Happy Nine, Carter!

  

 

Carter Michael, you are nine whole months old. Every Mama says the same thing each month. Every month it's more. You're more fun! We love you more! You do more, see more, eat more! And truer words have never been spoken. Some say "Trouble" should be your middle name, but I think it should be "Explorer." Or maybe "Handsome." Yes, definitely "Handsome."

 

Sweet boy, what a month it's been. You are growing and learning by leaps and bounds. It's been nothing short of a sheer blessing to watch as you discover more of the world around you, learning new things every day!

 

You began crawling on Easter Sunday. After months of "rocking" on all fours, it was as if you suddenly decided, "today's the day! I'm going to crawl!" And just like that, you were off. Both Daddy and Gammie were there to see you take your first "crawls" and you can bet it made each of them the happiest Daddy and Gammie on the planet. Needless to say, you've been unstoppable ever since.

 

We lowered your crib down to it's lowest setting after waking up to you standing in there, as if to say, "Hey, Ma! It's breakfast time and I'm ready!" You're pulling yourself up on everything you can get your hands on. This includes your Mama and Daddy, the Sheepie, the couch, the steps and especially Sheepie's water bowl. It's your favorite place to play.

 

You say "Mama" and even pointed to a picture of a lady with long brown hair in a magazine and announced to Gammie, "Mama!" I couldn't make this up, as Gammie was there to see it! You're such a smart one, Little C!


Speaking of Mama, I've said it before and I'll say it again. You are certainly your Mama's child. Zero patience and a tantrum thrown the second you don't get your way. You ball up your fists and smack the ground, crying big fat crocodile tears the minute I redirect you from a "no-no." Like Mama's DSLR. It's your favorite toy. {Mommy's too!}

 

You've also started saying, "Uppph!" when you want something. You outstretch those arms, wiggle those hands and say "Uppph" over and over and over again until you're given what you desire. At first we thought it was you, asking for "Up!" But then we realized you say it all the time.

 

At any given moment, when left to your own devices, you love doing "So Big!" and then clapping for yourself. You get the aboslutle biggest kick over clapping and excitedly yell "Aaaaaaaay!" when you do. It's definitely Mama's favorite trick.

 

Your hair is coming in curly behind your ears and along your neck. The minute it gets wet or you're hot and sweaty, those curls spring out in full force! Hopefully you've inherited Daddy's blonde curls! As he likes to say, "The curls get the girls!"

 

So many new tastes this month, Sweet boy! You started noming on yogurt, kiwi, blueberries and acorn squash with brown sugar and cinnamon. We still haven't found any food you don't like! We've also just recently started table food and boy, are you one fiercely independent child. You LOVE banana chunks rolled on graham cracker dust and will throw the biggest tantrum if Mama doesn't make them for you fast enough. You also love to snack on baked sweet potato fries! 

 

You attended your first Baby Shower this month and everyone couldn't get over how well-behaved and what an absolute happy baby you are. Everyone is ALWAYS telling Mama how observent, alert and smiley you are! As if I didn't know! But it's so true, Carter. Such a mellow little man, always going with the flow! 

 

You're still taking only one nap per day. In the beginning of the month, it was never for more than 30 minutes, but lately you've been going down for at least an hour. It's truly Mama's saving grace! 

With the warm weather rolling in, we've been heading out to the park a lot. You love the swings but loathe the slide! Big, fat crocodile tears will stream down your face when I sit you at the bottom of the big, yellow slide! 

You also don't care much for your jogging stroller. That was $400 well spent. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that there isn't a snack tray attached and lord knows, you love your snacks. Hopefully we'll remedy this soon! 

 

You celebrated your First Easter in New Jersey with Gammie and Poppy where you proceeded to fall asleep during Mass. The Bunny was very kind to you and you loved tearing through your basket pulling out all of your treats! 

 

You cut your third tooth this month, your top middle left. The right one isn't very far behind at all! Once again, Motrin and Hyland's Teething Gel are our go-to's. You also love to nom all over those cheap frozen teething rings.  

Speaking of things you loathe, elevators are the devil. The dryer runs a close second to being The Scariest Thing on Earth. The minute you're within reach of either, those Big Fat Crocodile Tears make an appearance. It breaks my heart, but I can't help and laugh a little, silly boy!

 

You wear a size 5 shoe, size 4 day diaper and size 5 overnight diaper.

 

Breaking the clothes bank, you're wearing 18 month tops, 12 month bottoms and 18 month one-piece sleepers, rompers and shortalls. I have no doubt that you'll be in size 24 month by your 1st birthday!

  

 Happy Ninth Month Birthday, Sweet C! Your Mama and Daddy love you to pieces!