Eight months

Six seemed big, and seven whizzed by almost unnoticed...eight months feels like no-man's land, somewhere not quite in the middle and - at least for my taste - a little too close to the end of infancy. I'm starting to dread the end of once-in-a-lifetime things... of nursing, for example...such a sweet bond we have that will likely end before too long (we're going until "mutually desired" in LaLeche lingo no longer applies to us)...

As for Gus, he charges ahead with no mind for nostalgia...he is busy, oh-so busy adding new items to his list of skills every day:

He can pull up and stand and grin, all in one smooth move. He does not let whobbly knees get in the way of progress. He likes to let go and see what happens, and he takes a hard sit-down gamely with maybe a tear or two, depending on who is watching. He can hold his own in a conversation, his fluency and lung prowess impresses even the orartory well equipped. He snorts, spits and blows bubbles, all with the appropriate expression, like an old warf hand. Grocery carts are his favorite form of transportation. He doesn't like to take No for an answer - he likes to take it after a big to-do. He's not shy to let you know of his preference - either with a smile or a frown. He is beginning to "play shy" with people other than his parents - but he can't keep it up for long, smiling is still is favorite expression and gregariously applied to whomever crosses his path. He likes to give kisses - slobbery, blowy affairs sometimes with tongue in it - and dislikes hugs when forced on him. He is too busy playing to be bothered sitting still. He shrieks with excitement and bangs whatever is near with his palms at butterflies, sunrays, whispery leaves, trucks, and whatever else catches his fancy. He can cackle like his Groma, maybe he cackles because of his Groma. He can't resist a full wastebasket. He grows still and big-eyed at an insect at eye-level and fidgety and fitful at the sight of a full spoon at mouth-level. He puts up a good fight in the face of tiredness, but still enjoys a good afternoon nap. He loves his paci and adores his lovey. He pants when he hungry and smacks his lips when he is sated. He is the proud owner of 2 and one half teeth. He can crawl beautifully, all motoric grace and agile speed on palms and knees.

He is still the sweetest little baby boy in my life.