Look what I found when Eric was due to arrive home...

Nine Month Stats

Ian and I got to spend the afternoon together, just the two of us, as we headed to Dr. M's office for his 9 month check up. He loved munching on Cheerios and watching the fish while we waited for Dr. M. He's doing great and meeting milestones without problem. He continues to grow like a weed, weighing 22 lbs, 4 oz (77th percentile) and 30.5 inches long (94th percentile). Of course I had to go back to look to see when our Audrey met those stats. While she was 30 inches at 12 months (and then tapered off shortly thereafter), she did not weigh Ian's current weight until TWENTY months! How different could these two be?!

New 'do!

It is no secret that Ian's hair is a frequent topic of conversation. I have no idea what to do with his hair. It has it's own mind and no amount of combing will change it's mind. But, in many ways, his hair fits his personality. Carefree, laidback.

I had given him two haircuts at home but it was time for some professional help. So, the lady who has been cutting my hair for a few years offered to help me out. Audrey was not happy at all that her brother got to have a real haircut before her, but it had to be done. Wendy definitely got her work out, cutting the hair of a 9 month-old who she affectionately referred to as a "moving target", but it turned out great. He looks so grown up. (She apologized to me for this). :(

Nine Months and St. Patrick's Day

Ian had a big day today, turning 9 months and celebrating his Irish heritage. He cut a second tooth on the bottom today and a top one is starting to peek through as well. He continues to love all table food but avocados and seems to mainly use his bottle to only wash down said table food. We've recently discovered that jarred baby food though is generally rejected - he wants only the good stuff! Homemade, chopped, made with lots of love. We're continuing to introduce a sippy cup and his big sister tries to show him how it's done. He continues to say mama, dada, and more. He signs 'please' for food but usually bangs loudly on his tray instead of signing 'more'. He is pulling up on everything (safe and unsafe!) and is starting to stand for a few seconds. We got out one of Audrey's old push toys for him, and when his sister lets him use her "shopping cart", he loves it. He's also into playing what I affectionately call, Timber, where he pulls himself up on the side of the crib, lets go, and falls (usually on his bottom) to the mattress, bouncing up and down and laughing. I think he could do this for hours. But he really wants an audience in there with him. Such a ham. And such a handful! A little ball of energy.

His next dr's appt is Tuesday, and I can't wait to find out his 9 month stats. He has his first "real" haircut on Saturday. Can't wait! His hair grows almost as fast as he does!

Note: I got no good pictures of Ian in his St. Patrick's Day shirt, and of course I barely got anything of him for his 9 month pictures. Thankfully I could put the 9 month sticker on his back since he wants to stand for everything! I seriously had to wrestle him to the ground when trying to keep him in view, and it went downhill from there.

I *wish* I had his energy!

I so love this little boy.

Eric was told at pick up last night that Ian really does mean 'no' when he shakes his head. I know this. Eric knows this. We get a head shake often during mealtime. We know to hide his favorite foods until he has eaten the required vegetable. Otherwise, we get a lot of head shaking. And sometimes, some blown raspberries.

In his bag last night was the rejected homemade squash sent with him for lunch. He decided that, upon being offered some shredded chicken, that he would simply shake his head 'no' when offered the squash, and continue to eat this newest item on his ever expanding menu of options. And boy is he a carnivore! I've learned to sneak in veggies on a spoon while he's opening his mouth to self-feed the chicken. He tolerates this, and I avoid the now frequent head shake. And usually the blown raspberries, too.

Last night, after reading his favorite book (we get giggles with the book, Head, Knees, and Toes) and finishing his bottle, I was snuggling with him before he fell asleep. I started singing his favorite song, "Are You Sleeping?", of course modifying from brother John, to brother Ian (Audrey and I often sing this version to him).

Are you sleeping?
Are you sleeping?
Brother Ian.
Brother Ian.

And what does this little boy do?

He shakes his head, 'no'.

Giggles all around. So much so that his Nuk went a flyin'.

I so love this little boy.