9 Months

Our lovable little guy celebrated his 9 month birthday last week. As our loyal followers know, I have been horrible about updating the blog with his monthly photos so, a lot has changed since his 6 month post.
Let's start with Henry's stats....as you can see from the picture above, he is lean. Personally I think he looks very big in the above picture, which is quite deceiving because he is still a peanut! He currently weighs 17 1/2 pounds and is 28 inches long. I can't remember the exact percentiles, but he is around the 10th percentile for weight and 25th height. Doesn't look like we have football players on our hands, but you never know! Regardless, the doctor is happy with his growth, as he continues to creep right along the curve consistently.
He continues to be the happiest baby around. Henry went through a bit of a rough patch the last couple of weeks because of his teeth, or at least what I think were his teeth. Even though he was more fussy than usual, the smile rarely left his face. His happiness is contagious and you can't help but smile when he flashes those white teeth your way. He loves to be a part of the action and as long as he can be in the middle of everything, he is content.
Being in the middle of everything also means getting into everything! And I mean everything...cabinets, drawers, baskets, purses, bags, etc. He can get anywhere he wants to go, as he started crawling toward the end of April/beginning of May and hasn't looked back since. It started with the army crawl, but once he perfected that, he was up on all fours and on the move. He pulls himself up on everything and is becoming braver by the day, letting go with one hand and even trying to move from once piece of furniture to another...as long as they are close. All this mobility drives Ethan crazy though because Henry is constantly taking his toys. We are working hard on sharing and letting Henry test out Ethan's toys because his interest lasts about 2 minutes before he is on to something else. It is fun to watch though too because Henry is really starting to interact and play with toys.

Henry loves his brother more than life itself! He gets such a kick out of Ethan talking to and playing with him. The giggles are a plenty when Ethan sneaks into his crib in the morning before I make my way up there. Henry can't get enough of Ethan reading books to and playing cars with him. Just the sound of Ethan's voice makes Henry smile. I love watching the 2 of them interact; they could entertain each other for hours.

He isn't really saying too many words yet, but babbling a ton! He definitely says "da-da-da" and "ga-ga-ga." It won't be too long before he really starts saying words, but for now, I love his constant chatter. It is just too cute!
Henry is doing well is the eating and sleeping department as well. He is pretty much off of all baby food and enjoys just about everything that you put in front of him. He loves all fruit, veggies, chicken, cheese, yogurt, applesauce, pasta, toast, beans...honestly, anything! He is still mastering the concept of picking up pieces and putting them in his mouth, but he does a fairly good job and requires just a little help if the meal drags on too long. And while he still gets 3-4 bottles a day, the sippy cup has become a favorite at meal time. We started with water for practice and got the go ahead from the doctor to try milk. So far so good and he loves drinking out of his sippy cup like a big boy!

Unlike a couple of months ago, Henry's sleep is consistently wonderful. He is still going to bed fairly early, around 7 and waking up anywhere between 7 and 8 on most days. His naps continue to be 1-2 hours in the morning and afternoon! And, just recently his afternoon nap fell in line with Ethan's, which makes this momma (and Elyse) very happy! Henry will let you know when he is ready to get up and be a part of the action, but even through his cries, his smile shines when you walk into his room.
Henry is definitely keeping us on our toes, but he is the best 9 month old around. I don't think there is anyone who is happier than HRH, which makes life in the Hunt household very fun and cheery. There is no way that you can be around Henry without smiling, he just does that to you! And, while I can't believe we are rapidly creeping up on toddlerhood, we have thoroughly enjoyed the last 9 months with our baby. He is as sweet as ever and so stinkin' cute. He really completes our family (for now, at least) and makes me grin from ear to ear daily! Henry Hunt, you are the most easy going, happy, content, inquisitive, gentle, snugly, adorable, and delightful little guy out there! I can only hope you embrace these qualities as they are some of the best out there. You are our little peanut and we love you more than you will ever know.

Three Years

Three years ago I became Ethan's mom; one of the hardest yet rewarding jobs I have had. I have a hard time remembering what life was like before Ethan; before becoming a mom. June 28th, 2008...one of the most special and memorable days of my life. Ethan's birthday...the day my life changed, became more important and more meaningful, more happy. And while there are times when I feel like days of the last 3 years have gone slowly, the years have flown by. Can my baby be 3 already? Sure enough he is and I wish I could bottle time so I don't forget these days; they are going by too fast! Even the toughest days are days I don't want to forget because while they were trying, the reward was incomprehensible. I became a better person and my son was further molded into the person he will become. I thank God everyday for what He has given us because this is my life and I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Those bright eyes brighten my day...everyday! (Side note: I see a lot of Henry in this picture). Even if it is an hour or 2 before I normally would like to wake up. Mornings with Ethan are my favorite. He is usually up before Henry which gives us a few minutes to snuggle in bed before we get the day started. He tends to steal most of my pillow to ensure we are within inches of each other. His hand goes on my cheek and he just smiles at me until I am finally convinced it is time to get up. Or, my phone will do the trick if I want to catch a couple more winks! He is sweet...so sweet! Even after the 15th "mommy, mommy."
Ethan is all boy...trucks, tractors, trains...they rule his life. He loves to play on the floor with all his vehicles, talking to himself about being the Fire Chief, emergencies, race tracks, monster trucks. His imagination is wild and takes him all over! His daddy's love for sports is slowing becoming a sweet spot for Ethan. He can't get enough of the Cubs and loves throwing and kicking balls. Ethan is also quite fond of the horses and has been caught watching a race or 2 on TV, of course only after ensuring we each have a pony to route for. He also loves music and is becoming quite the country fan like Matt and I...knowing the words to Zac Brown Band and Taylor Swift. Too much of US 99, I guess. We often have dance parties with Henry while making dinner, just before daddy gets home.

