Stafford's 9 Month Update

Dear Stafford,

Mama can't believe it but you are already nine months old!!  You've been with us longer than I carried you.  That is so hard to believe.  I remember how much was anticipated meeting you.  We couldn't wait to see what you looked like and how big you'd be.  Now everyday you are changing.  You add new skills, give us new smiles and present new challenges.

We had your 9 month check-up today.  You were 29 inches tall and 18 lb 5 oz.  You are still on opposite ends of the spectrum in height and weight, just like your Daddy.  Today's appointment was great because we didn't have to get shots!

You've reached a few new milestones in the last month.  At the beginning of April you and I traveled to Pennsylvania to visit your great-grandma.  We took an airplane!  You were so amazing on the airplane, in the airport and I was so thankful.  We had a great time visiting.  While we were there you showed off how well you were sitting up and eating new foods. 

Soon after we returned you started showing signs that you wanted to crawl.  One night Daddy was reading to you and all the sudden you crossed the room to get to him!  We were so excited!!  You've quickly gone from crawling to cruising and you stand up now the majority of your day.  We had to lower your crib to the lowest setting because you like to sit up in it and now you are even standing in it.  We often find you asleep with your bottom straight up  in the air.

You are Bear and best buddies.  He is great with you and allows you to play tug-of-war with him.  You have also discovered his food and water bowls and you go for them with gusty whenever you see them.  You also might have sampled some of Bear's food!

You are still wearing 6-9 month clothes and size 2 diapers although I think we will move you up to size 3 soon.  You love taking baths and you have started take more consistent naps.  You nap for 60 to 90 minutes in the morning and usually 60 minutes in the afternoon.  You are still toothless but that does stop you from talking.  You say bababababa a lot and make a lot of noise in the car.  You seem to like music and dancing. 

Your current favorite toys are your musical table, your elephant stacker and puzzles.  You also still love to jump in your door jumper.

You are eating 3 meals a day and so far you seem to like everything we've given you.  You particularly like bananas, yogurt, sweet potatoes, peas and green beans.  You've started trying to feed yourself puffs and cheerios as well.  It is amazing how one day you are unable to complete a task and then the next day you are an expert!

Daddy and I have so much fun with you!  We love watching you grow and develop.  It has been so fun to share you with family and friends and we are thankful for such a wonderful community here in Charleston!

We love you sweet son!!!

Love,
Daddy & Mama