9 months old

Preston,

You are nine months old!

You turned nine months old on Halloween this year. 3/4 of a year old. That is crazy! You went to the doctor for your nine month check-up and your stats are:
19 lb, 10 oz - 25%
27.5 in long - 25%
45 in head - 25%

Your mommy took you, and was surprised to learn you have your first ear infection, and in BOTH ears! She was ALSO surprised to learn that you have three more teeth about to break through the surface. You are all about surprising your parents apparently. You are completely symptom free! You must be a tough guy.

This month has brought many changes. Most of the changes are on the personality front.

Your mommy and daddy have learned that you cannot eat ANY meat whatsoever. You tried to eat beef twice, and both times it made you very ill. Your parents are sticking to veggies, fruits and some dairy for a while longer. Even some of the combo baby foods like "Broccoli and Cheese" are a little rough on your tummy, although you love cheese and broccoli separately and eat it no problem. Your parents talked to Dr. Bubba and they are going to slowly get you off baby food completely, and onto nothing but table food. You will love it!

One thing that your parents have noticed lately is that you are starting to make preferences over food. When we put string cheese and cheerios on your tray, we mix them up, and you eat all of the cheese first, then the cheerios. It's funny!

You much prefer finger foods to baby foods, and sippy cups to bottles. Your parents had a goal to have you fully weaned off the bottle by 11 months, but it looks like you'll be fully weaned by 10 months. This will make your mommy very happy, because she is really tired of washing all of those bottles!

You are also such a little creature of your routine. It's pretty amazing to experience! A few of your mom's friends say it's a "boy" thing, but man, if you get off your schedule even a little bit, you are one unhappy child. Your parents will do anything possible to avoid it, even if it means being an hour and a half late to wherever we are trying to go! (Yes, it's happened.)

You are still a good napper (twice a day) and a decent sleeper. 

You are closer and closer to walking. You are all over the house, pulling up on everything in site. You really are into everything. Danger is still your favorite.

Your parents have also noticed lately that you are becoming better at expressing emotions. For instance, if you are doing some activity, we can tell when you are enjoying it, and when you are not. It is more than just happy, content and angry, which are pretty much the only expressions you have had up to this point in your development. That has been really neat to watch unfold.

You are also SO observant. Your parents can't sneak anything by you. You don't miss a beat. Your object permanence skill is through the roof.

You are such a little adult.You are serious in everything you do. You are a serious learner and a serious player. You go full force no matter what. Your parents call you a worker bee. You are busy, busy all the time. It's one of their favorite personality traits of yours, because your parents are SO this way. It's another indication that you definitely came from Brian and Cami.

Preston, you are such a blessing. Your parents aren't going to get mushy, because after all, you're a guy. But really, you are fun, you are smart, and you are growing at the speed of light. You are turning into the most delightful little person, with the BEST personality and disposition. You light up whatever room you are in. You are your parents pride and joy. Happy nine months!