9 MONTHS OLD

Well, this is Casey's big milestone for the month...he has conquered the walker! Over the last month he has gone from only being able to go backwards to being able to maneuver around objects and accelerate to high speeds on smooth even surfaces. When he's not in the walker, he's a big fan of standing. He wants to pull himself up but still doesn't have the strength all on his own. With a little help, he'll pull himself up and then his little legs just start a walkin'.


Over the past several weeks Casey has been a drooling machine, but still no teeth! He's enjoying all kinds of solid foods now. Since my mom got me a baby-food maker I have been buying fresh produce and puree-ing all the live long day. It comes to about 12 - 18 cents per serving...depending on how cheap I get the produce. Quite a savings. Thanks, Madre.

Everyday he's closer to crawling. He has learned to go forward onto his knees, but hasn't figured out how to stay up. He's a grabber, too. He's quick, so you gotta watch him wherever you go or he'll be grabbing the silverware right off the table before you can finish sitting down. His quick with his hands. He can also wave "hi" with his hands, but he just doesn't realize he's doing it.

His vocal sounds are increasing. He enjoys "testing" his voice level wherever he goes. He's got the dadada sound down, along with bababa sounds and a little ooohooohooh sounds...but, alas, still no mamama sound. He enjoys being outside and taking walks in his big boy stroller. At least once a week, Casey gets to spend time with his lil' friend, Reese. She likes to steal his pacifier. Fortunately for him, he knows how to steal it right back!

He didn't have a dr. appt this month, but the Wii said he's 19 lbs. and I measured him yesterday at 28.5 inches long. He's getting to be a hefty little man. It seems I am packing away clothes every week that no longer fit him. He's almost out of his #2 diapers. My arms feel like they're gonna fall off after a few trips with the car seat.

Last month we decided to sponsor a child through World Vision. We found a little boy born the exact day as Casey. His name is Cristian Hernandez and he lives in Mexico. We are looking forward to Casey and Cristian becoming "pen pals" and sharing their life experiences. As we pray for Casey every night, we also pray for Cristian. Someday we hope to take a mission trip through World Vision and meet Cristian in person.

***UNASHAMED PLUG***
If you are interested in changing the life of a child and their community, this is their link www.worldvision.org

On May 26, Mark & I celebrated 8 yrs. of matrimony. It seems like we've been together forever, yet at the same time it seems like we are just starting out. We went out to dinner and then to Gameworks whilst Casey-Bear was at a friends house. It was a fun evening out with my man....WHO, by the way, has turned out to be an awesome daddy. I hope someday Casey realizes just how lucky he is to have a daddy like Mark. Happy Father's Day! (a little early).