Rhett: 9 Months

One of my all-time favorite pictures (for obvious reasons)

Age: Nine months

Stats.: 24.25 pounds (97th percentile), 29.75 inches (94th percentile), 19 centimeter head circumference (99th percentile)

Eating: Rhett has warmed up to foods other than rice cereal, sweet potatoes, and pears! He tries just about everything. It seems like he doesn't have a certain preference on food, but he will really only eat when he wants to. Some days he will chow down an entire cup of food and the next, he just shakes his head "no, no, no" at us. He knows what he wants! He loves his sippy cup and even drinks some formula out of it at daycare. We are still hesitant about giving him any puffs or yogurt melts. Rhett inhaled a puff at one point, and it was very scary. We will hold off on solid-like foods until more teeth come in!

Sleeping: In most cases, Rhett is now sleeping through the night. However, this is generally thrown off a bit when he isn't feeling the best. Rhett caught another cold about a week before his 9 month birthday, but we haven't noticed any more teeth poking through. He has had a little cough and a runny/stuffy nose. He is getting better though, and through it all is still a smiley, happy boy. Sometimes he'll make some whimpering noises here and there in the middle of the night, but he is able to sooth himself and fall back asleep. He is able to fall asleep in his crib better and better on his own (without being totally asleep rocking in our arms). He also is a side and tummy sleeper. 

Development: Rhett now has two bottom teeth. The second tooth just appeared out of nowhere and caught up with the first one. Rhett is still unable to crawl completely, but he is SO CLOSE! He definitely can scoot around the room, though. He has even pushed himself up in a plank-like position. Rhett is becoming so vocal and his babbles and giggles are the absolute best! 

Likes: Rhett loves playing with just about anything (especially things that are not baby toys). He is still enjoying bath time, jumping in his jumper, and riding in the car and stroller. He is such a curious boy and loves to open and close drawers. He loves his books and will even look at his book shelves when we ask him "Where are your books?". He likes to stand up (with the help of Mom and Dad) and even goes on Dad's shoulders here and there. He gets this very proud facial expression when he does this, that is so cute. Rhett loves clapping his hands to music and loves to touch faces (and pull my hair). Another one of his favorite things to do is look at pictures of babies—especially pictures of himself (but we can't blame him—he is one cute baby)!

Dislikes: It seems like the only thing Rhett doesn't totally like lately is being in his high chair. Once we get him in there, it's generally okay, but sometimes he will just start crying when we try to strap him in. We're not sure what this is all about! He is also starting to get upset if we take something away from him that he wants (usually one of our cell phones).

Clothes: 12-18 months

Rhett, you've officially been out in the world as long as you were in my tummy! That's a strange thing to think about! You have grown so much and are so smart! We love your curious, sweet, and silly personality. We are beyond proud to be your parents. The amount of joy that you bring to us and others leaves us in awe. We love you so much, Rhett!