hello toddler, goodbye baby

Riggs is eleven months old today.  Eleven months ago, we had just arrived home with our little (well, actually, kind of big) bundle of joy.  He was about 4 hrs old and so sleepy after the hard work of being born.  It was very snowy outside that day too, but I'm excited that today Riggs can actually get outside and play in the snow!  

He has grown and changed so much since then, it's dizzying.  He now weighs 21 pounds (33%) and is 31 inches long (92%).  As far as clothes go, his is now wearing pretty much all 12-18 month size clothes, but still size 3 diapers (he has a very small waist and hips). He sleeps 10-12 hr stretches at night now, eats and then is back to bed for about 12-14 hr nights of sleep, with 1.5-2.5 hrs of naps during the day.  He has an adorable toothy grin (eight teeth!) and his hair is really starting to grow in more, though very blonde and fine.

He is into everything, Steve likes to call him a little racoon.  Crawling is his main method of movement these days, but he pulls himself up to stand with ease and "cruises" along next to things he can keep a good hold on, like the couch or his crib.  He is just now starting to wave and is very excited about that, as are we.  And he is a very vocal baby, often babbling to himself, his toys, or basically anyone who will listen.  As far as words go he can say dad, mom, more (nana), papa, tree and dog.  But he can also mimic other simple words, like ball, if he's in the mood.

He eats so much now, but his favorite foods are still soups and smoothies.  He only breastfeeds 3-4 times a day, which is a little bittersweet for me, but I'm glad that he shows no signs of decreasing much more for a while.  About a month ago he started the separation anxiety phase, and he is still very clingy.  Luckily if he can't see me, he is usually fine with just about anyone, but if he catches a glimpse of me or hears my voice he'll usually start whining/crying and reaching for me.  It can be a little frustrating, but in all honesty there is definitely a little part of me that loves it, especially because he's been so independent since birth, happy with just about anyone.  

Everyday we see more and more toddler in him and less baby, I guess he really is growing up.  I love him so much and am excited to start planning his birthday party.  I have no idea what we will be doing yet, and don't have long to plan...so any ideas would be appreciated!