Busy Little Bee

I took so many pictures the last couple days- Ethan turning 9months tomorrow is getting to me, so I've tried to capture all the last moments and excitement of his 8th month. It has been an incredibly enjoyable month, and I think it's the first month that I've truly enjoyed and felt comfortable as 'mom'. I thought I would enjoy the whole 'newborn' phase, but for as cute as it is, it is exceptionally difficult when you have to figure out every thing your baby needs and be with them every second, all while trying to grab a bite to eat and maybe take a shower, let alone remembering why there is a baby- oh, yeah, the love of my life(what a super-trooper).

I am thrilled that Ethan can finally be on his own for a little bit, even though he is going through his Cling-On stage: I know how/and what will keep him to himself for a couple of minutes. I love the fact that he has different gestures and noises when he needs something in particular, especially when cries mean "I'm still sleeping, but need to get unstuck out of the corner of the crib" and "Abba ba ba mmm a" means "I'm ready to rise and shine". His 8th month was incredibly busy in play and movement. He can push, pull, spin, pull things out/put things in; find/search for a particular object even if he can only see a fraction of it; walk with a walker; climb the stairs with my help; eat with his own little fingers like the food is going to run out of stock; discovered he can stick his little fingers through the spout holes of his sippy cup to make a suction sound- fun; finds his things funny on his own and amuses at his surplus of toys; likes to annoy mom by putting all the wood blocks back into the corner of the basket after she takes them out and puts them back on the shelf; examines every aspect of a toy (shakes it, bangs it, turns it over, bites it); delights in chasing and petting his kitty; loves to play 'spy' with Mommy- he will make an excellent agent; sits patiently, anticipates and searches for the "cricket" while I read him Eric Carle's book; and, as of today, block-stops my hand when I try to tickle the laughter out of him. He is such a sweetheart, such a fun-loving boy. We couldn't be more blessed, happy, and proud of our little one- he simply is amazing and such a good, joyful baby!

I can only believe that month 9 is going to be even more exciting and gratifying time for the three of us!

"Beep, beep, Daddy! Coming thru!"
Our little shopper.
Destination: Highchair
He's figured out that he can use the walker to get from PointA to PointB, and loves the new-found freedom!
Ethan being silly after dinner tonight. "Look, Mom, I can take my socks off!"

A video of Ethan playing.

We just got back from visiting The Greats- always a fun visit! Ethan is so fortunate to have such sweet Greats who are able to 'play' and cuddle with him!

Great Grandmom S. and Ethan.
He wanted her walker- it's red and shiny! :)

Great-Great Auntie S., Ethan, & Me
My 96year old great aunt is so accommodating- she was pulling out all her plush animals and balls for Ethan to play with.

And, since she goes online to read this blog: Your the Best, Auntie S.!!!! We had a fabulous visit!