Growing so fast!

- Since July 3rd, Matthew has been taking 1 to 1 1/2 hour naps in his bed (at the same time as Grace)! This has been a welcome break for Mommy.

- Matthew pulled himself up to a standing position by the tub on July 4th!

- Matthew started clapping! 7/10

- One afternoon when Jeff got home, Grace asked him, "How was work?" 7/11

- Our dishwasher door's hinge broke and I forgot, so when I opened it I hit my leg. When Grace saw this happen she said, "I want to kiss Mama's booboo."

- We've been working a lot with Grace on how to ask for things politely. She's been getting pretty good when reminded, but she's been agging the word "go" in the mix which is sort of funny. So she'll say, "May I go have some water, please?"

- Matthew is officially a crawler and exploring things this new freedom affords him! 7/17

- One of Grace's teachers told me that she was very helpful and asked if she was at home too. I told her that sometimes her help was more welcomed and.other times it was not!

- I met a new mom of one of Grace's classmates. When she learned Grace's name she said, "Oh, Grace is very popular!". Apparently she makes friends easily.

- When Grace stands on her tip toes, her big toe is forward and the others are tucked back. It looks very uncomfortable to me.

- Matthew had his 9 month check-up this week. He's in the 79% in height and 30% for weight now. It seems he's going to be 1 year old in the blink of an eye!

On that note, here are a few things I love most about the baby phase:
- I love how a baby immediately relaxes in the arms of someone they trust and lets his head drop onto the shoulder/chest of that person.
- I love how a baby's head fits perfectly between the side of your chin and your chest.
- I love innocent toothless grins.
- I love itsy bitsy hands holding your finger or exploring your face.
- I love how excited babies are to see you in the morning and grin ear-to-eat.
- I love how they can lower your blood pressure at the end of a hard day when they cuddle in your arms.