Jack at 9 Months

Jack is 9 months old now. I know, I can't believe it either! I have daily flashbacks of his cuddly newborn sweetness (although, mercifully, I rarely think of the murderous nighttime feedings). It is blowing my mind that the holidays are just around the corner, and after that comes Big J's first birthday. Time flies.

We think he's huge. In fact, the night before Jack's pediatrician check-up, I asked Todd if he had any questions he wanted me to ask the doctor, and the only concern he had was the very same one and only question on my list: Are we feeding this kid too much? He's a bottomless tank. But apparently, one in four babies his age are bigger, because Jack was right in the 75th percentile for both height and weight (29 inches, 22 lbs 7 oz). So I'll stop complaining about my tired arms and spend more time smooching those chubby cheeks. He babbles mama, dada, bubu, and a couple other sounds. He loves to blow raspberries, make fish kiss sounds, and figure out other interesting noises he can make with his mouth. He naps like a superstar and loves to rub soft things against his face. He's cruising on the furniture, and for the past week he has been utterly obsessed with holding our hands and walking everywhere. He loves to stroll about, and when he stops to look at something, he holds tight to me with one hand so his mode of transportation doesn't leave him stranded. Jack is still as content, unassuming, and snugly as ever. He is a true sweetheart. I love his mellow temperament. He is the easiest baby that ever graced the planet, I swear. It's hard sometimes for me to remember to give him as much attention as I want to because he's so peaceful and undemanding, and Hazel soaks up every inch of eye contact and verbal engagement I'll give her, then beg for more. Every once in a while I pray in the morning for help to remember to give Jack my time and attention, because he won't ask for it, but I want with all my heart to give it to him still. I hope I can find a balance between my two kiddos so they both feel they're getting all the love and attention they deserve and want. I can easily see both of them feeling neglected even as I give them all I've got.