A blog for Maddux: A little late, just like you. : 9 months old

My new favorite picture of you. Look at those teeth.

Your front two teeth are trying to make their way down so you have been a lot more slobbery lately. It must hurt because you are always chomping on something. Your fingers and toys mainly, but I have found you are open to biting anything. You are pretty good with the sneak attack bite on our ankles or arms. You are crawling now and so you chase the poor dog around the room and go biting after legs like much like Pouncer does. Speaking of Pouncer, you are thrilled she is finally able to be in the same room as you, even though it typically lasts less than 2 minutes, until you approach her, or until you start squealing with joy at the sight of her. I keep telling you that your high pitched enthusiasm scares her, but you just can't contain yourself.

You are a crawling machine. And you are quick. Don't worry years of having a cat or dog underfoot has given me ninja like skills and so I haven't stepped on you- yet.

You smile...a LOT. You are one happy baby and we are two lucky parents. If you are crying it is typically a ploy to get what you want. You know exactly what you are doing playing us adults like fools. I am convinced you can cry on command full crocodile tears and all.

Your expressions are comical and you have your mother's sarcasm. I can just see it in your eyebrow raises and eye rolls.

You rode for your first time in the seat of the grocery cart. You would have thought we took you to Disney world you were so pumped. You must be a people watcher like your parents. One because your head was on a swivel the entire time taking it all in and two you shot me a silent "get a load of that guy" look when we both spotted a interesting specimen. You are most definitely still a flirt, which worked in our favor since you warmed your way into the deli lady's heart and she opened just for us at 6:30 am on a Saturday.

You are even more vocal and animated this month than last. You did say mama a few times, but dada is still top dog. Actually I think if you could say Murphy that would dominate your speech. That may have been the first word you understood. You start searching the room anytime he is mentioned. You LOVE when he plays ball with you.

I mean it. LOVE. This is your reaction when he scooped up the ball you tossed. A bit on the spastic side for a slobbered up tennis ball, but hey whatever makes you happy kid.

You still are a little water baby for sure. You have been swimming a few times. You also got baptized this month and were hoping for a full submersion. I saw you eyeing the water like it was an oversize bath just waiting for a baby to wade in it .

You do not like the grass. Your face is priceless when you happen to touch it. The disgust and anger is just too much to take and so a blanket for my little prince is in order. I will say it is a nice way of keeping you in one spot these days since you truly act like the grass is hot lava not to be touched.

You love your feet. Amazed by them really.

You hate being put in the crib when you are still awake. This is your pouting position. You are sleeping through the night and it is fantastic. We actually have to wake you up in the mornings. You, much like your mother, are NOT a morning person. In fact when I say we have to wake you up, I mean your dad while I try to hang on to those 5 extra minutes of "sleep" before feeding you. Now when I do wake you up it is like a little single file parade into your room: Me, Murphy, then Pounce.

You love when Murphy and Pouncer come in with me and they are often a ~~life~~ scream at the top of your lungs because I hate morning ear drum saver. One look at those two characters turns your pouty face frown, upside down.

You love to push the limits. You understand "No", but you think it is hilarious when we say it so.... it is not working out quite like it should. Take for example your obsession with the curtains instead of the entire floor littered with toys. You traipse you little butt right over to the curtain, shoot us an all knowing devious grin, and grab hold just daring us to say No. And when we do as we try not to laugh ourselves, you smile again and shake them harder. It is a night and day reaction with the word No. Either you think it is funny or you are scared and on a 3 second delay break out into a full fledged crying fit with tears, frowns, and arms out waiting for comfort. Let's work on a happy medium this month :)