9 Month Update

As our house is battling colds, I'm taking advantage of using the extra down time to catch up a little on here, while the time lasts. We are on day 6 and I'm hoping we are on the mend. This cold was rough and knocked us out for several days. I have only left the house once this week and that was only because we were going so stir crazy. We grabbed fast food, met the hubby at work, and ate our meal in the vehicle. That alone was exhausting but a good way to get out for a few minutes. 

Our slobbery, lovable baby is another month older. I will never stop questioning how fast time goes. Seriously? How does it go so fast? I believe I will be getting the itch soon to start planning the big 1 year very soon. We have a toddler turning 3 in 8 days, so I am focused on that first. Again, how do I have a 9 month old and almost 3 year old? 

Age:  9 months

Stats: I really have no idea. Insert the momma guilt. He is definitely much bigger than Payton was at this age. He is still in size 12 month clothes but I plan to pull out the next size up later this week (when my health returns). 

Nicknames: We still mostly call him Riley. Riley bug, little guy, big guy, and baby are still commonly used.

Milestones: Riley loves mimicking sounds and having spitting/slobbering contests. We swear he's saying "hi" and "Dadda," but we aren't 100% sure he's aware yet of what he's saying. He can roll to about anywhere he wants to go (and knows it) and is very close to crawling. He loves to have people hold on to him so he can practice standing and walking. He doesn't like feeling left out of anything and wants to be in the same room as everyone. If he isn't allowed outside when the door opens, he throws huge tantrums. The same occurs for baths. What can we say, he knows what he wants.

Sleep has regressed due to growing, teething, sickness, and who knows what else. He does go to bed by 8PM (a few days lately it's been about 6PM). I am up with him almost all throughout the night with waking times varying. He does go back to sleep quickly but I never know how long he will sleep. I have found it easiest to just pull him into bed with me. I may or may not regret this later. Only time will tell.

Riley starts his days at about 6AM. I am in awe that no matter how good or bad our day goes, he still wakes at the exact same time. He is also a rockstar napper. When he lets me know he is ready for a nap (yawning, rubbing eyes, a bit crabby) I just lay him down in his crip with his sound machine on and he goes right to sleep. It doesn't get much better than that. 

Favorite things: Riley still loves attention, especially from his momma and sister. He can't get enough of us. He also really loves to have anything he can find in the carpet and kleexes in his mouth. This keeps mommy very busy trying to keep him away from things he can't have. This was never a big issue with Payton but is definitely a constant struggle with Riley. 

Signature moves: Riley definitely wants to insert himself into the conversation. He loves to chat with everyone and will make sure his presence is known. He also seems to know no stranger, as long as mommy is next to him. His laughter and smile is so contagious. Payton and I can't help but laugh when we are around him.

Riley, you continue to awe us every day. You are growing so fast and learning new things all the time. We are so blessed to call you our own. We love you!