9 months- Andrew Caleb

It's amazing to me how BIG our sweet baby is growing and how much he is becoming a little boy.  Andrew has so much personality!  He wants to be right in the middle of the action- even if it means being hit by a ball- he is determined to be where his brother is.

With all this personality, he is reserved with new people.  Babies his age will be placed near him and will touch his face, talk to him, etc., but he gives away nothing.  Not even a smile.  Not even a wave.  He just stares back at them with a blank face (and that pouty bottom lip).  <3 nbsp="" p="">
Andrew is strong.  Like, hold him tight cause you don't know when he'll want to jump out of your arms.  He's very interested in the refrigerator; in climbing the stairs; in going outside.  He's almost fallen numerous times because a) he's that strong and b) you're not expecting it!  Thankfully, he has not yet fallen out of our arms.

Andrew wants your attention.  At the dinner table, during playtime, in the morning.  He wants to interact with you.  He loves to babble, to sing, to do hand motions with the song.  I recently read 'Tickle Tickle' to him and he loved it.

Though he is shy around new people, he loves and shows affection for friends and family.  His smile will win your heart.  He didn't hesitate at all when he saw my Mom - he leaned right over for her to pick him up.  He hasn't seen her in a month.

Our day-to-day activities change, but our framework stays about the same.

7am wake/eat
9-11 nap
11am wake/eat
1-3 nap
3 wake/eat
4 snack of real food offered
6 eat
7 eat
7:30 bedtime

Andrew is offered food 4 times a day in addition to his bottle feedings.  He usually chews on the food and spits it out.  He has been swallowing more lately, but nothing significant.  He recently had steamed broccoli and seemed to enjoy it.  He's also very interested in sipping from a cup.  I give him a shot glass of water and it's the perfect size for his hands.  He spills 99% but does seem to sip a very little.

He has more coordination than we were giving him credit for.  Previously, we thought the messy area around his chair was because of accidental food droppings.  Upon closer inspection, he watches the food drop over his tray to see it plop/where it lands/etc.  :)

Andrew is curious, determined, strong, persistent and fully engaged with life.  It's hard to believe he was ever little- he's such a big, strong boy!  But, when he snuggles into my shoulder after his last feeding and drifts into dreamland, I'm so thankful.  I'm thankful for these 9 months of his life and for all the future holds.