Dear Ian,
Eight months have sure flown by quickly, and daddy and I continue to enjoy every minute that we spend with you. You have changed SO MUCH over the past few months, and you're really at a "fun" stage right now. You are constantly learning new things, and growing in every aspect. I wanted to recap all of the new things you've done over the past 2 months, and I had to go back and read your 6 month letter to see where I left off. Wow, you've changed so much since then!
I think that I can probably say that you've reached 3 big milestones since 6 months: 1) Eating solid food regularly, 2) Getting your first teeth, 3) Becoming mobile. To start off, you are eating baby food about 3 times per day. Mommy nurses you in the morning before work, then when you wake up around 9am, daddy feeds you oatmeal (with bananas) and another bottle. Lunch usually consists of a fruit or veggie. You love all fruits, and pretty much all veggies! You have another bottle in the afternoon, then dinner usually includes a meat (i.e. chicken and apples), rice cereal mixed with juice, and a veggie. When mommy is done feeding you dinner, you usually fuss because the food is gone. You like to feed yourself a Baby Mum Mum, yogurt snacks, or little puffs. Finally, mommy nurses you again before you go to sleep. Recently, you've started drinking juice/water from a sippy cup. It was frustrating at first because the hard mouthpiece just didn't feel "right," but you're getting the hang of it!
In the last 2 months, you've gotten 3 teeth! The two front bottom teeth and one upper tooth on the right (next to where you're middle teeth will be). We can tell when you're teething because you drool a lot and get pretty fussy at night. A little Tylenol and some Orajel seem to help a lot, as does just having mommy or daddy rock you a little while. You aren't really interested in the cold teething rings, but sometimes try them anyway.
You're (almost) crawling now!! The reason I say, "almost," is because it's not a true crawl. You push up on all fours (sometimes knees, sometimes feet), then flop down to your belly and move your hands forward. After repeating this over and over, you actually make some distance! It's not very efficient, but seems to work just fine for you. It wasn't too long after 6 months, that you got on your hands and knees and started rocking back and forth. Ever since then, you've just gotten stronger and stronger. You don't like being on your back, so you roll over to your tummy every chance you get. Now, you're also going from your tummy up into a sitting position. Yesterday, daddy had to lower the crib mattress because we're afraid you'll try to pull yourself out!
Bathtime is still one of your favorite times, you are sitting in the little tub like a big boy now. You love to play with your bath toys and SPLASH! Sometimes mommy is all wet when we're done with your bath! Recently you've decided that it is fun to throw your toys over the side of the tub (after banging them), and they land on the bathroom floor. Mommy has quite the mess to clean up when we're done! After your bath, we go to mommy and daddy's room for your massage and to read a book before bed. You generally are more interested in crawling around, but sometimes look at the pictures in the book. :)
You still love to play with all of your toys. We just moved your swing into storage because you haven't used it in so long You still like to play in the Exersaucer and Jumperoo, and you can jump like crazy in that thing!! You have such a big grin on your face with you're jumping! Some of your favorite toys to play with are Sophie the Giraffe, some keys that play "Hickory, Dickory Dock," a little green dinosaur rattle, twirly balls, stackable rings, things that make noise, and anything that's not a toy! (i.e. lotion bottle, snack container, etc.) You like when daddy plays with you and tickles you with his nose on your tummy...you laugh and laugh! You also have ticklish spots on your thighs and under your arms. You love to grab at mommy's hair and jewelry, as well as the quilt above your changing table. Recently, you've started grabbing at the cats, and they aren't quite sure what to think!
You are a sociable little boy! You play with Silas and Karly at Mikah's house 3 days a week, the babies in our LifeGroup on Thursday nights, and play with the kids in the church nursery on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. Everyone always says that you're well-behaved and a "happy baby." This makes mommy and daddy so proud! It has been fun watching you grow up with all of the other babies in our LifeGroup. Yesterday, we went to a BBQ at Justan and Shelby's house, and you got in the baby swimming pool for the first time. You tolerated it for a while, but you didn't seem to like cold water or the hot sun. I'm sure that in a year or two, we won't be able to keep you out of either!
We haven't traveled much in the past two months, just to Enid a few times. Nanny and Papaw came up to visit you in Wichita and you enjoyed playing with them! Daddy and Papaw worked on building our new deck, so you got to spend some extra time with Papaw when he was around. You also smile every time you see your family, including Great Grandma Leta and Great Grandpa Frank. It is so special for mommy to see you with your Great Grandparents!
You like to "talk" a lot and say, "dada," "nana," "baba," and several other sounds...still haven't heard a "mama" yet, thought! :) You like to squeal and make slobbery sounds with your lips. Sometimes we hear you talking to yourself in your crib when you wake up in the morning. Speaking of sleeping, you are doing so great! You typically go to bed around 8:30 or 9:00pm, then sleep until mommy wakes you up at 6:15am to nurse. Then, you go right back to sleep until about 9:00am. You generally take another late morning nap and an afternoon nap. You are so cute when you sleep. You always sleep on your tummy now and have your little bottom in the air....adorable!!! We look at you on the monitor all of the time!!
Well, I could go on forever, but I think I've summarized some of the bigger things. We sooo enjoyed being your parents thus far. It was so exciting to celebrate my first Mother's Day, and next month we'll get to celebrate daddy's first Father's Day. It's such an honor to be your parents, Ian. We love you!
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
