Nine

Tadpole,

This week you turned nine months old. Already. How did that even happen?

It seems that the past few weeks have flown by.  We've been so busy, yet relatively boring all at the same time. You got to spend the evening with Aunt B and the gang a few weeks ago while Daddy and I went on a date.  Unfortunately, we didn't get very far as the alternator went out in the car. Thus, our plans fell through and we had a romantic ride back home with the AAA driver.  The situation was actually quite comical and you never knew the difference. In fact, we were thankful you were safe and not with us when it happened. Of course, Daddy had the car in tip top shape the next day.

This month marked your first Valentine's Day. We put you in your tuxedo shirt and you brought some of your ladies red carnations.  As we expected, the gesture was a hit.  You're quite the ladies' man, for sure. I keep telling Daddy that he will need to teach you how to respect women and not be a player. He promises me that we'll raise you right and that you'll be the young man for which we hope.

Unfortunately, you've spent most of the past few weeks feeling a bit under the weather. You've gone to the doctor a few times.  Luckily, it appears that you only have a cold. Thus, there is nothing really to worry about at all.  With that said, I still want to make you feel better. Your eyes are crusted shut almost every morning and we're constantly wiping the 'schmootz' from your face. You look relatively miserable at times too. You even stayed home from school most of last week.  Monday just happened to be a holiday so you and I stayed together. Then, Daddy had Tuesday and Wednesday off so you stayed with him. On Thursday, Aunt K came to town for a pre-planned trip. Thus, you stayed with her too.  Your teachers said they missed you and seemed really excited upon your return. You seemed pleased to be back to school as well. Then, over the weekend, you got to hang out with Nana and Grandpa.

You also missed a day of school this week too.  This is due to the fact that you and Daddy drove me to the local university. I had a big presentation to give in front of my colleagues. I was a bit nervous and you and Daddy thought that I might need your support.  Not only did I not have to worry about driving through the snow in the mountains, but we all got to have a fun sleepover in a hotel.  We joined my boss and a few of my peers at the local Mexican restaurant.  You charmed the crowd and showed off your flirting skills when you engaged with a few local co-eds. While I was on campus all day, you and Daddy explored the city and got a hair cut (Your 5th one!).  Then, you came to the school and bought yourself an university sweatshirt. You spend the afternoon playing on the grass in the middle of campus. I think the presentation went pretty well, overall, and am so happy to have this behind me. You and Daddy made the experience so much better and I was so proud to be able to share you with my colleagues.

You continue to expand food palate. This morning, for example, you tried scrambled eggs.  You'll try almost anything at this point. Thus far, the only thing you really did not like was tortellini.  Your favorite food is likely 'Os'. You like pancakes, mashed fruits and veggies, bread, and almost anything else you can your hands on.

You're stellar at playing independently at this point. You really like containers (boxes, tupperware, etc.) and think the remote control looks neat too. You'll play with your toys as well, but prefer to know what we're using.  You like things that light up and make noise the best.  You still like reading and love going for walks as well.

You found your voice over the past couple of weeks as well. While you still talk and sing like before, you've now added this special shrieking noise as well.  You typically make the noise when you think it is too quiet or when you want attention.  While it hurts our ears, Daddy and I think it is generally funny.

You still do not quite crawl.  You'll scoot a bit here and there and then accidentally creep backwards at times.  While we're excited for you to reach the next big developmental milestone, I'm a bit thankful that you're not quite mobile yet.  Your new thing is that you like to pull yourself up -- on Mama, on Daddy, on furniture, or wherever.  You're freaksihly strong.

This coming month is likely to be a big one.  Your Uncle D is coming to town to say hi.  Then, your Aunt E is being promoted to be the Captain of her ship.  Daddy and I are likely to take you on a big trip too.

One thing that seems to be a bit more common as you get older is the fact that you have nightmares all of the time.  Witnessing this is sad, but luckily you are easily comforted. In general, you are such a happy baby overall.  In fact, people comment on this fact all of the time.  Seeing you happy makes Daddy and me happy.  We try so hard to make sure that you get the attention you need, get to interact with the world, and have fun each day.

Daddy and I continue to be incredibly aware of how lucky we are to have you in our lives. You compliment our family so well.  Each day, we love waking up to you. Each night, we love putting you to sleep.  Thank you for all that you bring to us.  Thank you for all that you are. Thank you for all that you will be.

Love,
Mama