Letters to Ari...8 months old

Dearest Ari,

I'm not sure how this is possible, but another month has passed and you are already 8 months old. Mommy is definitely having a hard time with how fast you are growing up.  As much fun as it is watching you learn new things and grow, I wish I could freeze time and live in this moment forever.

Happy 8 months sweet baby boy!  

Milestones/Special Firsts:

- Well, a few days after you officially turned 8 months, you popped your first tooth! The first one to make its grand appearance was your top left one.  I still do double takes looking at you, because I just don't recognize you with that tooth.  You look too much like a little boy with your new tooth.

- You have pretty much transitioned to eating whatever we're eating when we sit down for meals now.  We give you whatever we're having and then also your iron cereal mixed in with some baby food.  Some of your favorites right now are spaghetti, beans, cheese, tacos, bananas, and kiwi.  You especially love going to Apollo, Milwaukee's best Greek restaurant.  It doesn't surprise me because Mommy ate there a lot while she was pregnant with you.  You love feta, pastitsio, and Greek potatoes.  

Mmm! Feta!

- You are a cruising machine now.  You cruise all along the furniture and even transfer from one piece of furniture or toy to the other.  If you need to get somewhere fast, you still drop to your butt and crawl since you are a speedy lil guy on all fours.

- You went swimming for the first time.  We stayed overnight at a hotel in Appleton while visiting your Auntie Shelley.  While we were waiting for her to get off of work, we went swimming in the hotels pool.  You were in awe of the water.

Getting ready to hit the pool

Family fun

-You took  your first trip to Wisconsin Dells! We went and stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge with your Auntie & cousins.  You had such a blast exploring in the kiddie pool.  You were fearless - you actually crawled right through the middle of the pool.  You were the only baby that wasn't clinging to mommy or daddy.  You were too busy venturing across the pool and cruising along the sides...watching everyone in sight.  You are one observant little guy.  

 Cousin love

Hi ladies!

- You made the transition to a convertible car seat! (few days after you turned seven months) You were just too tall to make it any longer in your infant car seat.  

Things You Like Right Now: 

- WATER! Water makes you excited in any form or fashion.  You love swimming, baths, water from a glass, and especially drinking water out of your sippy cup.  You get this huge smile on your face and actually start giggling and kicking your legs.  

- Seeing the chiropractor! Yes, you started seeing a chiropractor to help with your overall wellness & ear infections.  Well, knock on wood - since you started seeing her, you haven't had another ear infection.  This makes you & us VERY happy!  You love your sessions with her - all you do is giggle!  They only last about three minutes and you think they are very funny.

- You love giving "mockies" (kisses).  We say to you, "Ari, can I have a mocky?" and you open up your mouth, lean in, and put your mouth on ours.  You don't have the puckering quite down yet, but we really love your wet kisses.

- EXPLORING! You are into anything & everything, non-stop all day long. You especially love the bathroom.  If you even see a glimmer of the door open, you bolt towards the opening.  Even when the door is closed, you bang on it and try to push it open.  You love pulling up on the side of the tub.  Before long, I bet you'll actually be crawling right into the tub.  You also really like the entertainment center drawers, the pullout drawers in the kitchen, Buckwheat's gate, the garbage can, and the opened fridge.

One of my favorite photos of you! 

Getting into trouble in the bathroom 

Things You Dislike Right Now:

- Being patient while waiting for food.  You are very demanding when it comes to your food.  You grunt, squeal, sign, and scream when you are ready for more.

- Being confined to just one room.  When you realize we have a barrier keeping you from going to another room, you are bound and determined to break through that barrier.

- Anything on your feet! Within seconds of being in your car seat you pull off your shoes & socks.

Your Dad:

Your dad was thrilled to be able to spend a lot of time with you this past month.  He had a three week break from work for spring break, so the two of you had quite a great deal of quality time together.  He especially enjoyed our time together as a family when mommy had spring break too.  We went to the Milwaukee Public Museum, the art museum, the children's museum, and did some hiking.

 Taking it all in at the art museum

 Getting ready to head out for a day at the museum

You've also taken a liking to the bike in your room.  You high tail it into your room and crawl on your bike when you want to ride.  Daddy puts you on the bike and pushes you around the house.  You absolutely love it ...the smile on your face is priceless.  You're very proud, it's like you're thinking "Look at me, look at me."

Your Mom:

I had SO much fun with you on my spring break.  I feel so fortunate that daddy and I are both teachers because we get to spend so much time together as a family.

At the pirate exhibit

A taste of spring at the art museum

This was my most favorite moment of the entire month...snuggling with you taking a mid-afternoon nap

Being away from you while at work is still really difficult for me.  I think about you from the second I leave the house until the moment I see you at daycare.  Even when I'm busy with my students at school, I find myself missing you and counting down the hours until we're together again.  I know you're in good hands, just wish they were my hands instead.  

Thank you for another amazing, unforgettable month sweet baby boy.  You are such a happy, content little guy.  I have so many people ask me, "Does he ever cry?" You have such an uplifting spirit Ari.  It's really contagious...anyone that is around you can't help but smile! You are so special to so many people.  You definitely make this world a much brighter place. 

Love, 

Your Mommy