Nine.

Yep, I guess I'll just pretend that you never turned 8 months old, and just skipped right to 9 months. Truth is, I can't remember what you were doing a month ago, compared to all you are doing now {I've totally slacked} so here is your NINE MONTH post... ON TIME-ish.

That was THEN...and this is NOW...

Weight: 22 lbs [73rd percentile]

Length: 29 inches [75th percentile]

Head Circumference: 47.5 cm [81st percentile]
{What happened to my tiny, little baby boy!?!}

It seems pretty unreal to me that you've gained 15 pounds & grown about 8 inches since you were born. WHOA.

Anyway...

*You wear a size 4 diaper

*You wear some 6-12 month clothes, some 9-12 month clothes, and you've started wearing some 12-18 month clothes! You wear a size 3 or 4 shoe, when you DO wear shoes.

*You have 5 {almost 6} teeth.
*Your hair is finally growing...and it's getting a little curl to it, especially in the back! It's still a light brown, with some dark blonde in it. I can't wait to see how it ends up. And ah, you are tan. I'm so envious of your beautiful skin.

*You LOVE food. You have 3 bottles a day, normally about 7-8 ounces each, but you prefer the good stuff. You eat all fruits, veggies, oatmeal, and yogurt, along with turkey and chicken. You especially love getting to eat whatever mommy and daddy are eating, whether it's bread, rice, or small bites of any of the meals we eat! Now that you've got the chewing down with your big boy teeth, you love crackers, cheerios and puffs as well!
*Water is dessert to you! You love to drink out of cups & have mastered drinking through a straw over the past month or so...to heck with the sippy cup!
*You are still such a wonderful sleeper. You go to bed at 9:30ish, and most days, you sleep until almost 9! You take two good naps most of the time- one in the morning normally 11-12:30 or 1, and then another 3-5ish. It varies though, if we're out and about throughout the day. Thankfully, you are still so easygoing even if you're tired! I still don't think I fully realize how lucky we are.
*You love water. The pool...the bath...splashing in the sink... You stay in there until you're pruny. In fact, we celebrated your 9 month birthday with Susan & Baylor with a little deck and pool time!

*You don't really crawl yet, but you're still all over. You go from sitting to your belly, then you roll all around, spin your body around and reach for what you want. You're also just super content sitting and playing with your toys. The couch is a different story. You climb and throw yourself all over, and refuse to sit in my lap. You spin yourself right around and have even come close to diving right off the couch.

*You adore MICKEY... obsessed actually. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse & Dora are by far your favorite shows. In fact, you completely ignore me and turn your head from me if either show is on TV. Yikes. Same holds true when it comes to the computer or mommy or daddy's phone. What is it with babies and electronics?!

*You smile and laugh and talk non-stop! Really, you're just so pleasant to be around, whether we're at home or out in public. I love that it's evident to others that you are such a happy boy. 

*You are quite the little "walker." You walk all across the room now, with a huge smile on your face! Your preference is definitely standing and walking while holding our hands, instead of being on the ground crawling. So, I'm thinking you might be one of those kiddos that just skips the crawling. We'll see. Here's a cute video of you walking with Shayla {and squealing in excitement!}:

*You've become really talented at immitating. I think music class has helped this tremendously. If we clap and pat our laps, you will watch and then do it yourself. I've also noticed that you clap intentionally when you see other people clapping, whether it's at the Reds games or wherever. The most amazing thing to me though, is that you will repeat after me or sing along while I'm singing and 99% of the time, you are singing in tune, in the right key. I hope your musical talent continues!

*You are becoming so funny and I love it. Your laughing & giggling alone is priceless. You shake your head no at things, and when you dance, your whole body is into it. When you're sitting, you lean over to eat your toes and it makes us all crack up. I can't help but laugh at you.

I can't believe how quickly summer is flying by, but we've already enjoyed so much with you, sweet Anderson. There is NO job that could ever measure up to the blessing of being able to stay at home with you. Spending each day with you is precious, and I will not take it for granted. I hope your first nine months of life have been as fun for you as they have been for your daddy & I! WE LOVE YOU.