And finally... he crawls.

The baby in daycare who is exactly Henry's age has been crawling for months. And for the past couple of months, every time anyone has asked about Henry's age, the follow-up question is "Is he crawling yet?" After we try a cheerful "Not yet!" The response is inevitably, "Well, that is ok. Every baby develops at their own pace. Each baby is unique." The pediatrician had a somewhat less magnanimous explanation for Henry's lack of crawling, "He's just lazy!" Lately, we cut to the chase. After any inquiry about Henry's age or if someone even so much as glances in Henry's direction at the store, we say, "He is nine and 1/2 months old and he isn't crawling yet. But we know that babies all develop at their own unique pace. That's ok. We love him for who he is. Really, we wouldn't want it any other way. He's his own person. Now mind your own business."

All of this changed last night, though, because last night, Henry crawled. He crawled towards a tower of blocks and summarily knocked it over. The tall, ordered tower of blocks is powerful motivation for Henry. It begs to be toppled. Henry loves to eliminate potential energy, thus Mike's nickname for him, Captain Chaos. I was impressed by Henry's crawling form. I am no crawling expert, but I think he executed his first crawl with stability, effortless style, and confidence. Video evidence of alleged crawling soon to follow.

Spinning in the swing

Click here for a video of Henry spinning in the swing. He loves the bucket swing hanging from the tree in our front yard.

Father's Day

The mug that Henry painted at daycare for Mike's first Father's Day. The two little figures holding hands are made from H's fingerprints. Even though it is just a "show mug" as the infant teacher was quick to remind me, Mike loves it, and I admit, I want a show mug, too.

Henry makes funny faces.

I am attempting something new here. I hope it works. I am attempting to insert a link that takes you right to a video of Henry on YouTube. Henry has been doing this lip smacking thing lately. We think he looks pretty darn cute when he does it. We caught this on a brief video, and you can click here to view it.

9 Month Stats

Henry is an Elton John fan.

Last Thursday, Henry had his 9 month well check. He weighs 20 lbs and 4 oz, which places him in exactly in the 50th percentile for weight. He is 29 inches tall, which means that he is in the 75th percentile for height (an increase in percentile from his last visit). His head circumference is in the 90th percentile. ("Big brains" the doctor always says).

Henry is teething. His lower two front teeth emerged a few weeks ago, and he has 7 teeth on the upper deck ready to pop - poor guy, that cannot be fun.

On Thursday night, H's Aunt Amy came for a quick weekend visit. Henry really enjoyed spending time with his Aunt Amy. She took him in the pool, she played with him on the floor, and she brought him lots of cool new outfits. And she let him wear her glamorous sunglasses (see above). If you ask Amy what the highlight of her trip was, she would probably say watching me change H's diaper in the trunk of the car in the Walmart parking lot. It was not a proud moment for me, but I stand by my decision. Car trunk vs. public restroom in Walmart? I think you would do the same. I was worried that the other Walmart shoppers would become alarmed when they saw a baby in the trunk of the car. Oddly, no one seemed to bat an eye.

When we told Mike of the car trunk diaper change in the Walmart parking lot he said, in a ceremonious tone, "Ah yes. We have arrived."

Henry plans for his future.

It is not too early to start planning for the future. Henry evaluates his college savings strategy. (And for our Wisconsin audience, notice the bobble-head in the background. Guess whose computer Henry is using).

New Florida Tourism Council Ad Campaign

Henry's welcoming gesture invites you to enjoy the beautiful attractions that Florida has to offer.
Don't forget to dress like the natives!

Henry and Mike are ready for a celebration cook-out. Last Sunday we had Chris & Shanon and Greg & Stephanie over for hamburgers, brats and the standard picnic fare. Henry and Mike dressed in their party attire (Hawaiian shirts, madras shorts, flip flops.) Does anyone know where I can get matching Father-Son gold medallions?

Things you can learn from this picture.

1. Much like his cat, Henry really enjoys sitting in laundry baskets.
2. Henry got a new haircut.
3. Henry is teething.
4. Freshly laundered baby socks taste great!
5. Henry's parents have a very messy bedroom.
6. Henry has tan legs.
7. Henry accessorizes every outfit with a damp bib.

New Trick.

Henry awoke from a brief nap yesterday, looked at me, smiled, and then started to clap! We had been working on learning to clap hands together for a few days. I wonder if Henry had been dreaming about clapping his hands and then, suddenly, once the neural circuitry was in place, woke up, and voila - he applauded his own efforts. This morning when I came into his room and opened the blinds, he opened his eyes, smiled, and then clapped again. Perhaps Henry will greet each day with an enthusiastic round of applause every morning? Hmmm... this means he might be a morning person. Definitely didn't get that from me.