Dear Axel,
So much has happened in the last month! The great news is that you completely recovered from your illnesses. You had a little cold briefly a few weeks ago, but nothing like we had experienced before. Now that you're healthy you can focus on fun things like getting into trouble.
A couple weeks ago we took you to Yosemite. I think you really liked it. One of the highlights for you was riding on the shuttle bus. You stood up in my lap, held on to the headrest in front of you, and smiled from ear to ear. You probably would have been happy if we'd stayed on the bus the whole time! Instead, we got off the bus, put you in your off-road stroller, and hiked around the valley. By hiked, I mean we walked around on the trails. You tolerated it all very well. Other highlights of the trip include eating in the cafeteria, sitting on dirty decks, and grabbing tree branches. Here's a picture that shows how much fun you had: 
My new job is going well. It's a lot of work, but I think I can handle it. This was your first week out of day care, and while I like it better, I'm not sure you do. You'll get used to it, and I'm making a point of getting us out and about every day. At least now I know I won't miss out on your new developments. At this point, you're nearly crawling, but it's still not official. I actually think you may skip it. You started pulling yourself up on EVERYTHING this week. Not only that, but you're starting to cruise. For now, they're just small steps, but I don't think it will be long before you're getting around all over. You're fearless. You see things you want to climb on, and you lunge for them. Sometimes you get to it, sometimes you fall. I'm extremely proud of you for all your accomplishments, big and small.
Let's see - what else... Vocabulary! You can say dadadada, mamamama, nananana, yayayayaya, gagagaga, bababababa, uh-uh-uh-uh, amongst other things. Plus, you've started combining syllables. I think you say "Uh oh", or at least you're trying to.
I have lots of things to say about you, but not enough time to say them! You continue to light up my days, keep me awake at night, and be the most incredible thing to have ever happened to me. I love you!
Love,
Mommy
