Nine Month Update

Neil had his 9 month appointment yesterday and he is just as happy and healthy as can be at 17 lbs 12oz and 26.5". His pediatrician remarked on how close he his to walking (even though he won't crawl a lick!)...and mama thinks she can wait a few more months for that milestone, thank you very much!

Neil has learned to clap his hand recently and is pulling up to standing and even cruising around on the furniture. In the evenings we have been sitting out on the front porch and chatting with passers by. N just loves dogs, so the neighbors' new puppy Boomer is a real hit. Every time he gets close Neil giggles and squeals in utter delight. It really is nice to be able to come home and plop outside on a blanket in the backyard rather than sit in the living room. Other Neil stuff: a touch of shyness around strangers, still waking up at night, eating solids about twice a day (pickles, olives, yogurt, hummus and bread are recent favorites), saying a lot of DA DA, passing off objects and taking them with him when he stands, bouncing (always), rolling around, rapidly outgrowing clothes...

I've been in the garden finally...it seems like this winter has been very long. The snap peas are sown, as are the first succession of lettuce, spinach and radishes. I'm am totally over paying for lettuce, so I'm hoping it does well this year. I also planted a lot of Swiss chard and some nasturtiums and a Clematis vine that I'm hoping will climb up the big telephone pole/clothes line post in the back. My potatoes and onions will arrive in the mail soon!

Today we're heading down to NJ to spend some time with the family before enjoying a much needed date to see a show at Brooklyn Bowl. I'm hoping Neil doesn't put up much of a fuss while we're getting our ya yas out. I'm ready for a little adultishness!!