8 Months Old Today

Did I really just write that? 8 months old? No way, my little man. I just can't even begin to figure out where the time has gone. How far we have come in 8 months! You are every bit the joy--and much, much more--that you were the first moment I saw you. On one hand, it seems like you've been with us forever; on the other; it seems like we just found out we were going to be having a baby. I cried a couple of weeks ago when I packed up all your 0-9 months clothes. I'm happy to be where we are; it's just that so many memories of you in those precious outfits--even just onesies you wore often--flooded back, and it broke my heart. At least they are good memories! :)

We are really enjoying life with you, and you are enjoying life with us it seems. I feel like I know so much about your little personality, and I see so many wonderful qualities in you. These days, you are a pretty busy little fella. You are so curious about the world around you, and nothing stops you from exploring it! You have bumped your head, fallen down, fallen backwards, forwards, any which way you could possibly fall, but you are bound and determined to keep on going. You are always trying to move on to the next thing. Of course, I am a nervous wreck watching you because you have absolutely no fear.

The other day, you were "couch diving". How does one couch dive, you might ask?

1. Pull up and stand facing couch with both hands.
2. Let one hand go, look down at the ground and look up at Mama (just to make sure she's watching.)
3. Turn to one side and let the other hand go.
4. Lift up your arms slightly to pull them away from the couch.
5. Fall straight to the ground and land on your stomach, letting your hands break the fall.

At first I thought this was a mistake, but as I sat there and watched you do it SEVEN times, I realized it wasn't!! What in the world?! You are a TRUE boy!!! You already have that thirst for adventure...oh goodness!

You focus really hard when you're playing with your toys, and I love that about you. It cracks me up how intently you examine things. I am always laughing and telling you to "lighten up", but then, who am I to tell anyone to lighten up?! ;) Another funny thing that you do is crawl OVER whatever is in your way to get where you are going. It would be so much easier to go around some of these objects, but you are not about taking the easy way out.

You are hilarious when you chase us or want us to chase you. I love when you see me coming at you out of the corner of your eye and you get so tickled you can't even move. Your little personality is contagious. I wish I could bottle up your little chuckles and laughs because they are the best sounds I have ever heard. You laugh with your soul.

You are enjoying your meal times. You eat oatmeal or rice cereal with fruit for breakfast. I usually give you something that you can pick up, too, like toast or puffs. Just this week you have begun to self feed a little. Before, you would just play with the food I put on your tray. (You still do that, too!) You cram your whole hand in your mouth, and usually something makes it in there. Don't worry, you'll get better! You like to play in your high chair, and I like spending this time with you. We are working on Baby Signs, too, so breakfast usually lasts almost an hour by the time we do all this, talk about our day, and you drink your bottle. I have given you all sorts of baby foods (meats, veggies, and fruits), and you like them all--except peas! You hate them. You spit them out, haha! The only solid foods you have tried are bits of noodles, avocado, Puffs, wheat bread, Kix, cooked carrots and a few other vegetables. You have also tried--and loved--fresh pineapple. Another huge milestone for you this month--your first spaghetti! Very important for a little guy who is 1/8 Italian!!! =) You also tried lasagna and loved it. (I'm talking about Gerber 3rd foods if y'all are curious.) I figured your Paw Paw would be happy if I gave you Italian food before Mexican food!!! ;)

You love watching the Backyardigans. They really hold your attention, and mine, too! That's really the only TV show you watch when I remember to DVR it. If not, I just turn on our favorite episode about the Pirates. "A Pirate says Arrrh!"

We find all sorts of things to do to keep us entertained, and we are quite a pair. We have been doing lots of play dates, story time at the library, playing at the park, walking in our neighborhood (you like to ride in your push buggy--and I'm quite pleased that you have proper "10 & 2" hand positioning on your steering wheel.) You also have some activities you do very often...some of them daily!

Chewing on anything! You got your 2 lower [center] teeth this month.


Exploring the house (and keeping Mommy on her toes!)


Pulling up on everything (cute tooshy!)

Watching the Backyardigans

Looking guilty (and rightfully so most of the time!)

Learning to share your toys (C-line pictured here.) You spend a lot of time at church with your friends in the nursery...Mother's Day Out on Tuesdays...playdates, etc.

Swinging with your new friend, Ellie


Playing with Daddy

Fighting sleep (which is especially cute when you are wearing Latham's puppy dog hat!) You still suck your thumb when you are tired, stressed, or hungry.

Being silly!

Looking handsome before school (must impress the ladies!)


Enjoying your bath

Playing hard!

Playing in Mommy's nail polish (you love to bang them together!) Daddy hates you playing in my girly things! Haha.

Learning to feed yourself (and going cross-eyed in the process!)

Loving your meals!

Being a happy little man (most of the time!)


Looking forward to what this 9th month will bring!
Love you, Doodle Bug!!!
Love,
Mama & Dada