Blocks

Someday we'll build towers, but right now, they have far better uses.

One more thing

I can't believe I forgot to include Miles' love of throwing in the last update.

Ten months!

A little help from our assistant

It's the best!!!! (notice the teething gel in his other hand-we've been using that a lot lately)

Well, here we are at 10 months already. Craig and I were discussing today that we seem to be entering territory where we actually have to start parenting-in the sense of creating some boundaries and consistency around those boundaries. The first nine months seemed to be about needs and meeting those needs. Now, were being introduced to Miles' will and he has some definite ideas about things. Of course, it doesn't help that he's working on at least three top teeth as far as I can tell. Needless to say, there have been a few grumpy moments lately. We've had a little preview of what fit throwing is going to be like. At least we have some time to prepare ourselves before he's a bigger, two-year old version of himself!

I've also been experimenting with letting him get a little frustrated with the lack of mobility situation. Oh, he's learned how to be mobile, but it involves us holding his hands as he stomps around the house. Super adorable, but rough on the parents. He's getting closer to crawling. He's trying a bit of butt bouncing, super extended reaching, is perfecting the backward push and has even popped his stomach up off the ground into the crawling position a time or two. Now, if he can just figure out how to combine it all, he'd be off in a flash. I'm actually looking forward to him gaining mobility, because he's just getting so frustrated with his current situation. This must be an incredibly tough time for babies. He doesn't have speech yet, but wants to tell us so much. He tries so hard, but we don't always understand what he's saying and he gave up on sign language a while ago-although we still try. And, he can't wait to run around-everywhere, but can't do it on his own yet.

That being said, overall, he is really just the happiest little guy. His open mouth smile is so endearing and he's started adding a nose scrunch to it that is adorable! He's started pointing at things both off in the distance and while exploring close up. He loves trying to feed himself with a spoon, is getting pretty good at standing while holding on to things and loves to pound on just about anything he can get his hands on. If it makes noise, shakes or rattles-it's the best toy ever in his opinion! Oh, and he cannot get enough of turning the pages as you read to him-sometimes a little too fast. He continues to love story time, a habit I'm hoping will continue for a long time.

Just two more months until his first birthday. I can't wait to see what they hold!

What is on his face?

Uncle Shawn was kind enough to hold Miles for me while a roasted a marshmallow at a recent 'former Overstock coworkers' gathering. Miles spent most of the time on his lap staring at his beard. Even though he sees Uncle Archie's all the time, he's still a bit puzzled by facial hair. The get-together was great. We went to a picnic site in Big Cottonwood canyon and made s'mores. Miles just wanted to get down and GO the whole time (which translates into me hunching over and holding his hands while he walks around). I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I really can't wait for him to walk. He has so much he wants to do/see and his lack of mobility is a giant hindrance at this point. He's starting to get a little frustrated by the situation, so maybe that will translate into motivation!
It was so fun seeing everyone from work again. Pretty much the entire department has moved into other positions or left Overstock completely. Also, three other people have babies as well, so lots of little kiddos were there!

***sidenote: Shawn has a huge bandage on his hand because he took a giant chunk out of his thumb with a table saw. Fortunately, he only gouged flesh, no tendons, etc. even though he did get down to the bone. He should be just fine. ***

Max and Madeleine

About 8 months had gone by since our last visit. That is the beauty of a baby. You can't hide from the passage of time anymore. I can't believe how big everyone is. sigh. I'm already complaining about how fast kids grow up. Oh, and I should point out, I used to help take care of Max and Madeleine....I started when they were newborns. They're going into second grade this year.

Standing tall

The dreaded goat

Nope. Still not a fan. In fact, there was a yelp of fear shortly after this shot, because that silly goat dared to turn around and look at Miles. Craig whisked him back into the air where he continued to look with a mix of curiosity and slight horror. I did eventually take him into the pen with me, where, with Leah's encouragement, he actually wanted to touch their ears and horns. I'd call that a success. We left soon after. Better to leave him wanting more I say. Weirdly, he doesn't look at chickens with any suspicion at all. WHAT is he thinking??

Petting zoo at the Davis County Fair
(sorry about the posterior shot here, you know, goats aren't always that cooperative!)