9 months (on 5/16/11)

Our little champ went from being in the 25th percentile at his 6 month check up to the 75th percentile for

his 9 month check-up (both weight and height). Now that’s what we are talking about! You go Gage!!! Since he had such trouble keeping his weight in the beginning, it is a relief to know that he is picking up speed and digestively things are getting better for him. Yes, he still spits up---frequently. But we are seeing a decrease in the amount that comes out. Gage has been sleeping great through the night for a good four to five months now (minus the one week when he learned to pull himself up in his crib but then didn’t know how to get down. Once he pulled himself up he would cry for help. We would go in and lay him back down, and before we were out of the room, he’d flipped over and was crawling to the railing so he could again pull himself up. Thanks to Maralee who gave us a great book to read on how to address the issue. One week later and we were back to sleeping through the night again). On the flip side, he is an EARLY morning child and generally wakes up between 5:30 am – 6:00 am. Somedays we are super lucky and he wakes up at 6:15 am. Rob and I are not morning people at all. I think he got the early morning gene from Grandpa Hill. We’ve tried all sorts of ways to try and encourage him to sleep a little longer but our efforts have been in vain.

A few of his favorite things to do:
*Crawl
*Play with cooking utensils
*Take Baths
*Be around people—the kid seriously loves to watch people
*Eat table food

A few things he doesn’t like:
*Getting his diaper changed
*Not being able to chase Cooper
*Being in a car seat
*Not having the freedom to move during Sacrament meeting

Going, Going, Gone!

Gage is officially up and crawling. He had been army crawling for about three weeks. The day after mother’s day he decided that army crawling wasn’t for him and he was up on all fours. And when I say he is crawling, I mean crawling EVERYWHERE! The favorite things to crawl to seemed to be the dog food bowl and water dish. Oh the fun he has with those. Splashing in the water always gets a giggle or two out. Twice I have got to him just in time…… as he had a handful of dog food ready to chomp on for a mid-day snack. The dog bowls have subsequently been moved. The second favorite; the DVD player. Check ------- that has now been moved. The third favorite: Cooper! Now that has caused a predicament because he is not as easy to move to an out of reach place. Cooper is not fond of Gage following him around or getting up in his grill!! Thus, we are using the baby gate to separate the two until they can figure out how to be good buddies.

Along with crawling was an immediate attraction to pulling himself up once he reached a destination. Just a few places Gage loves to use to pull himself into an upright position are: couch, exersaucer, kitchen chairs, dishwasher, recliner, sliding patio door, our legs, etc! Hence, he got his first “look I can move” bumps this week. The first prize went to a bruise that was on his right forehead - we got to see a few colors of the rainbow; red, blue, yellow and a faded green. Second place: a small bruise that he got on his left cheek from climbing the kitchen chairs. Baby proofing Step Two: a second baby gate is added to keep him in the living room or fireplace room. I have a feeling we are going to have Baby Proofing Steps Three, Four, and Five in the coming weeks!!

It's Time Already

 I remember when Grandpa Hill gave Gage this 12 month BSU outfit to wear for Christmas. I thought, “oh gosh, this won’t fit him for a long time!” Sad to say, it’s time already and he fits in it—barely!! It’s almost too small. I am in full support of all the people who say that kids just grow up to gosh darn fast!!!!! I was taking out Gage’s summer clothes today and sprinkled in there are some 18 month outfits. Out of pure spite, I am not even trying them on him yet because I am not  ready to accept that my sweet little 8 1/2 month old is ready for that size because again, that means that he is growing too fast. So for today, and maybe the next couple of weeks, I am just going to tell myself, “18 month clothes, no way—they won’t fit him for a long time!”

Vacation Part 2

The second week we drove Clarke up to school and stayed a few days with Shan and Trevor in Blackfoot. They were great hosts and we can't wait to come back!

The college guy at his spring/summer apartment (Shout out to the college years-- I loved em'!!)

Gage was ready for bed until Aunt Shan got him for a dance party

Then it was Auntie K's turn

This picture makes me laugh because of the way Clarke is holding Gage!!

Shanna thought the words to the song "Boots with the Fur" were, "Boots with the Spurs!" We got a good laugh at that one.....and yes she lives in Blackfoot, ID! :)

The boys: Clarke and Derek

The girls: Shan

Kayla

Me

I was so proud that I hit the target!

Congrats to the newly engaged couple!

Grandpa Hill drove from Emmett to Blackfoot so he could spend more time with Gage.
These pictures show how much fun they have together!! Grandpa found some great time-consuming baby cookies for me to give Gage on the plane home. Of course Gage had to try one out while Grandpa was around.

One of my favorite pics of Gage and my dad

Bath Time Fun

I love this picture of Shan and Gage

Kayla and Trev making a deal for a foot massage. The going rate: $20 for ten minutes

Love this pic too, Gage had a blast playing with Clarke

The crazy fun you have with a little one around!

Yes--Kayla loves diet coke. NO the can is NOT open

Another early morning Auntie K took Gage so I could go back to sleep. Shan helped a few mornings too. I love sisters!!!!!!

Wedding dress shopping with Kayla. We can't wait to come out for the wedding in July.

The "see you later" dinner at Red Robin

One of Nonna's favorite times

Shan spiked Gage's hair into a sweet lookin' do. I came home and tried and couldn't quite get it the same.