9 Months

He's 9 months old! So much to say! We saw the pediatrician for his 9 month check-up last week...on the actual "birthday." His weight has dropped back down to the 3rd percentile. He really took a hit when he was sick and lost 2 whole pounds! Eeek. He's slowly gaining it back. His height is in the 24th percentile, and his big ol' noggin is still the 75th. :) She was pleased with his progress, and the fact that he has, at least, almost gained back the 2 pounds he lost. She is still amazed he even has spina bifida. He's doing almost all the things he should be at his age. :) Since that darn tube came out, he's a completely different baby! He is happy ALL.THE.TIME. Really.

As far as "skills" go...He waves "bye," says "mama" and "dada" with purpose (makes this speech therapist SO proud!), purposefully shakes his head "no," and still has no teeth (but still drools SOOO much!). He is a backward crawling PRO, a forward crawling beginner, a self-sitter, and his favorite thing to do is STAND and play. If we hold his hands, he will also walk! As far as feeding goes...he eats food like a horse! If he can touch it, he wants to eat it. If we're eating, he thinks he needs some too. Liquids are still a problem, but he's doing better every day!

In his 8 month post I talked about physical therapy and how he was behind. Not anymore!! (Though he still goes because he is considered to be "at risk.") In the last 2 weeks, he started getting himself into and out of sitting/crawling/laying/etc. He has been crawling backwards for awhile now, and starting going forwards on Sunday...while talking to Aunt Sha and Uncle Matt on skype. :) He is trying to "pull up," but only makes it to his knees, then reaches really high. It's so cute! He's so close! If we stand him up to something, he'll stand and play forever. He "dances" too. He LOVES it! And, so do we! I have GOT to figure out how to cut my video's down and post them on here!

Now, for the pictures! Here are some of my favorites from the last week-ish (maybe 2).

When he wants to do something else with his hands, he uses his feet to make this race track thing "go." So clever, my boy.

Standing with Ben. (You're gonna' notice a trend here...)

About to get in the tub. He was trying to pull his blanket out of his bed. On a side note...notice how he's standing on his heels? We're working on that in physical therapy too. He has the ABILITY to use his whole foot to stand, but often doesn't (unless he's jumping). She said he just needs to be taught to use the balls of his feet all the time.

He thinks anything can go in this thing and spin around. Balls, cars, Charlie Brown, the glow worm, the big truck you see in the corner, etc. Apparently he thought he could also get in. It didn't work and he was so mad! But, he was able to get himself out of this predicament! :)

He LOVES bath time! He reaches toward the water with his right hand, and raises his left leg like he's trying to climb in.

REALLY wanting in!

I went to make a bottle, and he got really quiet. HE WAS ASLEEP! Passed right out playing!

All those toys! But look what he thinks he should be playing with! NASTY!! Daddy thought he needed to take a picture first. I should also note that he got that thing off the fireplace!

Waiting on Mama to come take the "9 month" picture. Watching football. Aren't they cute?!

Ham.

This is how all of my monthly "sessions" end now. :)

He loves this toy! He can play music, it plays music to him, and the microphone works. When he "sings" into it, it takes it as a cue to play a song...and he know it. He also likes to try to chew on the mic.

Using his newest skill tonight.

He pulled that stuff out of that box. :)

He sure is "eating" that string and playing with something else at the same time.

We do not take any of this for granted!! Not one single second, not one single skill! Our God is amazing and we could never thank Him enough for the miracle He has given us!! Thank you all for continuing to pray for our sweet boy!!