Boyd - 9.5 months

Boyd's 9-month appointment was pushed back another week (to December 10th) because of his nap schedule. The original appointment was set for 2 pm next Tuesday and that is smack dab in the middle of his 2nd nap. I'm pretty protective of his naps so we'll all just have to wait to hear about his latest growth stats!

• We're pretty sure Boyd will skip crawling in favor of walking. He does this funny backwards scoot, but has no inclination to go forwards.He loves to walk with assistance - like, someone holding his arms and supporting him that way while he takes steps. Very close to cruising (holding on to something and walking.) My mom has found him standing in the crib and gnawing on the rail, so obviously he is strong enough to pull his body up. D just adjusted the crib mattress to a lower setting to prevent the little guy from falling out.
• He thinks our cat is the best thing ever. I ask "where's kitty?" and he looks toward the cat with a huge smile on his little face. We have to practice being gentle with pets because all he wants to do is grab huge clumps of animal hair and rub his face on the cat and dog.Understandably, the pets do not appreciate this outpouring of love.
• All of his toys are a huge bore to him now. Former favorite rattle toy? So over it. Funny stuffed animal? Yawn. We've resorted to giving him safe household items to play with, like measuring cups, empty water bottles, and plastic bowls. I really like the Melissa & Doug line of toys - natural, non-toxic toys, usually made of wood. Will have to invest in some of those.
• Wants to grab all of his Puffs snacks at once and stuff them in his mouth. He's like Drift at mealtime - can't get enough!
• Naps are still frustrating at times but definitely improving. 2 weeks ago he went through this 4-5 day phase of refusing naps. I thought, is he ready for 1 nap already? Nope, his brain was just working on overtime, trying to process new skills. So he is still on 2 naps a day at this point.
• Just purchased a new Recaro convertible car seat - it will hold Boyd rear-facing until about 35 pounds and then we'll switch it to face forward. I was waffling between the Recaro and a few Britax seats, but there were just more safety features on the Recaro that you pay more for with the Britax brand. Recaro makes race cars in Europe, as well as car seats, and European standards for child seat safety are higher than here in the US. Also, the reviews on the seat were great!
• I also invested in a lighter-weight folding (umbrella) stroller for strolls around the mall or department store and whatnot since he has outgrown the Snap & Go. 
• More and more of his personality is emerging. We've found that he really craves activity and new experiences/toys/etc. He is definitely not one of those babies that is happy to sit in one place for hours at a time (not that there's anything wrong with that!) Loves moving, jumping, walking!
• Is beginning to exhibit signs of stranger danger. If someone he doesn't see regularly tries to hold him, more often than not he'll get upset.
  

One of his favorites, salmon. That may be pureed green beans too.

Big, wide bibs are the way to go with kiddos.

My mother-in-law made this sweet blanket - we love it!

Boyd with one of my baby pictures.

This sweet face makes my heart melt.

I find Puffs everywhere - on the floor, stuck between couch cushions, in the car, etc.