Graham at 8 months

Our baby boy, Graham Augustus, is eight months old today.  Oh, how time flies.  I really do remember the day he was born as if it were yesterday.  He has grown and changed an incredible amount in just this short span of life.  Here is a rundown of everything about you, my sweet boy.

You love your toes and will hold onto them even when I'm carrying you around.

You truly dislike a dirty diaper-unlike your older brother that could sit in one for days.

You love food-and a lot of it. There really isn't anything you won't eat right now.  A few of the things you like are avocado, sweet potato, plain yogurt, creme fraiche with cantaloupe, any fruit, chicken, salmon, beef tenderloin, lamb, oatmeal, beef broth with carrots, and egg yolk. I have to admit, there are times when I get you out of your highchair simply because it's been fourty-five minutes and you're still eating. 

You are not a long sleeper.  I could count on a two to three hour nap with your siblings but not with you.  You take a morning nap at 8:30ish and an afternoon nap at 1:30ish.  Usually, they last about an hour or so.

You have your two lower incisors and are your maxillary lateral incisors have now emerged.  Where are your maxillary central incisors? 

You've been battling eczema on your cheeks and chin.  We're trying changes in diet to see if it provides any relief as well as a few different treatment remedies that seem to be helping.

You began sitting on your own just after your seven month birthday.  You can now sit and play with toys for long periods of time.  Today, you were on your hands and knees but didn't quite know what to do next.

You adore your sister and laugh at all of her shenanigans.

You love to touch the face of the one holding you.

You always do a big "X" stretch when you wake up from a nap. 

You've developed quite an attitude and are now testing the patience of your parents.  For example, if I'm feeding you and walk away for a second, you scream.  We'll get through this.  I know you're just learning what we find acceptable in this house.

When you are put in your crib for sleep time, you automatically reach for your lovey or blanket to pull over your face.  It's your "thing" that calms you and puts you to sleep.  There were many nights when you were younger that your dad and I would stay awake at wee hours of the morning just waiting to be sure you were asleep so we could pull the blanket off of your head.

You love your voice and are yelling, screaming, and "talking" all the time.

You smile with your entire body.  Your entire face squishes together when you laugh.  You have the cutest nose that wrinkles at the bridge and a big, open mouth laugh.  Many acquaintances have called you "cheeks" when they see how much you've grown.

Your bedtime is 6:30.  I love rocking you until you're drowsy each night although I've started to put you in bed while you are wide awake and am finding that you look forward to your falling asleep routine.  You awake each morning between three and four for a feeding and finally wake up at six to begin your day.

Your favorite toys are my spatulas and silicone marinade brushes.  You love to play with your daddy's belt and also love your wooden toys.  Eebee is your best friend.  However, you are beginning the stage where you want to play with anything that isn't considered a baby toy.

You love bath time, especially since you have your new Primo bathtub.  You kick and splash until most of the water has spilled over the side.

We had to buy you a new carseat at seven months of age because you had outgrown your infant carseat.  Your siblings were in the same infant seat until they were a year old. 

You love your jumper. L.O.V.E. it. Delightful squeals always accompany the jumping.

You love to be scared.  You think it's funny.

You're bassinet is still in our room even though you don't sleep in it.   I can't bring myself to disassemble it and put it in storage. 

You make me smile.