9 Month Birthday

Emerson is 9 months old today. He is growing up so fast and we can't tell you where the time has gone. Here is a little update on what Emerson is doing these days.

Sleeping. I wish for the days of old. Since getting a small ear infection related to teething last month Emerson's sleeping hasn't been the same. He gave up the pacifier on his own and it used to help him go to sleep. Now we just cry it out for a few minutes. We also went back to some night wakings with this, which no one enjoys at all, and those are pretty much gone. We are just up more mornings by 6:30. Fun! :)

Standing. Emerson will stand with anything he is able. We had to lower his crib mattress this last weekend because he began to stand in his bed. He was standing again this morning when I went to get him. (However his height is safe from falling now.)

Walking. Emerson is walking behind his lion on his own. He has been holding our fingers for weeks and walking and is getting more stable on his feet. He even stood alone for a few seconds earlier in the week. I am SCARED about the mobility we are about to gain.

Teeth. Still no teeth. We have been teething for 7 months now - and nothing to show. I keep praying that they will come soon and in a large quantity.

Eating. There still isn't a food that he doesn't like. He will eat anything you put in front of him. He has tried all of the fruits, veggies and meats that baby food provides. We have one left to try - sweet potatoes and wild Alaskan salmon. Sounds yummy, doesn't it?!?!

Emotional. Emerson has hit the clingy stage where he is all about Mommy. He will still go to strangers if I am around, but doesn't like to if he doesn't have to. He gets a little whiny from time to time.

Playing. Emerson LOVES to bang on things: the bathtub, tile on the fireplace, the dishwasher, just to name a few. He has also recently become interested in Madeline's toys - yes we do find a dog toy in his mouth from time to time. (Special thanks to Madeline for being patient!) He also is taking a toll on our baseboards. He loves to run his bus or any other object into the wall. Balls, balls, balls. Anything remotely round is a ball in his world. What is it with boys and balls?

Talking. We are still just primarily hearing "Da" all of the time. The rest is mumbo jumbo. He tries to make sounds you do and emulate your words.

Waving. It has been my goal this summer to teach Emerson to wave. We have a Hitler style wave at the moment, but am working on bending the elbow.

As I have been blessed with watching Emerson grow over the months I realize more and more everyday how amazing God is to make the sexes so different. Emerson is loud, bangs on everything and just plays rough - a little girl I saw the other day (about his age) sat on her mother's lap quietly and gingerly played with her toy. The differences are evident already.