Things to Remember: Month 9

My, my, how time flies!

Yesterday we went for Oliver's 9month appointment.  He continues to be in the 75th percentile for height, but he has dropped to the 25th percentile for weight - he is long & lean!  They said it is perfect normal for highly active boys (a category Oliver definitely falls into!) not to gain as much weight, since they are burning so many calories.  However, since he dropped from the 75th to 50th percentile the last time and now from the 50th to the 25th percentile, they suggested we bring him in again before his 12month visit just to keep an eye on his weight gain.   



And he's off....

Oliver continues to amaze us with his mobility and agility.  He can now walk with only one hand being held and we know it won't be long before he's officially a walking boy.  He can easily climb a staircase (with a nervous parent trailing behind him).  He has also figured out how to move his body out of the way, so he can shut a door on us - It's a game he loves to play.  Amazingly, we have had only very few instances of fingers getting slammed in the door.  We are impressed by how strong he is and Adam jokes that he is envious of Oliver's upper body strength.  If Oliver is holding onto something (chair, baby gate, etc) that you are trying to pry him away from, you'll see that he's got some grip! 

He's still an absolute terror to be in the car with.  We're not thinking this is something he is going to grow out of either. 

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Oliver is getting good at picking up chunks of food (and specs of dirt off the floor) with his pincher finger.  Everything finds its way into his mouth and we have all gotten pretty good at shoving our fingers in his mouth to see what he got his hands on.  On Christmas Day he actually napped with a piece of gift wrap in his mouth - lovely. 

Speaking of Christmas, I was surprised by how good Oliver was at getting gift wrap off of presents.  Of course, his favorite part of any present was the tissue paper.  He also did phenomenally well with all the hubbub, both on Christmas Eve (with my 5 nieces & nephews) and Christmas Day (with Adam's family).  He's a social butterfly, just like his Momma! 

More than ever, Oliver is getting into EVERYTHING.  Nothing is safe, no drawer, cabinet, toilet (what's with kids' obsession with toilets?).  He's strong enough to even open my bookshelf cabinets in the office.  

You can tell that he is starting to understand what we say to him.  In some cases, he understands the German phrase better - so interesting to watch him being raised with two languages.  We're trying not to use it too often (apparently it dilutes the value of the phrase) - MUCH easier said than done.  We have finally gotten around to using Baby Sign language, but he hasn't really signed back yet.  We have started with just a handful of signs (because we need to be able to remember them too).  Jana is more consistent than we are at using them.  So far, we use Eat, More, All Done, & Up (there were 5 - no idea which sign I have forgotten). 

Oliver enjoys looking at books - turning pages more than actually listening to the story though.  My hair curlers are still a big hit.  He's eaten through all but one of the size that can fit in his mouth.  I don't know what we'll do once the final one has been chewed to death.  They provide endless entertainment and are crucial for me getting out of the house even remotely on time.  Dumping them on the floor in the hallway just outside the bathroom buys me enough time to do my hair and finish getting ready. 

He has gotten very affectionate and gives lots of hugs and kisses.  The hugs are the best!  We love our Lil' Man!!!!