raising the douthitts: NINE

NINE.

our sweet Judee is nine whole months. I could probably say that this is my favorite age. but then last month was also my favorite age. oh and 6 months was great. I cant even begin to express how much joy this little tiny human brings our family. I'm like a broken record! but for real. he smiles and my world melts around me and I want 47 more babies just like him.

just.like.him.

(also these photos are becoming EXHAUSTING)

look at this face. it took 9 whole months but we finally have the greatest depiction of his personality.

this. the scrunched up nose. the squinty eyes. and you guys- the smile from ear to ear that show every inch of his gums and SIX teeth.

you know what else? I'm planning his first birthday party.

what.

killing me softly. he's completely changed! from that sweet sleepy babe to the spunky little thing he is now.

Canaan at NINE months

Weight: 16 pounds 12.5 ounces ( 8th percentile)

Birth: 6 lbs 9 oz

Height: 27.5 in ( 17th percentile)

Birth: 19.5 in

Head: 45 cm ( 50th percentile)

we visited Dr. Tony for Canaan's nine month well visit and he's growing like a weed! he is a tiny peanut, and has been since birth. but nothing of concern because he is healthy and staying right on his growth chart.

Canaan at nine months is b u s y.

probably an understatement.

baby giggles. we have the best belly laugh! he giggles all the time and I cannot get enough.
he gives the best kisses. seriously. he knows just what to do. we say "gimme kiss." and he comes in for the kill. he has taken her sweet snuggles and slobbery sugars to the next level. my favorite!
goes from sitting to standing position.
baby steps!!! around his crib he has cruised the whole way around his crib waiting for me to come get him.
which means he makes his walker FLY!
baby babble. he says MAMA and DADA (finally) Dr. Tony was even surprised that he said MAMA first. we make lots of sounds and the Aah is his favorite, he fake coughs while practicing.
loves to play. Canaan plays independently, but loves to be right in the middle of the dogs, where they are, canaan is sure to be right behind them!
he has mastered the pincer grasp but still prefers the hold his foods full fisted.
shakes his head no.
his engagement. he has started to seek out attention from others ( daddy, especially!) and will interact with giggles and vocally.
he is SO ticklish! he buckles over in belly giggles when you tickle his belly.
he has mastered straw sucking. it is so funny to watch something so little to big boy things.
he LOVES balls, he would chase them around the house ALL. DAY.
wearing size 3 diapers + 6 month sleepers and 6-9 most clothes.

E A T

we have incorporated a pretty regular eating schedule over the last month or so. adding in more meals and snacks throughout the day, and he doesn't seem to mind!

most days while I am away at work (2-3 days/week) he takes two (6oz) bottles.

daily feeding/solids schedule:

6-7am: nurse

9am-9:30am: cereal + fruit + eggs

10am: nurse (bottle)

1pm: fruit + yogurt + applesauce

4-4:30pm: nurse (bottle)

6pm: dinner (protein + starch + vegetable + yogurt)

7:30pm: bath

8pm: nurse/bed

I have noticed that my milk supply has gone down quite a bit.. it has been a slow decline over the last couple months, and I have honestly felt like he is still able to be satisfied when he nurses. he doesn't act hungry in between the normal 3-4 hour increments. BUT when I am away and have to pump, the amount I used to get per session (about 7-8 ounces) has gone to about 4 ounces per session. this is still great, but when I need at least 12 ounces and more for the days when I am at work I made the decision to start supplementing with formula. pumping when I'm at home to boost my supply is all but impossible right now with a very busy infant and working and has been causing more stress than it is worth. its amazing how much adding just one little busy body to the mix can change so much!

I will still nurse him- especially at night and first thing in the morning- but I will also supplement and this is what is working for us right now.

as far as FOOD food goes- he's a big fan:) his most favorite meal is probably any protein (mostly chicken) and mashed potatoes. He also loves rice, avocado, eggs, sweet potatoes, applesauce, greek yogurt, basically anything. he eats everything we eat.

he loves these food+grain pouches and I love them for the convenience. we are still doing a combination of baby led weaning and purees but we are mostly down with purees, if he gets them he gets them Sunday mornings for breakfast because we need to hustle or for a quick lunch- but I never usually feed him from a spoon unless it is those darn mashed potatoes that he likes (and we don't eat those too often around here)- because that would be a total mess! any puree he gets is from a pouch and he can independently feed himself.

S L E E P

Canaan continues to sleep well through the night- goes down between 7:30-8pm and will sleep until about 6:30am, wakes to nurse, and then sometimes goes back to sleep until around 8am. our mornings have gotten to be like clockwork- which I appreciate.

his morning nap is pretty solid.. except if he is at glammas. MOST of the time he will nap two and a half or even three hours in the morning. the afternoon nap is all but gone, if he gets one its not in his crib its more like in the car if we are out.

typical sleep routine

wake: 6am (nurse) and then back to sleep until 7:30-8am

nap #1: 10:30am-12:30-1pm

nap #2(if there is one): 3pm-4:30pm

bedtime: 8pm

P L A Y / D E V E L O P M E N T

his personality is emerging more and more every day. he is always on the move and literally will do the shuffle back and forth between mom and dad, and often will squirm until you put him down so he can make his way into every corner of the kitchen before I can catch up. He’s uber fast and we have to watch him like a hawk! He’s into everythaaaaang!!! last month he was on the move, but it was slow and easily controlled. my how things have changed!

its all about the baby talk right now. when he isn't screeching in protest or to grab the attention of everyone around him he's babbling away.

we are working on waving goodbye and hello and peek-a-boo

C A N A A N

My sweet boy, you are 9 months!! How does this happen?! I literally blink and you are a month older. you're basically waking up every morning with a new skill.. keeping us on our toes! The number scares me more so than seeing you grow. the change and difference I see in you nearly on a daily basis is so rewarding. you light up our world little boy. this picture is my most favorite picture of all time. I cannot stop looking at it.. and for reasons beyond that amazing toothy grin, this picture perfectly describes you. YOU the silliest little boy I know. more personality than any one of us!

you are a bonafide goofball.

total nut job.

and now that you've found your giggle box I swear you'll never stop.

and we LOVE you for it. we love you for this everlasting and never-ending joy you bring into this house. you make it full. I mean, you just get better and better- and literally kill me dead when you lock eyes with your mama and smile at me from across the room.

you are the best snuggler.. you've become more and more lovey lately over the last month. you put your head on my shoulder and its just the sweetest thing. whether you are sleepy, cranky, or just want some mama love- I don't really care the reasons for it. just never stop doing it!

with so many words, I could probably go on and on describing you, little boy.

..but just one phrase can sum it up perfectly - care-free. or easy going. or go with the flow.

most every single day I find myself thankful for those characteristics in you.

these last 9 months of getting to know you have been just incredible, Canaan.

there is nothing like your smile, nothing like your happy, nothing like your contagious belly giggles.

..and nothing like you, sweet boy.

how lucky I am to be your mama.

we love you baby boy.

you are the most special tiny person and life is so beautiful with you in it!

nine month photo dump