baby Z at 9 months

His list of nicknames now includes the Hulk (since he broke the chest strap on his carseat), my Hippo (because I love his adorable squishy cheeks with the full row of bright white bottom teeth), Puppy (because he likes to chew on his socks and often ends up carrying one in his mouth as if celebrating he got it off), little moose (because Daddy was dubbed “the moose” by my roommates while we were dating) and Bubba (no idea).  He sits unsupported and his favorite seat (other than my lap) is most definitely his high chair.  He loves to eat, especially off my plate.  He eats everything and seems to especially love oatmeal, grapes, spaghetti and blueberries. He’s still nursing and actually doing much better again.  Although he does nurse less and less now that he can eat table food.  He is built like a tank, solid and so fun to hug.  He wraps his arms around my neck tightly and hugs me back, so tight and sweet that my heart might burst I love him so much.  He’s such a momma’s boy and while very friendly to everyone, I’m his favorite person.  However Daddy is often better at getting him back to sleep during a fussy night and Daddy is best for tossing him around.  Z loves doing tick tock and more recently, loves riding the pony (bouncing on daddy’s knee).  He is surprisingly strong which means fantastic hugs but more challenge when he gets ahold of something he shouldn’t.  And he is edging closer and closer to crawling.  He rolls around and wiggles enough that he can get across the floor, and he has mastered the backwards scoot, but hasn’t quite figured out crawling. 

He most definitely does NOT sleep through the night and has been particularly fussy lately. (Between his 9 month mark and finally writing this, two more teeth broke through, helping to explain that.)  But he’s only fussy at night.  He wants to be cuddled and rocked during those fussy moments.  But during the daytime, he is the sweetest, most easy going baby I’ve ever met.  He’s happy and full of huge smiles.  And such a flirt!  He’s so good at the coy head tilt smile and gets ladies cooing over him literally everywhere we go.  He especially loves the grocery store.  His favorite toys are his teething banana, his stuffed turtle, the caterpillar, the jeep full of animals and basically any cooking utensil that he can chew on while keeping me company in the kitchen.  He’s so noisy, jabbering and cooing and more vocal than I remember from any of his sisters.  He says “mama” but I’m not sure he’s fully connected it just to me yet.  And he’s ticklish!  He’s most ticklish on his thighs and back.  He loves bathtime, peek a boo and most especially, his sisters.  They are such great helpers and love to play with him!