9 Months Old!

Happy 9 month birthday Owen!

Mommy and Daddy are both falling more and more in love with you every day. We've loved you since the moment we knew you were in my belly, but we talk almost every night about how amazing you have made our lives. Sure things are now a little (OK, a lot) crazy, but I just can't explain how your smile makes us feel. Getting a smile (and belly laugh!) from you is definitely the best part of being a parent so far. It's indescribable.

I know you're not a 'toddler' yet, but you're becoming less and less like a 'baby' every day. You can now sit unassisted for long periods of time. We're practicing drinking water out of a sippy cup. You're now mobile (on your back you do 'frog logs' to scoot across the floor!). The best part? Your belly laughs are glorious. You're especially ticklish on your hip bones and inner thighs.

Last week we went to your 9 month NICU check-up (6 months from discharge). You passed with flying colors, scoring within the average range for a typical 6 month old. Yea! The OT (occupational therapist) gave us a lot of exercises to practice with you (she called it baby pilates :) to strengthen your core. Your head is just SO BIG that you need some work strengthening your back and neck to hold it up. Sorry honey - I think you got the big head from me. :(

Aunt Rachael came to visit and we took you to the pumpkin patch for the first time! It was so much fun - you loved watching all of the little kids run around. The moment we got in the car to head home, you were sound asleep!

You also ran your first 5K:

Had play dates with our neighbor Sarah (who gave you your first kiss!!!!!):

Our friend Elijah:

Our friend Kelly:

Discovered your toes (and love chomping on them!):

Love chewing on apples (thanks Aunt Lisa for suggesting this neat product! It allows babies to chew on whole fruits/veggies, allowing flavors in, but no pieces big enough to choke them!):

Love playing on Daddy's keyboard:

Happy 9 months sweet baby! Wait until you see the (family) Halloween costumes Daddy has in store. I can imagine your embarrassment when you're 18 looking back on the photos already.... :)