NINE months

"Hmm. I wonder who could have just turned nine months on the 19th. Anyone have any guesses?"

"Hold on. I think I may know!"

"But this carpet looks real interesting at the moment so this may take a bit longer..."

"Oh, it's on the tip of my tongue!"

"Oh! That's RIGHT! It's ME! I turned nine months old!!!" Love, Andrew

The past nine months have been crazy busy but so much fun at the same time. I always say it but Andrew is a really good baby. Always happy, plays well on his own when needed (ie: mom making dinner, etc.), good playmate with his sisters, rarely fussy or cranky, Mama AND Daddy's boy, sleeps through the night (11-12 hours/night), generally curious, self explorer, has fun outside (playground & walks) - really, the list could go on. And it does. In his baby book. So I'll spare you all the other details. :)

He had his nine month well baby visit today. Such a trooper through the 2 shots he received - one being for the flu. He's a very healthy nine month old and is right where he should be with his development. Here are his stats: 18 lbs 12 oz (25th percentile - a little down with the percentage from his 6 month well baby but he's doing fine), 27 1/2 inches (25th percentile) and 46cm - head (75th percentile). Andrew still shows no signs of wanting to crawl. BUT he has been pulling himself up a little bit when he grabs onto our legs and arms while we're sitting near him. So he's becoming a bit more mobile as the days go on. He also loves to clap objects together and get our attention by doing so. He rambles a lot, making more sounds with d and g and a. I'm sure m is in the near future! (ie: mama!) Hey, I can only hope. :) Loves to laugh and make us laugh. Scoots in the bath and loves to splash the water. Plays peek-a-boo with his blanket. Sits really well independently and even stretches way over to the side or down to his feet to reach objects and then resumes to sit. Picks up finger foods from highchair between thumb and finger. For the most part, still only eats #2 baby foods but has branched off and has started to eat cooked peas, noodles and beans. Shy with others he doesn't see everyday. Looking like the two bottom teeth won't be alone too much longer. Some on the top look like they may emerge soon (HELLO top teeth!) - he's also drooling and chewing on everything.

The other day, we were playing blocks together and I noticed how he's looking more like a toddler and less like a baby and that made me kinda sad. I'm happy though that he's growing so well but sad that the baby stage is fading. I love it when they're so small and cuddly and have that cute toothless grin. :) But I know the next stage he goes through will be fun also so I'm really looking forward to more of his milestones and learning more about his cute personality as it blossoms.

Happy Nine Months Andrew! :)