Will is Eight Months!

Dear Will,

Another month in the books! And of course, you've done a lot more growing. 

From eating finger foods like bananas and cheerios, 

to sitting yourself up from lying down!

This was a surprise when I checked the monitor one night - eeek!

You pretty much let me know when it's time for bed at night, usually by 8:30. Then you sleep until 4 or 5, have a little nightcap and go back down until 6:30 or 7ish if you're feeling especially accommodating.

The days that we don't have anywhere we have to be, you take a fabulous morning and afternoon nap. But other days, you catch what zzz's you can in the baby carrier or carseat...and are still generally a content little man.

Nursing has fallen on the charts of your favorite pastimes. Unless it's dark, quiet and you're sleepy, there's just too much else to listen to and look at to spend a long time being still!

We went on our first family of five trips this month. One to Wilderness at the Smokies in Seiverville, where we learned you really don't like the pack n play, but an indoor waterpark knocks you right out. 

Breaking in your swimsuit on the last morning because you finally were awake!

A little chilly, but fun for a few minutes of splashing. 

 Our little mountain man

 sweet (at the moment) siblings

 I'm on top of the world!

Our next adventure took us down from the mountains to the ocean when we stayed in Rosemary Beach with three other families for a week. In the same house. Will, you won't remember that trip, but it was crazy! You also won't remember the beach, because this is what you saw of it the very few times you actually left the house:

In between those excursions, we had a quick but fun visit from your cousins!

Finally you had at least one attendant to meet your needs at all times! 

("So this is what it feels like to be the firstborn baby.")

 

 Of course everyone couldn't get enough hugs or believe how long your hair was. This picture shows the shagginess you'd been dealing with. I decided after they left that it was time to see your eyes again so out the scissors came!

Afterwards, down came the tears (mine)...looking so grown up!

Your big sister and brother love to give you hugs and play with you on the floor...

...which is your preferred spot these days, over your jumperoo or exersaucer. I think you like the freedom as you're trying to crawl, roll, scoot and wiggle your way around.

I say it all the time, but it's worth repeating - we can't get enough you. 

I love the way you squeal, bounce and flap your arms when I come into the room, and the belly laughs you give from a good Daddy raspberry on your cheek or belly. 

You are a special baby boy, and I couldn't love you more!

Mommy