Harrison BABY LOVE!!! Happy 9 Months (and Valentine's Day)!

Harry,

You are nine months old today! You are getting such an amazing personality-excited and happy, but you are very sure of what you want!! We can take you most places and you are almost always content. Your dad and I joke that you are truly on your best behavior when in public, or visiting with people (saving your fussiness for at home which we are thankful for).

This month you have started to stand up and reach for us when we come in to get you from your crib in the morning. You have a huge smile!! You get up to eat around 5, then take a little cat nap before you really wake up around 6:00-6:30. During the week, I get ready for work and it is just the boys hanging out, and I think you like that.

Speaking of your 5 am feeding, we have been struggling with what to do, as far as your sleeping habits are concerned. You are happy to fall asleep on your own. However, you still wake up, and legitimately need/want to eat! Some people say make you "cry it out", some say "if it is only to eat, let him do it." Well, we say...who knows!! We have tried let you cry it out, and you do NOT give up, but are we making you a milk drinking monster by getting up with you for 10 minutes at 1 or 2 am? We all sleep better, then. Maybe by the time I write your next letter (on your first BIRTHDAY- holy cow!) we will have it all figured out!

You have most definitely changed most in the area of MOVEMENT!! This month you have perfected your crawl. You have the normal speed, when you just want to get something that is 'alright'. Then, you have your super fast crawl. You usually use this crawl to get to a dog toy, or her food/water bowls. We can usually catch you when you are going towards something you should not have because you somewhat announce that you are on your way by screaming as you crawl :) You also like to use this crawl to get to the dog, Rosie Mae. She has been so patient with you, and you are working on being more gentle with her. Lately, you have started to use your fast crawl to get to your dad or I, which just makes us melt!

You are such a good little eater (especially now that you feel better). You eat 3 solid meals per day (especially with your 5 teeth, your three top teeth came in last month). You have been working hard to feed yourself, and you are getting so good at it. You will eat pretty much anything we give you, with the exception of apricots. We are going to start trying more finger foods this month, since you are VERY anxious to gain more independence! Currently, your are a big fan of Puffs, cheerios, blueberry or banana yogurt, or anything with pears.

I predict that by next time I write, you will be waving hello and good bye (reliably) and starting to talk with real words. I am not sure if you will be will be walking, since you are so content to crawl everywhere. One thing I do know, you will continue to amaze us in every way!

We love you very much,

Mom (and Dad, too).