Binary Blonde

It’s a good thing that I write down Binary Boy’s milestones in my trusty Moleskin notebook, because at this point, one of the last things I want to do at the end of the day is try to remember anything.

In addition to being physically tired from chasing the little guy all over the house (yes, sometimes I literally have to run to keep up – he crawls that fast now), my brain is mush by end of day. Combine the two and, after dinner is done, all I want to do is veg out.

Binary Boy is so happy he's finally mobile. Betcha can't catch me!

So, here are Binary Boy’s milestones during his seventh and eighth months! Better late than never, right? 😉

Seven Months

• “Real” crawling – Binary Boy started crawling the traditional way of tummy up off the floor. See photo above. No more army crawl!
• Babbling and words – Started saying “ma-ma-ma” and “da-da-da” more clearly.
• Pulling up to standing – This was a fun milestone to watch the progress of. One day he would pull halfway up, then the next day he was standing tall!
• Standing steady – After he would pull himself up, he would usually drop back down, but towards the middle of month seven he could stand for longer periods of time and very steadily.
• Regular sleep (and nap) schedule – This was a BIG one for both of us and it is all due to the amazing book “Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child“. Binary Boy has always been a light sleeper and would not stick to a sleep schedule on his own, so I had to do it for him. Let me tell you, I wish I would have started the sleep scheduling earlier. It’s been a real reliever of stress for both of us, I think.
• Understands “No” and simple commands – I looked this one up, because the pediatrician said Binary Boy is very advanced for this particular skill. This one is usually mastered around 10-11 months! Wow.

Eight Months

• Eating much more solid food – Both morning and evening (and soon to be lunch time), Binary Boy gets at least a serving (for his age) of solid food. I introduce new foods (with the help of “The Petit Appetit Cookbook” – love this book!) every 3 days or so and I still have several left, as the summer months bring a large amount of fresh organic food!
• Walking using non-stationary object – His balance has improved greatly and he is using all sorts of objects to use as “walkers”. His favorite is rearranging the dining room chairs, which slide easily on the tile floor and the laundry basket, which, when full (I do not let him use it when it’s empty as it tips over too easily!), is easily pushed across the living room rug.
• Started cruising – I think cruising is the right word to use. From what I understand, it means he walks while constantly holding onto something. His favorite is cruising around the living room couches and his Baby Einstein toy. Fun!
• Words, words, words – In addition to the traditional “ma-ma” and “da-da”, he has now added “ba-ba-ba”, “day-day-day”, “nay-nay-nay” and “nigh-nigh”. The last one, I think, means “night-night”.
• Dancing! – Takes after his mom with this one. 😀 He LOVES to bop to any music playing and gets this huge grin on his face. It’s seriously cute!
• Started feeding self – Consistently, that is. He would do it intermittently in month seven, but in month eight, especially towards the end, he got really good at it. His pincer grasp still isn’t quite perfected, yet, but ohh.. he’s so close! His favorite foods to eat by himself are HappyBaby Apple Puffs and HappyBaby Banana Puffs. I want to try the Greens Puffs soon, as Binary Boy really enjoys veggies. (Also, do you see a running theme with the puffs? I had been trying O-type cereal for a while and he never quite took to them, but after I found something that melted in his mouth – the puffs – it was like he was a different baby when it came to feeding himself!)

So, hopefully, for this month (nine), I will post sometime within the actual month. No promises, though! I’ve learned my lesson with that. Mom of nine-month-old = makes no promises with her free time. 😉