9 Months

Dear Zachary,

You're 9 months old, sweetie! Can you believe it?! Mommy can't! Where is the time going?! You're growing up far too fast. Slow down!!

You're becoming more vocal. You "talk" to us all the time and have the sweetest spirit. You are such a happy baby, unless you're sleepy or hungry. Speaking of sleep and hunger, you're a great sleeper and a great eater. You are sleeping much longer stretches at night. For awhile I thought you were officially sleeping through the night, but you switched it up on us recently and started waking in the middle of the night again. I think we're close to you sleeping through the night consistently, though, so I'm not discouraged. You are a phenomenal eater! We recently discovered the one and only food you do not like (yet!), which is yogurt. You make some of the worst faces when you eat it. We'll keep trying. You absolutely love mangocado (pureed mango and avocado), though. New foods this month, besides mango and avocado, are carrots and apples. We'll start some meats and lentils next month. We are enjoying making your food. It's great knowing exactly what's going into your little body, which is nothing but organic goodness.

It looks like you're about to cut your first tooth soon because your gums are bulging in the area of your top front teeth. Your sister didn't get her first tooth until she was almost one, so I'm not ready for you to get teeth yet. This is just another reminder that you're growing up. :( I'm also nervous about biting since you're still breastfed, but I'm sure it'll be fine.

The big event this month is that you celebrated your FIRST CHRISTMAS!!! You had a great time opening gifts (read: chewing on the wrapping paper and bows). Your attention span for opening gifts was very low, but that's to be expected. You got a whole new crop of toys that are especially for you, including several really cool trucks and cars. It's fun seeing our home fill up with "boy stuff."

You continue to pull up to the standing position every chance you get, and you're starting to cruise more and more along items. I don't think you'll be walking anytime soon because you prefer standing stationary to cruising and you're not yet standing unassisted, but I could be wrong. Time will tell.

Zachary, you light up our lives. We are so blessed to have you. You truly make my heart smile. I love you so much, son!

XOXO,
Mommy