions / concerns:

1. I want to get Calder a new 'special' toy for the trip. I'd like it to keep his attention for quite a while. Do you have any favorite silent (or very quiet) toys that would fit the bill?

2. The last time Calder was on an airplane he was 2.5 months old. I carried him in the sling and it worked perfectly. I can certainly do this again but I'm wondering if it would be easier for me to take the stroller. I won't be needing it in Oregon so it would be just for the airports etc. He will be 12 months at the end of the trip, is taking steps but not yet walking if that makes a difference. He likes his stroller very much and when we went to DC a few weeks ago (crud, I didn't blog about that yet) he took many naps in it. The sling is comfortable but I don't know if Calder would nap in it. I'm leaning toward taking the stroller but I think it will be a little bit of a hassle. If you've done this was it a big deal?

3. I'm worried there's something I'm forgetting. If you have any travel advice, please bestow it upon my comment section.

Cheese?

Mommy, can I have some cheese?

Please?

I love you!

I'll charm you. I'll really charm you.

I'll give you a hug!

And pinch your nose. You know you love it!

What do you say? Just one?

Note: If you're interested in the item on the couch behind Calder in this last picture check my crafty blog to see it in more detail.

New Haircut

One of the most annoying things about moving is finding new doctors, hairstylists and, for us, doggy daycare. This is the second time I've gotten my haircut since we moved here. The first time was okay but nothing to write home about. The second time was a. maz. ing. I love the way she did the bangs and the big body in the back. If you ever need a good stylists in Columbus, Ohio, just let me know. I've got the girl for you.

11 Months

Dear Calder,

It has been a great month but also a difficult month. You have grown so much! You've picked up two teeth and started taking small steps. I feel like you're transitioning from a baby to a little boy. Ugh. I'm not ready. You can do all the motions to '5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed' and love to use your ever growing vocabulary. A few new favorites are 'yeah, uh-oh, cheese and dee' (deebo).

You're getting better at letting other people hold you and watch you. When we were in DC last week you let the hostess at a restaurant hold you. I was shocked! You spent a lot of time with Grandma Kate today and didn't seem to notice when I went to get my hair cut.

On the other hand you have not wanted to sleep at all! You fight it so much. That is definitely my biggest challenge right now. You need sleep. I need down time and sleep. We're still working on not nursing to sleep, which doesn't help. I'm trying to enjoy this special time and I know it won't last forever. You're becoming quite the independent boy. I love you!

Love,
Mommy

Calder, future underwear model.