8 Months

No, I didn't forget about my baby's eighth month birthday.  I just haven't had a chance to sit down for more than a few minutes over the past week unless whilst consoling a cranky baby.  What was supposed to be a relaxing long weekend at the beach visiting my grandparents has turned into a long fuss session with a side of miserable teething.  While I hate to see my sweet boy in such pain, I am thankful it seems to be more tooth cutting than temper.  Although, he most certainly has a temper and doesn't get that from his mama ;) (maybe just a bit....)  My arms ache and my hips are well worn but, all in all it has been a fun few days.

Mr. Baby, who turned eight months old last Tuesday, has grown up a lot since last month.  He has now cut his bottom two teeth, his top two eye teeth and he's working on his two front teeth.  Yes, he has spent the past few weeks looking like a vampire.  Yes, we thought it was irresistibly adorable.  Perfect for the halloweeny season, right?  During this month he ditched rolling around for crawling backwards for a few weeks.  He is extremely impressed with himself for figuring out how to get into a sitting position on his own.  Sometimes he'll be on all fours and twist around to sit himself up only to get back on all fours and do it over again.  He doesn't get very far doing this, but it sure is funny to watch.  This week, he has really taken off with crawling forward all over the place; I can't take my eye off of him for more than a few seconds before I find him reaching for shoes or chewing the electrical cords.

Notice the shoes on the coffee table.

My granddad decided after observing him for less than 24 hours that he may have a future as an electrician, if he doesn't electrocute himself first.  I must get some outlet protectors as soon as I get back home.  I am stumped as to what to do about his cord obsession.  Any tips welcome.

He thinks he's big stuff when he pulls up onto his knees and gives me that "Hey, Mom, do you see this?!" look nearly every time.

This morning I turned around to find him climbing on the furniture..... 

Sticky situations are his specialty and he often finds himself needing a rescuer.

Lollee is happy to oblige.

He is still very cheap entertainment, as we have purchased no diapers, few wipes, mainly re-sale clothes and a whole three jars of baby food (emergency situations, I assure you).  I think we have at least another months worth of diapers left in his closet.  He is still nursing for most of his meals and for that I am thankful.  I love those sweet snuggle times with my boy and know I'll cherish them as long as I live.  He weighs in at a whopping 18.4 lbs fully clothed and my arms tell me so.  What a lug!  Chunky thighs are the best for squeezing and his feet are almost as thick as they are long.  We love it!

Today, during a teething lull, we went to play at the park with Aunt Maggie and Uncle Caleb.  Diverting his attention is the only way to keep him happy, and even then it doesn't always work.  Nevertheless, he seemed to very much enjoy swinging with the big kids.

Is that a crooked smile, or what?

And that scrunched up nose gets me every time.

After we left the park, we walked down the boardwalk to the beach and played in the sand a while.

He was too interested in the sand to look at me for a picture, but at least you can see how much hair he has.  Despite many suggestions that his hair is going to be red, I think it'll likely stay some shade of light brown.  In the right light, however, it will put on a strawberry tint and is it ever so adorable!  I thoroughly enjoy running my fingers through it and turning it into a mohawk in the bathtub.

Complete with strategically placed Fall Ducky.  

Sometimes I sit and hold him and ponder in disbelief that he is really my son.  I can hardly get my mind around it.  He gets more precious with every passing day.  <3 

~Abby