Where has the time gone...I cannot believe that Grady is already 10 months old. These last two months have been really fun and adventurous ones for our little man. Here are some updated pictures (I included my favorites from our weekend photo shoot) and news on our sweetie:
* At 9 months, Grady started "army" crawling. He's pretty good at this and still does it although I know he has the strength crawl based on all the other movement he does. I doubt he'll ever crawl traditionally...my guess is that he'll go from this to walking somewhere around a year - we'll see if I'm right.
* Also, at his 9th month check, Grady weighed 17.1 pounds (10%), was 28 3/8 inches long (55%), and had a head circumference of 17 1/2 inches (24%).
* Shortly after figuring out his army crawl, Grady started working on pulling up...as long as whatever he's trying to pull up on is steady enough, he can usually accomplish this or at least get up on his knees. His crib mattress is now all the way down!
* Grady's starting to enjoy "walking" holding on to your fingers. The girls love doing this with him especially, and my back thanks them for their enthusiasm!
* Anytime there's a guy around - Grady's probably hanging with him - maybe he needs to soak up their company as he spends so much time around girls both at home and daycare. Grady really hasn't shown much stranger anxiety at all, and he really is comfortable around adult men even if he's never seen them before - seriously, he'll just reach out to "strangers" talking to him/us and give them a quick cuddle and smile before reaching back to me.
* Thankfully, Grady transitioned into full time daycare really well. He goes easily to Shannon, smiles at the kids when we arrive, and literally attempts to throw himself to the floor when he sees the dog or cat - really, I have a kid who likes dogs!
* Grady LOVES music. He's a mover and a shaker, and it's fun to watch him bounce around anytime he hears something he likes. Grady will bop around when I read him books, too - I think he must like the rhythm of the words.
* Speaking of interests, besides music, Grady is starting to really enjoy anything that is "cause and effect" related. Other favorite activities include books, peak-a-boo, his activity center, clapping, doing "so big,"and watching the girls on the swing set while swinging himself! He's a pretty big ham and loves showing off and getting attention.
* Grady really enjoys his sisters a lot, and I am very thankful for this. He is both entertained and comforted by them and the feeling seems mutual. The girls are so great at hanging out with him in the morning and after work which has been helpful as I finish getting ready and/or making dinner, and I thank my lucky stars that Grady doesn't mind getting pulled, carried, and whatever else by them!
* Personality wise, Grady is a really happy kid. People comment on this, and I agree whole-heartedly. If he does fuss, it's because he's hungry or tired, and those are pretty easy fixes! We are fortunate to have an easily entertained, flexible, and smiley little guy!
* For the most part, sleeping is also going great. Grady usually goes to bed at 7. Typically he gets up once a night. He'll often wake up again at 5-5:30, but then he'll go back to sleep. If he sleeps past this time, he's up for good though. Grady takes a morning nap about 2 hours after he wakes up and another in the afternoon. Naps range from 1.5-2.5 hours usually.
* Grady is starting to like his paci more. I usually only give this to him at bedtime, but I find myself bringing it along in the car or on errands sometimes too. However, he only falls asleep with it in about 50% of the time and other times it's basically a toy, so I'm hoping this means he won't become to passionate about it making it hard to take away...I've never had to deal with this before as Olivia has her thumb and Grace her fingers!
* In terms of food, Grady is eating 100% "big boy" food unless he's willing to do one of the packets where he can suck the food out. I try to get him to do these at dinner because it's the only way I can get him to eat any veggies - he loves fruit but most veggies end up on the floor. Grady's not too interested in being fed by us anymore unless he's getting the same food that's on our plate! This boy is one messy eater, but he certainly enjoys the process! I'm pretty sure his 1 year check will show a solid weight gain!
* Grady really likes his baths! Actually tonight I literally caught him diving head first into the tub before I had even gotten his diaper off. He's a big time splasher and loves "grabbing" the water as it comes out of the faucet.
* Grady is done with nursing now and is taking a bottle like a champ. I have plenty of frozen milk, so I still feel connected in that sense, and his bottles during the day are 1/2 breast milk and 1/2 formula - we should be able to continue with this till he's one year. At night, it's very convenient to just do formula as I can get it the right temp really quickly, and Brian gets up with Grady now too which gives me a bit of a break. Honestly though, I pretty much claim most feedings because I love the chance to cuddle.
* And lastly, why do I enjoy the cuddle time - because it's so rare! Grady is one active little guy, and I've definitely begun to see that boys are girls are much different as babies these last few months. Grady doesn't like to sit still much and keeps us all on our toes. I took some fun pictures of this tonight, but I'll save them for another post!
Liv took this one...tired after all that picture taking!
