9 months, 27 days

Dear John,

If your Papa and Aunt Diane have anything to do with it, you will be a Giants, Yankees, Bruins fan whether you like it or not.  If mom and dad have anything to do with it, you will be a Chargers fan.  Unfortunately, we don't want to spend the money on Chargers clothes, so you will be a fan of whatever clothes are free :)  Aunt Diane and our family friend Jo have bought you Yankees and Giants uniforms, so at the age of 9 months, you have picked your teams.

I promise, when we have enough money you will be a Chargers fan.  At least in time for football season to start in the fall.  When Papa is in town, you might need to cheer for the Giants so he isn't a sore sport :)

Love you buddy!

Mom

9 months, 19 days

Dear John,

You have made two big leaps this week!  You are pulling yourself up to a stand AND  you are crawling like a champ. 

I can't believe it as just a couple of weeks ago that you took your first crawling steps.  You grow so fast.  Slow down :)

Love you buddy!
Mom

9 months, 17 days

Dear John,

Grandma and Papa Jasper came to visit this weekend and their one goal in life is to make you laugh.  Papa figured out that helping you throw a ball will make you giggle.  You have the best laugh.  It makes everyone near you laugh just hearing it.

Love you buddy,
Mom

9 months, 12 days

Dear John,

The other day, one of your playgroup friends said that you were like a little zen monk.  You just sit and watch everything quietly, taking it all in.  You also sit like a yogi.  Whenever you are sitting on the floor or in your stroller, your little feet are crossed like you are about to meditate.  I wonder if we will be saying the same thing about your personality in 5 years.

Love,
Mom

9 months, 7 days

Dear John,

Mom is used to being able to put you on the floor and anything 5 feet away from you being out of range.  Unfortunately for me, you are now motoring all over the place and anything is in reach.  The other morning, I ran upstairs while you were on the floor and when I came back down, you had Penny's chew toy hanging out of your mouth.  All I can say is germs are good for you.

Love,
mom

9 months, 6 days

Dear John,

Every morning I get to wake up to the happiest baby.  Even though my "alarm clock" gets up at 6:30, my morning always starts giggles and babble.

You are also making some big steps in eating.  You have started to grab for you spoon when I am feeding you, which is a big milestone but also makes dinner a very messy experience.  I have figured out that if you are focused on something else, like finger foods, you leave the spoon alone.  When you are eating you finger foods, you hold them out to me or dad to share.  It is so sweet that you want to feed us too.  Here is a video of you feeding Dad.

You also are starting to feed yourself from a spoon.  It usually ends up more in your hair then in your mouth, but you love doing it.
I have to run and unpack some boxes and wrap your dad's birthday present.  I love you little buddy!
Love,
Mom