“That kid is so f#@king cute, like really f#@king cute!”

-A quote from the frisbee-playing, 20-something gay couple at the park today.    

Oliver will turn 10-months old in less than a week, and I feel like I should say a few words about his 9^th month to give it the proper send-off it deserves.  This month brought several firsts.  But, it was all the small advances that cumulatively seem to have made our little guy appear so much more engaged in his world.  To name a few:

-standing up, letting go, hands up in the air, and big smile (like, “yeah, I am awesome!”)

-loving to play with trucks and cars; pushing them around making the “brrrmmm” sound

-making all kinds of sounds and babbles

-copying clapping hands and stomping feet

-clucking kisses (explanation: I guess we are loud kissers b/c now when we give him a kiss (imagine the sound of a quick smooch), he clucks his mouth back in imitation

-snuggling: purposefully resting his head on my leg, lap, cheek or shoulder

-running while holding your hands

-eating three solid meals and 1-2 snacks a day
-trying to put his spoon or slobbery toy in your mouth while giving you a big smile (sharing?)

-playing peek-a-boo on his own initiative
-crawling after you when you start to leave the room (sometimes with his toy in his mouth if he does not want to leave it behind)

-turning regular (non-board) book pages without tearing (current favorite: The Pout Pout Fish)

-reaching and calling out when he wants you

-laughing with gusto when you are willing to make a fool out of yourself for his amusement

-responding with recognition to words like no-no, toes, nose, teeth, brush-brush time, bath, water, milk, toot-toot, kitty, bye-bye, Mommy, Daddy, and Oliver.

To sum it up, this kid is so f#@king cute, like really f#@king cute!