The Boy - 9 months

Sparks had his 9-month well baby visit this week and his measurements confirmed our observations. He's a big boy! At 29.5" he is 90th percentile for height. He's tall like his daddy. He weighed 18 pounds 8 ounces, which is 75th percentile, proportionally skinny like his mama. Ha ha! Yeah, right! And he has a large brain as well, 90th percentile. He's following a pretty consistent growth curve which is what the doctor likes to see. It means he's growing well.

Developmentally, Sparky is right on track. What's he up to these days? Most notably, he has said his first word, Mama! That's right, both of my children's first word was mama! I do have me some mama's babies. Anyway, he is also pulling up and attempting to cruise and is very mobile (see post below). He has started on some finger foods and can pick up his cheerios and small bits of food, but hasn't quite figured out to put it in his mouth to eat it. He has 4 teeth now and working on a few more. Teething hasn't been too bad, but I'm going to get him a Baltic Amber Teething Necklace to help ease the pain. Separation anxiety and stranger danger has hit full force. If anyone tries to hold him he will, most of the time, cry and do everything in his power to wiggle out of their arms and back into mine. Therefore, the Bubby and I are pretty much attached at the hip. Literally. This too shall pass, right?

Night time sleep is great. He sleeps from 8:30 -8:30 most nights, although we had a bad night a few days ago. Naps are another story. He takes 2 naps a day, but they only last about 45 minutes to an hour. I am so envious of mom's whose babies take 2+ hour naps! Cakes never took long naps either. I guess my kids just don't need long naps, or I'm doing something wrong. I don't know, I just wish he would sleep longer for his naps!

Breastfeeding continues to go well, and doesn't look to be slowing down any time soon. He nurses five times a day - before his 3 meals, for an afternoon snack, and at bedtime. Our breaks in the day to nurse provide us with some nice cuddle time. I really enjoy being a nursing mom and can't imagine not doing it. Yeah, sometimes it's not the most convenient, but it's one of the small sacrifices that I make for my kiddos. The benefits by far out weigh the inconvenience. Being a mom is all about sacrifices, right?

So, my Sparky is growing by leaps and bounds every day. He is quickly becoming his own little person with definite personality traits and preferences on how he likes things done. His temperament is consistently mellow and easy going. He's all boy. It's a good thing because Cakes is all girl, and by no means mellow, and has more energy than the Energizer Bunny!