He has more energy than I like to admit sometimes, which allows us to spend a lot of time outside. Running around, playing at the park, just having fun! He is especially fond of the roll-y slide park and only asks about a million times a day if we can walk to that one. I am happy to oblige if it means we can run around and release some of the gallons of energy he has. He loves hanging out with the big boys next door and can't get enough of all the fun things they do. Jack and Brian think he is great and treat him like their little brother. If only he could ride a bike or run around as fast as they do!

Ethan also loves to talk...about anything! As many 3 year olds are, he is extremely curious and can't get enough of asking "why." I am constantly amazed at his ability to remember almost anything you tell him (that he wants to listen too, of course) and can't believe just how much he absorbs on a daily basis. He can speak in full sentences now and does really well with manners and after warming up to you will be your best bud as long as you play and talk to him. He still loves to read books and can't go to bed at night with having a book or two read to him.

Speaking of bed time, our biggest accomplishment this year, besides potty training (which he mastered quite quickly), has been giving up our pacis. It is something we should have given up a long time ago, but I think in my eyes, it kept him a baby. Ethan loved his pacis; they were his security blanket, his protector, his comfort, but we knew they had to go! So, we bit the bullet after weeks of talking about him giving his pacis up. Last Friday was Ethan's first night without them (yes, them...he had no less than 4 in bed with him every night) and we haven't looked back since. He asks for them every night and nap time is a little more difficult, but he is doing great so far. I was a little worried that our nights would be shorter without them, but so far so good. Just another sign that he is not a baby any more...insert sad face here!

Ethan has also grown quite fond of his brother, which melts my heart. He wants to be the first one in Henry's room when he wakes up in the morning and can't resist spending time in the crib with Henry before we head downstairs. He makes sure he knows where Henry is no matter where we are and is always asking, "Hey, buddy, are you ok?" So sweet! He doesn't like that Henry can now move and touch all his things, but he is very good at giving Henry another toy, as long as it is not Ethan's! He loves to talk and sing to Henry, which puts the biggest smile on Henry's face. I absolutely love to see the two of them interact; there is nothing that brings me more joy than the way they make each other laugh.
As Ethan celebrates his 3rd birthday, I can't help but think about all the joy he has brought to our lives and how much we have to look forward to with our boys. He brings out every emotion in me; making me happy, sad, mad, frustrated. He makes life easier and harder at the same time. He makes me smile and laugh and laugh harder and sometimes cry. He gives me purpose, confidence and strength. He makes me proud to a mom, his mom (and Henry's too). I never knew how much love I could have for someone else before I had children, I would do absolutely anything for them to ensure their happiness and well being. I know this sounds cliche, but they are my pride and joy.

So Ethan, as you begin your 4th year of life, I hope you continue to be just as amazing as you already are. Never let go of all that energy and curiosity. You keep me on my toes and I couldn't love you more. Happy Birthday, EJH! We love you!

Oh and it is hard to believe that 3 short years ago, he weighed just 3 lbs. 13 ounces. At our doctor's appointment last week, Ethan weighed 31 1/2 pounds (47%) and just over 3 feet (37 inches) tall (25%). Pretty amazing considering he wasn't even on the charts at one point during his life, even at his adjusted age! Way to go, buddy!

Bed Head

This is how I found Henry when I walked in the other morning. It looks like he had a rough night. Or maybe it was from wrestling his big brother since Ethan was also in the crib when I walked in the room! Brothers...seemed like that was a glimpse into my future. Love it!

Stand Up

One of Henry's newest tricks is pulling himself up...on everything! He started pulling himself onto his knees Memorial Day weekend and finally made it to his feet shortly thereafter. He decided the first place he wanted to try standing was in his crib....before we had moved the mattress down. Ooops! We moved it right away, but thank goodness we didn't have any accidents prior. Henry now can't get enough of being on his feet and I anticipate that walking will be happening a lot faster than we anticipate. What happened to my baby!?!?

Fire Guy

A couple of weekends ago, we headed north to Milwaukee to celebrate my cousin Devin's 8th grade graduation and Eagle Scout honor. We had a beautiful lunch at my aunt and uncle country club, followed by some time at their gorgeous house.

While we were there, my aunt pulled out quite a few toys for the kids to play with, one of which being this ginormous fire truck. It was a huge hit with Ethan right off the bat and I knew we were going to have a hard time pulling Ethan away from it when we were ready to leave. Well, after a few tears and a small monetary exchange (to Devin of course for his new computer), the fire truck was all packed up in the back of the Jeep headed to Glen Ellyn.
The fire truck is pretty cool and makes all these noises and the ladder moves up and down. It has provided constant entertainment for our fire guy, as Ethan likes to refer to himself.

Yes, the fire truck is almost the size of Ethan....I told you it was huge!

Our fire guy right before bed. It took a lot of convincing and a few stickers to get Ethan to bed without the fire truck.

Thank you McArdle Family for the newest addition to our every growing toy collection. This might be the coolest thing we have. Well, besides the tractor, of course. More importantly, we were thrilled to be a part of Devin's celebration and so proud of him for for all his accomplishments. I see so much in his future...thanks for giving up your fire truck, too...it is in good hands!