The Joys of an 8.5 Month Old

It's been a while since I gave a specifically Kiddo milestone update and a LOT has been happening. While some of it is a little nervous making, most of it spreads smiles and laughter throughout our house. So here's an overview of everything going on with Kiddo:

1. 2 bottom teeth are through and the rest are all in various stages of poking through the gums - even his MOLARS!
2. Kiddo says: mommy, mom, okay, yea, hi, hello, dada, kitty, cat, dog, I get and I want my mommy plus tries to say a whole lot more (working on grandma and granddad currently).
3. Has stopped crying as much and instead uses words (calls for me instead of crying unless the world is ending).
4. Shakes his head when someone says no or oops or when he means no/answers a question.
5. Tries to nod, but looks more like he's going berserk with head shaking instead. Should have this down, what? Next week I guess. :-)
6. Pulls himself up...everywhere.
   
7. Plays hiding and chasing games.
8. Follows basic instructions (i.e. come here or no or stop or pet nicely).
9. Tries to read his books (babbles aloud while looking at them).
10. Sings himself to sleep sometimes.
11. Has begun cruising - so far he moves between 2 objects or 3 feet (whichever comes first), but he's working hard at extending that.
    
12. Wants to stand without support (but can't)
13. Walks with assistance from adults
14. Tries to fit toys together (things that look like they go together, as well as ones that don't!)
15. Tries to brush his own teeth (not too bad at it either!)
16. Tries to crawl in the tub (much to everyone's chagrin).
17. Feeds himself (with a spoon it's questionable...with just food it's only slightly less so).
18. Wants to explore everything - especially unusual textures and cord/strap like objects. 
19. Likes to snuggle up to Daddy while sleeping (about a third to half the time).
20. Absolutely hates shirts over his head now.
21. Has specific favorite stories he wants read over, and over, and over again.
22. Attempts to have conversations and fluctuates voice as though asking questions or making statements.
23. Gives Mommy/Daddy/grandparents kisses.
24. Blows raspberries on Mommy/Daddy to make her/him laugh.
25. Gives Mommy/Daddy/grandparents hugs.

In short, he's just getting even more adorable. It's kind of ridiculous. He still loves watching people. He's still good buddies with Java the Cat. He's still cranky when he doesn't get a good nap and his hair always has a party while he sleeps. Oh, and most importantly, he still smiles when he sees me upon waking or from across the room.

Still, he's growing so fast. I don't want to miss anything! I feel like if I blink he'll be 25 and getting married....

It's important to remember to be in this time, enjoying the present. Even when Kiddo's sobbing or wailing or frustrated because he doesn't know how to do something yet, I know this only happens once. Every moment is a treasure. Every moment is a joy.