9 Months

Sweet Graham is almost 9 1/2 months old so I better get this post up.  We are having so much fun these days with our little guy!  I could try and make up some profound excuse for my blogging absence but it's pretty simple.  Three words: Graham is mobile.  He continues to be such a joy and we love his energetic and curious personality!  He is crawling all over the place, it's like having an octopus loose in the house.  Nothing is safe.  He is also pulling up, so the low shelves are in trouble too.  We've had a few tumbles, bruises and tears, but nothing serious.  He's not cruising around the furniture yet, but it's not too far away...

He is eating a little more food, but not much!  Some days he is super interested and gobbles down his food wanting more...other days he spends his dinner time spitting and batting at anything I get near his face.  Our doctor gave us the green light to give him anything, so it's fun letting him try what we're eating.  He still only has his two bottom teeth, so we're still careful to give him pretty mushy food and nothing with skin or anything tough.  He's enjoyed spinach, zuccini, mango, apricot, lentils...and I'm sure a few others.  He does really love these Maple flavored teething biscuits that a friend introduced me to from Whole Foods.  As an added bonus he smells like maple syrup the rest of the day.  You know those little "puffs" though, the little cereal things that babies are supposed to looove?  Well Graham hates them!  He loves to play with them on his highchair tray but if one makes it into his mouth he gags and makes the most terrible face!  He hates the texture on his tongue!  Quite funny to watch.

Bath time has become quite an adventure as well.  First of all, he loves bath time.  We've bathed him every night since he was born because it calmed him down, so he's been used to the water.  But since he can now crawl...he loves to explore the tub.  It is so fun to watch him slip and slide all over the place chasing his toys!

Stranger anxiety has also hit in full force.  While he loves kids and new places give him something to look at, he only enjoys these things in the comfortable arms of a family member.  And even then, if the crowd is too big and loud, he really only wants me.  Is it weird that I think it's sweet?  On the days that I work, he is with either mine or Matt's mom.  The smile on his face when he sees them in the parking lot as we make the transfer would make your heart melt.  I know they love their time with him!  After a full day with them though, he is pretty clingy to me for the rest of the evening.  We don't mind this phase though because we know it'll be over before we know it.  When in his element and when he feels secure of his surroundings, he can't wait to crawl away from us.  This will soon turn to running off to play, wow!

We had his 9 month doctor appointment last week.  He's growing and quite the charmer with the nurses.  His favorite thing this visit?  The paper on the table.

Height: 26 in. (7%)

Weight: 17 lbs. 8 oz. (7%)

Head circumference: 17.5 in (25%)

We are loving this new phase in life even if it means many a tantrum and much time spent following our little octopus around the house.  Praise the Lord for his continued health!

Some pictures after church...