9 Months of Motherhood

Well, Jackson is 2 days away from being officially 9 months old. I am amazed at how fast this time has gone, but have truly enjoyed each stage. I just found myself reminiscing about how these last 9 months have traveled by at a much speedier pace than those 9 months while Jack was in utero. Yikes....that was not the loveliest of times. Although I am extremely thankful each day for a healthy pregnancy, I am just not one of those women who 'enjoys' pregnancy. In fact, I have heard of such women, but have yet to actually encounter one face-to-face. So, my conclusion is that I really don't know if they actually exist. I mean seriously, who has ever found a woman who enjoys gaining 30+ (many '+'s' in my case) pounds, endless fatigue, sore muscles, etc.?! (I just found myself able to go on and on, and then decided I better cut the list short :) ) Am I bitter? No. I just do not like anything about pregnancy, other than the beautiful little miracle growing inside.

Okay, back to THESE last 9 months.

Jackson is an absolute joy to have around. He makes me laugh endlessly with all his quirks and tricks. He is ever changing, and always learning. He has such a sweet disposition, even at 4:00 in the morning when he is teething. He has learned to do so many things for himself, I am constantly amazed by how self-sufficient he is though he is yet but a babe.

Today was Jack's 9 month baby well-check visit. He is in tip-top shape...with a little more emphasis on TOP! Jackson is in the 99th percentile for height (measuring in at 31 in.) and in the 92nd percentile for weight at 24.2 lbs. What a little Moose!

Things that characterize Jackson at 9 months:

He loves eating. From day one, Jackson has not had the capability of self-regulating his food intake. We never knew how much he was getting (when breastfeeding) until all of a sudden he would projectile vomit everywhere. Only then did we know he had eaten too much. Today is no different. He has yet to say 'no' to anything we put on his tray :)....hmmm....reminds me a lot of someone else in our house.....

Some of Jackson's favorite things to eat: Pesto on toast, peas, blueberry anything, goldfish crackers, and bananas.

Jackson loves to scream and yell in excitement. It is a fairly new trick, but he LOVES to be chased by daddy. He anticipates Mark grabbing him, and half-heartedly runs from his grasp. It is one of the most precious things I have witnessed between the two.

Jackson loves to crawl/climb everywhere. He is a moving machine. He is very excited to finally be able to chase the cat around. He screams as he comes upon him...usually giving away his coordinates in time for Bo to react and get out of 'harms' way. Jackson continues to pursue him.

Jackson still loves his bath time. He has figured out splashing and thinks he is pretty hot stuff.

Jackson really loves reading books...especially 'Goodnight Moon'. He helps turn the pages (on command).

And the newest little 'trick'!?!?! Sticking his finger up his nose. Quite disgusting, and I haven't figured out how to get him to stop! What a boy thing to do.