Goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo

Today we took Reuben to the zoo again. He has changed so much since Australia Day, when we last took him. This time he could walk everywhere and he also stated to appreciate the animals- especially the cows! He spent a lot of time peering through fences and chatting to himself. Another highlight was eating an ice block which he got all over himself and us in the process.

I can walk!

Reuben has taken off over the last few weeks. He thinks it's a great game to pick something up and show me as well as running off with his latest treasure. This can be anything from the phone to a tissue.

Australia Day

Today we spent Australia Day at the Zoo. Reuben had a great time growling at cows and checking out the lions. After we got home, Reuben showed no sign of wanting a sleep because it was too hot. We put him in his pool and he had a great time splashing away as well as getting stuck into our sole surviving pot plant.

Survival of the fittest

Yesterday was a potential day for tragedy.

Reuben and Spaz have long since had a tenuous relationship- Reuben tries to pat Spaz (the cat) and she swipes him in return. Generally, Spaz just avoids Reuben but sometimes she just can't help herself and she lashes out.

Spaz upped the level of violence yesterday by going for Reuben's eye. I found Reuben sobbing with his hands over his face on the floor. When I checked him, he had blood running down his face which looked horrifying. Luckily she had missed his eye and whilst Reuben looks a bit bashed, he was fine in a couple of minutes.

The same can't be said for Spaz though. She is very aware that she's on death row. Mike ran around the house trying to catch her and I think if she was caught, then she would have lost all 9 of her lives.

As a result, Spaz has a restraining order taken out against her and so will no longer be living with us.

It was a very scary day for us and once again I realise just how protective I am regarding my little boy.

I am now 1.

Reuben has finally hit the milestone of 1 year old. So much has happened since his last blog. Reuben has stood by himself and has even taken a few steps!

We spent a great week in Port Lincoln and I think that all the exercise and activity has really given him a boost. Reuben climbed over everything- tractors, chairs, people and playgrounds. He has also come back really brown.

Running with my walker

Reuben has recently discovered how to walk/run with his walker. He loves to get up and zoom all around the house. He has also stood freestyle a couple of times as well.

My little baby is becoming a toddler....sniff

The temptation of Christmas

Recently we put up our Christmas tree and I have to say it looks pretty impressive. This year we have a real tree and from past experience I know that they are very unstable.

To counteract this problem, we have put Reuben's playpen around the tree to deter any potential disasters. This has worked well until yesterday, when Reuben discovered how to extend his arms Inspector Gadget style in order to reach through and grab ribbons off presents and to pluck baubles of the lower branches. He has also learnt how to climb up the playpen in order to gain some extra height.

This morning, I found him sitting in the playpen next to the tree, chewing on a bow off someone's present. Please excuse the battered and drooled upon condition of your gifts this year- they have been well loved by Reuben.

I had to be sneaky taking this video of Reuben because lately as soon as he knows I'm either taking a photo or video, he charges over and tries to eat the camera.