Nine Months Old and Perfect!

I'm boasting a bit, yes, but this is what our pediatrician said last week at Gavin's 9 month check-up. She's highly trained afterall, so we appreciate her confirmation of what we already knew to be true.

I had one main goal this time in taking Gavin's 9 month photos-- properly demonstrate how big he is, especially his belly. This is one of the reasons (in addition to great fashion) that I dressed him in summer clothes (even though this outfit was completely inappropriate for the gloomy weather outside).

I'm not sure if you'll be able to tell how he's grown, so I'll also give you his current "stats" to help paint the picture.

Height 27.5 inches= 30th percentile

Weight 20lb 3 oz= 50th percentile

Head Circumference 47 cm= 80th percentile

(Note: at our last visit we thought he was heavier, but apparently there was an error in translating kilos to pounds.)

Add these all up and it equals a lot of baby in a short body. Combine with his mature head and it's no wonder people are often surprised to hear he is only 9 months. Gavin and one of his closest friends-- Curious George. They are sleeping buddies and Gavin always (yes, always) lights up when he sees George.

Mirror play is one of our favorite activities these days. Gavin is quick to catch a glimpse of himself even as we quickly move in and out of the bathroom.

Gavin has taken up reading. This is one of my new favorite things to watch. He lays down, picks up the book and talks and coos in a really sweet and high voice as he stairs at and handles the book. Nevermind that the book is upside down. One thing at a time.

Gavin is moving around but far from "on the move." Our little guy is still really content with a little rolling and manuevering to change scenery or entertainment. Tony and I are split on whether or not he'll actually crawl or go straight to walking. There is no doubt, however, that he likes to straighten his legs and always wants us to help him stand. Looks like he'll soon be pulling himself up on the furniture.

Gavin and his buddy George. This photo is during naptime (notice they are sleeping in the same position). Gavin is now sleeping through the night and after a couple of weeks I think I'm finally adjusted (not waking up all night). It's wonderful!

Tony recently decided that it was time for hair gel. Gavin had his hair spiked for the first time, but it didn't stay styled very long. At least you could tell that he has hair and it's growing.

Last but not least, Gavin in the kitchen with some of his favorite "toys." A pure and sweet pic if you ask me.

Notables

I've fallen behind a bit on blogging and realized that I have some fun photos to share before they are really old news.

Shortly after our trip to Mexico, Tony was able to take almost a week off. We headed over to Mazama (Eastern Washington) to meet up with Andrew (Tony's bro) and Connie and kids at their cabin. We had a nice visit.


The cousins headed home for Easter and the three of us shared a few quiet days alone in the cabin. We celebrated Gavin's first Easter without a lot of fanfare, but were sure to include some worship and the obligatory bunny ears.



The weather was cool, but with some sun we were able to enjoy time outdoors. Gavin had his first experience in the big backpack. We weren't so smart about bundling him up (we're used to the other "pack" we have that keeps both of us warm with body heat), but we'll do better next time.



In other news, Gavin is a champion eater. He will always eat everything he's given, even if he shows it's not his favorite, it's still food and he's not going to reject it. He's such a great eater that he's now up to 22 lbs. We'll go for our 9 month check-up next week and let you know all of the stats.

Eating times have begun to be a demonstration of Gavin's growing will and stubborness. He has learned how to tear off his bib and will push away the water glass. He's not really much of a stinker though and still throws us for a loop when he's fussy for any length of time-- we're just not used to it.


Finger foods are coming along, but Gavin still does not have any teeth.



We've had some beautiful spring days and have tried to get out and enjoy the sun. Last week we went down to the river for picnic lunch. We set up our little tent and enjoyed family time. Note: You might think the tent is useful to protect against harmful UV rays. You are correct, but we purchased this tent mainly with the purpose of blocking out wind and trying to absorb warmth from whatever sunshine is available so that we can enjoy as many days outside as possible.



Gavin had his first encounter with sand and it was so much fun to watch. He was quite intrigued and managed to be quicker than his parents and get a little bit of sand in his mouth. Not enough to spoil his lunch, don't worry. We're looking forward to a summer of many firsts and new discoveries.



This photo is in our backyard showing the beautiful grass that Tony has loved and cared for over the years. It's finally paid off.


The fishies are a major favorite of Gavin's. I often find him sprawled on the carpet, just gazing above to the tank. He thinks they are so neat that he will often choose to watch them instead of nurse. Gavin finds it quite exciting to get to watch as Papa feeds the fish each morning. At one point I thought maybe we'd get rid of the tank, but now that the fish are Gavin's friends, well, that sort of changes things. The fish are here to stay.

We send our love to you all and hope you are experiencing many blessings this spring.