Max's 9 Month Pictures

The drive to and from Wellington to get the kids' pictures taken is getting so so so much easier. This time it was especially fun because we went on my birthday and stopped for birthday lunch at Cracker Barrel on the way home.

Natalie was really excited about going to Susan's because she loves to play with all of the props while Max gets his pictures taken. Susan had a Valentine's Day backdrop set up for Valentine mini sessions later in the week, so we got to use that and take Valentine pictures too. Here are a handful that Susan posted on Facebook. She never ceases to amaze.

Super Natalie

We all had a great time at our friend Karston's super hero party this afternoon. Natalie was really shy at the beginning which was cute to watch since she is usually anything but. She warmed up to the group once she found her friends. We also went to a surprise birthday party for Karston's dad this evening. As we left their house Natalie said, "I had two parties today!"

27

My old age was confirmed today when I was getting my eyes checked to renew my driver's license. I can no longer ramble off the bottom line of letters. So long, youthful eyes. 

Instant Mood Changer

We love the park. It's an instant mood changer, and an instant mood changer is much appreciated when dealing with a teething (or maybe just cranky?) baby.

9 Months

Happy nine months, Max!

Nine months old! Yes! I love this age! Older babies and toddlers are more my cup of tea than newborns and young babies. Don't get me wrong, newborn snuggles are so so sweet, but laughing and playing with the little personality that somehow emerged from that sleeping newborn is magical. Also, I am the worst at baby naps, so once they grow up and take fewer naps, my life gets exponentially easier!

At nine months old Max:

• likes to eat bananas, apples, chicken, eggs, carrots, and green beans. He's a really good little eater. He usually eats whatever we put in front of him, and we usually have to keep refilling his tray.
• claps and waves but not always on command.
• still only has two teeth, but he seems to be working on some more.
• says "mamamama" when he needs something or can't find me. 
• hates having his diaper and/or clothes changed. 
• loves to play peek-a-boo with his bib or wash cloth after he's done eating.
• stands up in the bath tub with the orneriest look on his face waiting for me to tell him to sit down. Once I say, "Sit on your bottom, Max," he sits down, smiles, and does it all over again. 
• likes to "drink" from a sippy cup. I use the word "drink" loosely because he does more playing than drinking.
• loves to walk behind anything he can push. His favorite thing to push is Natalie's kitchen chair while she's sitting in it. Natalie is usually less than thrilled.

Back in the Saddle

Is this genetic?

Fingerprints

"If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will - to your surprise - miss them profoundly." --Thomas S Monson

I wash (or at least intend to wash) these windows every day, and then they're usually marked by curious, pudgy hands again within the hour. Even so, washing them is probably my favorite chore. It's a quick and easy reminder of how great this season of life really is.

Natalie Katherine O'Halloran

A big name for such a little girl.