Nine Month Update

Last week, TJ had his nine month doctor's appointment. Once again, the doctor says he's a "perfect square." (That's actually a good thing.) TJ is following the same arcs on his growth chart for head circumference, weight and and height. He remains in the 25th-30th percentile, and that's just fine for us.

He weighed in at 19 1/2 pounds and 27 1/2 inches. I'm not sure what I am going to do as the little guy puts on more pounds. It's already getting tough carrying him around everywhere. And now, he has mastered the act of raising both of his hands when he wants to be held, which is pretty much all the time! :)

TJ is standing on his "own" while playing with toys or hanging on the couch. He continues to "army crawl" around the house. I'm not sure if he'll ever get up on his knees... he's gotten pretty quick at his method of transportation lately, and his distance has also increased. TJ is also "walking" towards Mommy, Daddy and Grandma when you hold his hands. It's so fun and so scary all at the same time!

He's also getting down the whole waving thing. Although, like with everything else, TJ has developed his own version. Instead of waving his hand or fingers, he'll shoot his arm up into the air and flash a big smile. He's now doing it without being prompted by us. Yesterday, I came downstairs from getting ready, he saw me, raised his arm in his wave and smiled. It was too cute!

Grandpa and Grandma Reno took TJ to the Wildlife Experience near our house. TJ loved looking at all the animals and Grandpa had a good time playing all the games. TJ's favorite was the aquariam. On the floor was an interactive game where the school of fish would swim towards you... then swim away. TJ loved it!


This past week, another round of the stomach flu invaded our home. Last time, only Mommy was sick... this time... it started with TJ. Grandma then got it... followed by Daddy and Mommy again. TJ bounced back pretty quickly, although, he's still pretty tired. The rest of us seem to be recovering as well, and after a thorough disinfecting, I'm hoping we've stopped the cycle. :)

This weekend, TJ will celebrate his first Halloween. He's going to be Nemo. I dressed him up along with some of his Buggy Buddies last Friday. It was too cute because one of TJ's friends is Squirt from "Finding Nemo." I'll take more pictures this weekend when we take TJ out.

Surprise, Surprise

Frankie finally did it -- he was able to surprise me, of all people! I turned 30 this past weekend, and Frankie had my best friend fly in from Norway to help celebrate. It was so awesome seeing Linda. The last time we were together was at our wedding two years ago! Like always, we picked up right where we left off, as if we had seen each other the day before. It's always been that way between us, and it's so special to have a friend like that.

What was more special to me this time, was to see TJ and his Auntie Linda together. Sometimes TJ can be a little apprehensive around new people or people he hasn't seen in a while. Not with Linda -- he loved her from the get go! He was attached to her hip, and I think it will be hard for both of them now that Linda has gone back home. I was telling Frankie how amazed I was at how quickly TJ warmed up to Linda. Frankie's response? "He knows how much you love her, and so he loves her that much, too." Makes my eyes well up just writing that, and thinking how wonderful our friendship is.

Of course, she came loaded with gifts. TJ was given the cutest Norwegian outfit. It's THE iconic Norwegian sweater, and of course, he looked adorable in it! :) Our cupboards are now stocked with some of the best candy on the planet, so thanks Linda! :)

On Friday, Frankie had to work late at CSU, so TJ hung out with Uncle Marshall, and Mommy & Linda went to Grease at the Buell. It was one of our favorites when Linda lived here in high school, so it was perfect that the four days it was playing in Denver was during Linda's visit! We had a great time, and TJ had a blast with Marshall and Kosher. He even got to stay up past his bedtime! :)


Saturday Frankie treated Linda and myself to an afternoon of pampering. While he and my parents and sister got the house ready for the party, Linda & I had massages and facials. It was perfect, and if I didn't think so already... I'm convinced Frankie spoils me rotten! :)

A bunch of friends and their kids showed up for the party Saturday afternoon. We had a houseful, and TJ was a rock star!!! He loved playing with all the other babies and kiddos, and he loved all the attention he was given. It was another late night for TJ, and by 8... he was partied out. :)

Sunday afternoon it was time to head to the airport and say goodbye to Linda. We hope it won't be another two years before we're all together again, and hopefully next time... we'll be able to visit in Norway!

Today TJ turns 9 months old! Each month he gets older... and each month I say I can't believe how fast it's flown by, but it's true!

He is a true joy to have, and he fills our lives with so much love. We are so lucky to help him grow and to learn to be kids again ourselves. He has his 9-month checkup on Wednesday... I can't wait to see how much my hungry monster weighs! :)

Our Little Pumpkin

It's been a while since we've written entry. Mommy and Daddy have both been working a lot, and TJ has been growing and becoming more and more of a character each day.

Yesterday, we took our first family trip to the pumpkin patch. We went some of our friends from Buggy Fitness and one of Daddy's friends from work. It was a rainy, chilly, miserable morning, but TJ wasn't phased. He didn't fuss at all! We each walked out with a pumpkin... and a muddy stroller! :)

On Saturday, TJ and Mommy hit the road to Greeley and spent the day with the Danhoffs. We went to Connor's soccer game and then had lunch at one of Mommy's favorite Greeley restaurants, Coyote's. It was a busy day, but TJ had a bunch of fun with Connor and Logan.

Last weekend, we went to Grandpa & Grandma Reno's for Grandpa's birthday. TJ had a blast playing with Grandpa, Grandma and Auntie Angie... and he loved to cuddle up to Grandpa!

TJ continues to eat like he's a bottomless pit. He loves his food, and he doesn't mess around when it's mealtime! If you're not quick enough with the next spoonful of food... he lets you know with a scolding scream. He's too funny.

TJ is working on crawling. He continues to get around with the army crawl. And all he wants to do is stand. Tonight, before bedtime, TJ "walked" from Daddy to Mommy holding onto Mommy's hands. He loves to smile and babble and play with all of his toys. He especially loves everything that plays music.

This weekend, we packed up his 6 month clothes and broke out the 9-monthers. It was a little emotional for Mommy. :) I can't believe he'll be 9 months old next week. It definitely has gone by too fast!