Update

These days, Talon is in fact walking. He toddles all over the house and can often be seen running. In fact, I think he practiced running before walking.

Talon has become quite the little chatter box. I can't tell you exactly what he talks about, but he babbles away like he's telling himself a story. Sometimes he might appear to talk to one of us, and we have to just pretend to converse with him. His facial gestures are the cutest. If he doesn't like something we've done or said to him, he might give us a look of "oh really" with eyebrows raised and an "O" shape to his mouth, then he might lightly tap us (or a piece of furniture) with his hand in protest. It's usually very gentle which makes it even funnier. Talon has also started singing. Again, I cannot tell you what he sings about, but it sounds very similar to his regular chatter, but has a melodic tone to it. It's really quite cute.

Talon's fascination with Brody has intensified. He wants so very badly to play with Brody, but it usually ends up with one of them getting into trouble for not playing nice. As a result, unfortunately, Brody often gets sent to the bedroom either as a punishment to him or to rescue him from Talon. Talon likes to sit on Brody, lay on him, bounce on him, stand on him, hit him, you name it. While some of it is cute (i.e. when he lays up against Brody or snuggles with him), Brody doesn't seem to share the sentiment. We have taught Talon how to pet Brody nicely, and he's so good at it that if we say to him at any time "nice puppy" he will start waving his hand back and forth in the air like he's gently petting the dog. If only he did that more often, he and Brody could become fast friends. As of now, the only time Brody goes near Talon is when Talon is in his high chair and Brody sits underneath Talon's chair waiting for droppings either by accident or as tokens of love from Talon. In fact, that's one way Talon let's us know he's finished eating - he starts dropping his food onto the floor for Brody one piece at a time - and giggles about it.

Let's see, what else has this little tyke been up to? We've had lots of company the past couple months. His oldest sister, Brooke, came to visit us in August. I think Talon and Brooke got along very well. Talon really enjoyed snatching her cell phone whenever he found it laying somewhere/anywhere. He was always kind though and gave it back to Brooke when she held out her hand and asked for it back.

Aunt Patti & cousin Seth came to visit at the end of August as well. We went to the Phoenix Zoo while they were here, which was Talon's first trip to the zoo. We didn't stay long because it was pretty hot out, but I think Talon enjoyed the outing and especially the children's petting zoo.

Finally, Grandma Z. was just out here to visit this past week. Talon showed her all his new tricks, and I think they had fun together.

Toys... Lately Talon has been interested in puzzles - the wooden ones, some with the plastic pegs for easy handling. His play basically consists of us putting the puzzles together for him and then him rearranging the pieces afterwards.

Talon at 14 months old