9 Months Old

I know I say this every single month, but I really can't believe we've hit 9 months already! Time is just flying here at casa de Lincoln. Things started getting pretty exciting here this past month with all of Maxton's accomplishments.

I actually began writing things down this month in a little journal that I keep on the coffee table. Whenever I see him doing something new or noteworthy I write it down so I can reference it for these updates and his scrapbook that I'm working on. So, I apologize in advance for droning on and on about my amazing son and his huge milestones this past month. The more organized me will be much lengthier, I'm sure.

Let's start with the basics. At Max's 9 month appointment he weighed in at 20 pounds 5 ounces and 29 inches long. He's grown considerably in length, but barely at all in weight. He's beginning to even out and all of his new movement this month apparently slimmed him down some.

That leads me to his new-found mobility. He began crawling this month! I originally didn't call this thing he does crawling. It's army crawling. However, I was informed by my doctor that he is, indeed, crawling. I guess he may never get up on his knees and actually crawl that way, but he can definitely get where he wants to be now via the army crawl. The look in his eyes when he sees that item he just has to have across the room is so focused and driven it makes me laugh. It also makes me let him have whatever he's crossed the room for - haha! In other mobility news, he also began pulling himself up on things this month. His little piano, his jumper, the couch, mommy and daddy... anything is fair game, really. He has little interest in being on his tummy or back. He's a standing man. He's also been taking some assisted steps with Ritchie as I am in no hurry to rush the walking. The assisted stepping is super cute, I must admit. My favorite trick is his ability to go from tummy to sitting by doing a push up and then twisting his body until his butt defaults and hits the floor. Not only is it adorable, but it saves me lots of energy picking him up into a sitting positions when he's laying on his tummy crying. With his face on the floor. Yeah... so glad those days are ending.

His teething this month has been pretty bad. Sadly, all that pain and no teeth to show for it yet. But he's eating really well with the two teeth he's got. His menu has expanded exponentially this month with the introduction of chicken, rice, cherries, apricots, bread, pancakes, cheerios (oh, the cheerios - how he loves the cheerios) mangoes, melons, and cheese. He basically eats what we eat for dinner (except when we order pizza - which is hardly EVER. No, we NEVER have pizza).

This month we've noticed that Max has fallen in love with animals. Any animal he sees he will squeal at and begin to laugh and wiggle to get out of our arms so he can go get it! His love of animals makes our appreciation for Gracie begin to return. Our poor pup has been so neglected and is slowly squirming her way back into her spot in our new family. Max also has shown a love for music this month! He loves when mommy sings to him and he's all smiles when we play with musical instruments. He began a music class this month and the big drum is his favorite. Now that he's learned how to drum, he drums all over town. Tables, laps, the floor, your water bottle. The world is his drum. Swimming is another favorite of Max's and his swimming class on Monday's is one of the highlights of his week. He loves to splash and doesn't mind putting his "eyes in" at all! It helps that the water is, like, 95 degrees and that mommy's in the water with him.

This month gave us a perfectly blissful sleeping pattern. Max typically goes to bed around 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. and wakes between 6:00 and 6:30 for a quick nursing before returning to sleep until between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. He then naps for 2-2 1/2 hours in the morning and usually another 45 minutes to an hour in the afternoon. He's a very, very well rested little boy.

* of course as I say this he is crying avoiding sleep and we're having to Ferber him - so, with each month it definitely changes.

A few behavioral changes have been made this month as well. He's learned how to shake his head "no" and he really means it! When he doesn't want a particular food, or he doesn't want me digging whatever little treasure he found on the floor out of his mouth, he just shakes his head "no" at us with vigor! I thought we had until at least 2 years of age for that, but I suppose we didn't luck out on that one. Separation anxiety has been in full force this month and anytime we leave the room or even turn our backs he begins to wail his disapproval. It's not particularly enjoyable to have him crying anytime we want to pee, but it is flattering that he always wants us near him.

But my favorite report of the month is that he is now hugging. Big. Tight. Bear hugs. Pure, heart-melting bliss those hugs are. He hugs me like he never wants to let go and I don't ever, ever want him to. I love our little boy and cherish every moment we spend with him.

So much personality is sprouting forth!
His permanent faux-hawk!
Overall a very happy, loving baby boy.
We love you, Maxton James.