Growing Heath

(Playing outside on a sunny day in February watching dad wash the car)

It's been a few posts since we gave the baby update and since so much has happened lately I felt Heath deserved his own 'big boy' post! Heath turned 9 months old on March 3rd and a week later weighed in at 20 lbs and 4 oz., 28 inches long. He is a growing boy who still has a healthy appetite for mama's milk and a growing array of baby foods. He has begun to eat breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack while at school (all consisting of some arrangement of rice cereal, oatmeal, veggies and fruits).

(Heath and his Valentine- Jessica at the end of their date night)

This past month his first tooth broke through. We felt accomplished, awarded after the long stretch of fussy nights and general crabbiness that isn't typical of Heath. This past week while we were in Philadelphia for the NASPA conference Heath's second tooth started to come through. They are both on the front row, bottom.

Heath started crawling forward while Jonathan's parents were in town over President's weekend in February. Since then he is becoming quite the mobile mover. He loves to explore drawers and cupboards and we are quickly realizing what we need to baby proof from his reach! While in Philly this last week Heath also started to pull himself to standing position on the hotel furniture. He especially loved to stand in front of the floor length mirror, coffee table and couch.

(Manz Grandparents visit in February)

He continues to be a communicator and talk most of the day when he is with us. In large crowds he likes to observe and focus on what's around him, but after a bit of warming up he begins to chatter and then talk louder until he lets out a few excited squeals. People love stopping to smile with him, thankfully that included all our fellow passengers on the plane this last week. Heath was a real trooper and great traveler!

(Lots of hotel pool time with Opa in Philladelphia)