9 months!

Ethan is officially 9 months-- as of Friday, the 13th (yah, both are kinda scary...). I took him to his check-up on Wednesday, and here are the stats:

Height: 31 1/2 inches (97th percentile)

Weight: 24 1/2 pounds (95th percentile)

Okay, so not quite the 25 lbs we thought he was, but close enough! He wouldn't sit still much for the doctor, and he just kept grabbing at his ear-gadget-thing, and wouldn't let up. The doctor called him "daring," and said he could see I'd have to be constantly on my toes with this one! And, he's definitely right. Some days, I feel run ragged just getting him out of things and away from things that could hurt him. When people warned me motherhood was a 24/7 job, they weren't joking!

Bruiser

 Bruiser normally refers to:

A big husky man. Often implies they frequently fight.

Says grocer lady: "Awwww... What a beautiful boy. Let me guess.... uh... 17 months??" 

Says me: "Well, actually,... 8 months."

Says grocer lady: "Really??? I'm usually really good at guessing babies ages. Wow! He's a bruiser!!"

 

Time after time, my little baby is thought to be at least twice his age.  But, he's still a baby. He's perfectly on schedule with all of his baby milestones, and some he's ahead of schedule.  People expect him to be walking, talking, eating all the "big people foods." I've come to accept the fact that my little baby-- as big as he is-- is absolutely perfect and smart, and even though his older-- yet smaller-- friends are walking, some talking, I never have to worry about my son wasting away or crying over any little fall-- extra cushion has it's advantages, too. 

Ethan:

Age in months: 8

Clothing size: 18 months to 2T

Weight: 25 plus lbs

Fact that I don't have to pay for a gym membership: Priceless

Sunny days...

Ethan became extremely fascinated with his stroller, while relaxing in the grass... Like he  couldn't do THAT at home...
      The "wind-blown" look
Eatin' toast and sittin' in the grass... Does it get any better?
    Well... I guess it does... Mmmmmm... Leaves....
Chillin' like a villain on the baby swing
     Posing for the camera...
Baby and his Mama
      Hair in my face...
  He would NOT stay on the blanket for anything!

Ethan and I had a wonderful hour at the neighborhood park today. We had a nice walk, totaling a little over a mile there and back. It was so windy, so the heat didn't really bother us. He was comPLETely relaxed his first time in the baby swing. I thought he was falling asleep! The grass was his favorite part. Too bad the grass in our backyard is yellow and crunchy... We'll definitely have to take the trek more often, 'cause he LOVED it. (And, so did I!)