What a special day today is! I just can't get over the fact that you are 9 months old today, Benjamin! This is an extra special day because you spent 9 months (and five days) in my tummy, and now you've spent 9 months out here in our arms (and on the floors, and on the stairs, and ... everywhere)! How exciting and bizarre is that?? You have come SUCH a long way, don't you think?
You still have the 5 teeth from last month (you haven't knocked any out yet with all your spills!), and you just had your 6th tooth break through, the 7th right on it's tail! It's been a rough couple of days but you are a tough boy and you've been teething a lot better than I had ever imagined! Way to go! You are eating everything and anything now! You love crackers of all kinds ... you love chicken and turkey lunch meat. You no longer eat baby food - that stuff's for babies! You're a big boy now, or so you think!
I continue to be stopped in stores and have random people comment about how beautiful or pretty you are. We went to the Fair last weekend and so many people (vendors especially) couldn't help but to talk to us! You make mommy popular, and while I really doesn't like all that attention, I love to show you off at every opportunity! They also like to comment on how laid-back and calm you always seem. I say "seem" because you are so not like that at home! But we appreciate that you at least behave in public!
As for milestones ... you've been pretty impressive lately with cruising along the furniture. I'm just waiting for the moment you let go and just walk! You've stood by yourself a couple times! You love to wave at everyone when they come or go at the church building. Everyone just loves to see you wave and they aren't satisfied until you do! I think you only hold off for a while just so you can hold their attention longer! You can give high fives now, and I believe that is what you were doing yesterday morning during church while Uncle Preston was sitting behind us ... tsk tsk! You've also started blowing kisses (without the hand gesture - we're working on that), which is the sweetest thing!
As for your favorite games ... you love sharing your paci and anything else like cookies or crackers. Peek-a-Boo remains a favorite, and you have the cutest laugh I have ever heard! You like to chase mommy around downstairs and you like it when mommy comes to get you! When you see your friends (especially your friend Mariah), you just tackle them and can't get enough of them! I believe it's your way of giving hugs, but you have to remember to be gentle!
I can't wait to see what you do next! Then again, with your curiosity and passion for learning and figuring stuff out, I'm a little nervous, aren't you?
Thought so!
