Happy NINE months, Little Bear!

It's a special day, Little Bear! It's Saturday, October 18, 2008, and you're NINE months old today! I started this blog when you were only three months old, and I can't believe how much you've grown and changed since then. Daddy and I love you so much and are having so much fun with you. I tell him as soon as you can talk you're going to say "quit kissin' on me," because you are just so *sweet* we are always kissin' on your little head! Mommy and Aunt Kim took you out on Friday and took tons and tons of pictures of you to celebrate nine months! The weather was beautiful and we got lots of great shots...you're always such a trooper, and we had Emily to make you laugh! Here are a few of my favorites!

In the last month you've done so much! You've started going to playgroup on Tuesday mornings. You go to the library for story time on Wednesday mornings. On Thursday afternoons, you have Baby Sing & Sign class. Your teacher, Mrs. Lori, plays the guitar and you love it! You've gone to two high school football games with Mommy, Daddy, Aunt Kim, Kylie, Emily and Uncle Bobby.

Uncle Bobby and Daddy like to dress just like YOU! No, we didn't plan this. It was "blue out" night for the homecoming football game and they all happen to have the same fashion sense :)You went to your first parade-the high school homecoming parade-and sat by Norah Kate.

You've gone to a handful of soccer games to watch your cousins, Kylie and Emily score goals. You sit in your high chair like a big boy and eat breakfast and dinner everyday. You think it's fun to crawl in the bottom of your exersaucer. You've started dancing/rocking when you hear music.
Especially when you're standing up at your Leapfrog table.You now have four teeth, and the fifth is almost through.
You're always climbing on things and exploring. You got a new blue pony to play on at Gigi & Papa's. You like to stand behind your walker and have taken a few steps while holding onto it.
You let Uncle Bobby push you around in a laundry basket. You're taking baths in the big boy bathtub.
You love books-one day I found you in your room sitting in the middle of the floor, a little book open in your hands, concentrating so hard and jabbering. You've been to Norah Kate's for a play date in her fun, new playroom.You hosted your first play date at our house.
Norah, Elizabeth, Lydia & Laura all came over to play. You get to go on lots of walks with Mommy and Daddy. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You are so loved, by so many people! What a lucky little boy! Mommy is so blessed to be able to stay home with you everyday, and we are having so much fun together. I love listening to you talk to yourself in your crib in the morning * I love going into your dark room in the morning, and as soon as I say "good morning angel," you greet meet with the biggest smile * I love picking you up out of your crib in the mornings and after naps, and having you nuzzle your face on my shoulder * I love sitting at the table with you in the mornings and eating our breakfast together * I love the way you try to take the spoon as I'm feeding you and do it yourself * I love sitting in the middle of the living room floor reading books with you * I love watching you explore and play with your toys * I loved the day you left me sitting on the living room floor and took off crawling to your room. I peeked around the corner and found you playing contently...your first sign of independence * I love going to the grocery store with you and Daddy-you smile at everyone you see * I love taking your picture...it never gets old * I love kissing the back of your sweet neck * I love going for walks in the evening with you and Daddy * I love watching you splash in the bath-you don't care at all if the water gets on your face * I love kissing your feet when I'm feeding you * I love when you hear Daddy come in the back door after work, and you squeal with excitement to see him * I love listening to your laughter * I love sitting down at the dinner table as a family * I love picking out your outfits everyday * I love sitting in your dark room at night, feeding you and rocking you to sleep * I love when those big blue eyes look up at me, you stop sucking for just a second and smile * I love when you fall asleep on my shoulder, and I can feel your warm baby breath on my neck * I love kissing your forehead and telling you how much I love you, before I lay you in your crib at night * I love every inch of you, Barrett Russell!!!

We can't wait to see what the next few months bring! We will cherish every minute...you will be ONE before we know it! Thank you for all the joy you've brought to our lives. I have no idea what we ever did before you!
WE LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK, LITTLE BEAR!
Love, Mommy & Daddy