Dear Beckett,
9 months. This has been a rough one. I think you are becoming increasingly frustrated with your lack of mobility. You're a great sitter. You can pull up from my lap now. And you wiggle your way around the floor in circles on your tummy. You have started pushing up for longer periods, but you get so angry when I leave the room. Very clingy. You have definitely been working on more teeth this month too and that made our nights really rough for awhile. For a couple weeks there you were even back to waking every two hours again. This was really rough on me...physically, mentally, and emotionally. I felt as though all the progress we had made was lost! But I must remember that baby sleep is a delicate thing... And the progression is not a linear one. The only way you would go back to sleep during those wake ups was to nurse. So, that's what we did. Things have gotten much better again.
Before that stretch of many wakings, you had your first night of what many would consider 'sleeping through the night'. You slept for 5 hours and 45 minutes straight in your crib! And yes, I did wake up worried. But it was so wonderful to know you felt nice and safe there. And I know we will get back there again.
The London Olympics took place this month. Your dad and I LOVE the Olympics. They were on pretty much 24/7 in our house. In fact, we had fallen asleep watching the games on the couches downstairs while you were blissfully snoozing those almost 6 hours in your crib.
We spent more time at the park in the afternoons this month. And I have gotten you to enjoy the swings again--yay! You took your 2nd trip to Brookfield Zoo with dad and I. We were there when the zoo opened--us and all the other parents with nothing to do that day. You were really enjoying some of the animals this time. We were amazed that you were able to pick out the bats hanging from the ceiling. You also loved the fish exhibits.
Our town had its annual German festival also. Which meant you got to experience your first "Oompa band". You were quite the hit in your Germany tank and matching shorts and you did like the music. Your dad and I liked the sausages and pretzels as well. Next year you'll get to taste them too!
Favorite toys: Building blocks. We stack 'em, you knock 'em down. Things that shake and make noise. Two small empty plastic (wine) bottles (I know, classy). Great for stacking, banging, and throwing. Your activity cube is a new favorite this month also, especially the doors.
Favorite games: Knocking down blocks. Sliding off the couch. Watching dad and I puff up our cheeks makes you giggle like crazy. Walking while holding our hands. Horsey rides. I think taking baths is also a game to you. Hiding on the half wall.
Nine month stats: 21 lbs, 4 ounces. 30 inches tall. 19 inch head. Wow. Still 8 teeth, but more coming... Hopefully this next month! 9 month clothes are too short, so you're mostly in 12 month stuff, but also some 18 and, uh, even a couple 2T things... Sizes vary so much by brand!! But yeah, you're a big little guy.
I feel as though you could crawl or start standing at any moment. Your balance is getting better and better. I can't believe that we have started thinking about your first birthday party.
Tons of love.
