At 9 months, Joel...

...weighs 19 lbs 7 oz and measures 28 1/2 inches long.  A few signs he's growing: he is definitely getting heavier to carry in the infant carseat; he stretches from end to end in his cradle bed; and no longer fits in between the arms of the rocking chair so we sit on a diagonal.

...is more aware and searches 'til he finds his Susa (sister).  When she walks into the room or rides past him on her bike, he squeals with delight and smiles wide.

...shows much excitement for food!  New finger foods this month are: rice crackers, whole wheat bread, pasta, cheese, green beans, strawberries, blueberries...just like his big sister.  

...has a couple favorite toys: simple shakers with a knotted string on the end, the fish bowl, his stuffed monkey, and small board books to name a few.  He also likes to play with a whole bucket of Duplo.  He will dump it out, find two blocks, and play by banging them together.  

...beginning to show signs of wanting to crawl but when he gets down to try...boy, it's a lot of work!

...is showing us more of his temperament and who he is.  He is content to play on the floor for good chunks of time or get cozy and still on your lap.  At first, he seems to be a serious lil' man but when he breaks out in a full face smile, your day instantly becomes sunny.  We think he'll be our boy of rhythm and routine as it seems he already has an internal alarm clock, he wants to eat on a regular schedule, and falling asleep at home is best.

...grins from ear to ear when you start singing "Jesus Loves Me" at bed time and will fall in your arms, for love and cuddles.

Happy in-out birthday our beautiful boy!