8 Months

Liam you are 8 months old today! You have changed so much over the past few weeks. You are crawling everywhere, into everything, pulling up, standing and you even let go of mommy Friday night and stood for a few seconds (with Ava, Grandpa & Daddy watching). It's amazing how much you're growing. We are so incredibly proud of you. You are so much fun to watch and interact with.

You weigh 16lbs (and haven't gained anything in the past few weeks--we're thinking because you've become so active) but mama is going to schedule a doctor's appointment just to confirm you're getting all the nutrients you need from me! We haven't measured your height in a while (we really need to do that) but we can tell from your jumperoo and walker that you are definitely getting taller (maybe you're working on growing up, instead of out?). You're still in size 3 diapers (and will be for a while I suspect, since the weight limit is so high!). You wear 6 month clothes, some 6-9 month clothes (most have some growing room) and as usual, pants always give you plenty of room in the waist and legs. You're tiny, but mighty!

At 8 months, Babycenter.com says most babies are able to do the following:
-Say "mama" and "dada" (isn't specific): sadly you only say mama when you are crying! "MAAA-MAAA"... oh I can hear it in my ears now and it makes my heart ache. I certainly hope you learn to use it in other contexts soon. And I always thought hearing you say that would melt my heart! So far, we haven't heard "dada".
-Passes objects from hand to hand: you've been doing this for quite some time now (daddy and I think it was several weeks ago, perhaps a month or two). You started with your tiny (and favorite) rattle at the time and have since moved on to larger items.

Emerging skills (half of babies can do):
-Stands while holding onto something: you certainly do.  Two days after you started crawling, you were pulling up on anything and everything. It took you a few days (maybe a week) and you also figured out how to sit from the standing position. And as I mentioned earlier, you stood for a few seconds without support this past Friday! Scared, surprised and excited mama all at the same time!

Whoops! Standing is no fun without a spill every now and then.

-Crawls: A few weekends ago you started really crawling (I say really because up until that time you were lunging forward and making forward progress, but it was slow and not quite as effective--but it got you places). Now you're quick (sometimes faster than mama). You enjoy dumping the dogs water dish out on the floor and most of the time mama is just a few steps too late!

-Points at objects: we haven't seen this little trick yet!
-Searches for hidden objects: ha, yes Mr. Curiosity, you certainly do. If it falls, you look for it. If the dog barks and he's out of view, you'll find him. If mama/daddy hide it, you want it (especially cell phones) and you set out to find them!

Advanced skills (a few babies can do):
-Pulls self to standing, cruises: you definitely pull yourself up to the standing position (on anything and everything) so we really have to watch to make sure whatever you're practicing this skill on is sturdy enough to support you. So far, we've seen you cruise around your crib and you'll use your dinosaur walker to walk around.

-Picks things up with thumb-pincer grasp: you are really practicing this skill and have been successful at picking up some cereal puffs (once or twice) but getting them into your mouth is an entirely new challenge! You really are giving this skill your all lately.
-Indicates wants with gestures: the only gestures I have seen so far is pounding on ride-on toys when you want us to continue pushing you around. You also pound on your highchair tray when you want more food (silly boy, where are your manners? ha!).

You also love drinking from a cup--daddy gave you a sip of his water when you began grunting and smacking your lips after he took a drink. Since then, you'd prefer to drink from cups but we do encourage you to use a sippy cup. Cups are a special treat!

You've experienced yogurt and peaches since I last blogged. You love yogurt--you actually lunge at the container when you see it. Peaches are also a hit, you mumble "mmmmm" the entire time you're eating them! Must be delicious. Tomorrow you're going to try plums... we'll let you know how that turns out (I think you'll like them; so far you pretty much LOVE any food we offer; I'm even thinking about trying avocados again!).

You've taken a liking to the ladies. You learned to kiss at playgroup last week (you have a crush on a little gal named Malia). This weekend you decided to practice your kisses with cousin Natalie. When she refused you (read on to find out why) you took a liking to her dolly (who was much more compliant). Unfortunately, you don't exactly ask your lady friend (or cousin) if she would like to be kissed. Instead you sort of demand a kiss by pulling your victim (ahem... lucky lady) toward you by her hair. We really need to help you find a more romantic approach.

You really, really adore mama (thanks lil' guy, I truly am so blessed). With that said, you're going through some terrible separation anxiety and even some stranger anxiety. You really cling to me sometimes, which is humbling, but it can be exhausting and insulting to those that want to hold/spend time with you. We know it's only a phase... this too shall pass. I already see you making progress (when we started at playgroup a few weeks ago you would just cling to my arm or lap, now you'll actually go out in the middle of the group, play with other babies for a while and then crawl back over to mama for a bit of TLC and then you're off again).

At home you sometimes just want to be held all morning or afternoon, so I do my best to meet your needs, but I do try to distract you with toys/books/etc. to encourage more independence. I remember you being very independent after you started crawling, so I'm positive this is just a phase!

You've been having some sleeping problems lately (mostly this weekend while we were in Hanford visiting). We're thinking you're not too fond of your pack and play (it's been a long time since you've been in it). So, we're talking about having you take some naps in it every now and then to break you of the fear/dislike.

At home you are waking approximately 1-3x a night and not doing very well with self soothing. We will let you fuss, but when you cry hysterically daddy goes running (he really looks out for you--you are very, very special to him). You've had a runny nose a few days now (we thought from teething, which by the way--no teeth yet, although you've been teething forever!). Anyways, we're wondering if you might be sick, so again, you'll be going to the doctor (hopefully they'll have an opening tomorrow) just to confirm you're doing okay. If we get a clean bill of health, we will try to get back to some (limited) self soothing (fussing, not screaming!).

Here are some random (but equally as special) photos from the past few weeks:

Presents from my Auntie Georgia. I love her!

You just love cell phones and will throw a fit if we try to take it away (and sometimes, it's just not worth the fight!).

You've got mama running around chasing after you every day--I am utterly exhausted at the end of the day! But, you're so much fun and it's so exciting to see you practice your skills and learn new things. It seems like you're trying something new every time we turn around. It's difficult thinking you're growing up so fast, but it gives me so much to be proud of and thankful for all at the same time. Here's to much more growing, learning and fun in the months to come... hugs and kisses my sweet boy!