Happy 7 Month Birthday!!

It is amazing how much can change in seven months! Graham is growing and developing right before our eyes, and seeing the world through his ever-changing, on-the-go perspective has definitely been the highlight of this month.

Graham’s perspective changed a lot this month because 2 days after his 7 month birthday he starting sitting independently. I got to Natalie’s at lunchtime on Thursday, and when she didn’t have Graham in her arms, I assumed he was sleeping. She just opened the door and pointed to the middle of living room where there he was sitting all by himself. She said he was just so proud of himself and had been sitting like that for most of the morning! I was so EXCITED that I didn’t even have time to be jealous that he did this for Natalie first! Of course Graham had to show off his new talent to Chris when he got home and both sets of grandparents via the webcam!
It seems crazy now, but at the time, Chris and I were both just blown away by this accomplishment. It was so awesome to think that one day, he couldn’t sit up without support, and the next day, he just could. If only we had known that we would feel that way about every milestone from here on out! Sitting has definitely opened up a brand new world, as now Graham reaches for everything and anything that is remotely near him.

His favorite things to reach for by far are the cats!! This month, it seems as though they each really discovered each other! Graham LOVES LOVES LOVES the cats!! He watches their every move and smiles and squeals when they come into sight. Rescue loves the attention and is content to sit with Graham and let him pull on his ears, tail, and whiskers. Of course, Rescue gives it right back when he tries to head-butt Graham just like he does the rest of us. We take it as a sign that Rescue now sees Graham as a member of the family. Frankie on the other hand is still not a huge fan of Graham’s flapping arms, flailing hands, or high pitched yelps! Needless to say when Graham can catch a piece of Frankie’s tail, he gets really excited. We have discovered, however, that Frankie does like to be near Graham and when Graham is sleeping in his crib, Frankie is often on one of the rugs in his room or when Graham is sleeping on our bed, Frankie can be found curled up in a corner (as far away as possible, but still on the bed). We figure there is hope yet (at least until Graham really becomes mobile and tries to ride Frankie like a pony)!

So I have mentioned that Graham both squeals and yelps. As of this month, he also talks NON-STOP and laughs hilariously (see the piggy video a few posts back if you missed it!). Graham is definitely going to be a talker. He likes to babble back and forth and is really starting to get the ebb and flow of a conversation. He loves it when someone answers back and he gets to respond. He is stringing together both consonant and vowels sounds and having great chats with anyone or thing that will listen. Apparently, his pacifier and Sophie both make great audiences as he has been overheard giving both of the what-for at various times!
We are starting to use a few simple signs with him (more, milk, and waving for hi and bye) and although he is not doing them independently yet, we know he is starting to understand what they mean. In addition to talking, Graham has spent he month learning to make all sorts of interesting raspberry and vibrating lips noises as well! He thinks it is just great, and let’s face it, Chris and I do too and we encourage every bit! He still coos and smiles for everyone he meets and loves to use those "baby blues" to flirt with people everywhere we go!

Using his mouth seems to be a theme for the month, as Graham has not only started talking, but also really started eating…everything…food…books…even his toes! For beginning life as a slow eater, Graham has definitely picked up the pace. He loves to eat anything and everything that we have given him. We are well into the stage 2 baby foods and have yet to find something that he doesn’t like. As a result, he has continued to grow and is about 14 ¼ lbs. at this point. While he is still able to wear his 3-6 month clothes, we are finding that they are getting a little short, so we may be making a move to bigger things soon!

Graham has definitely been on the move this month! He continues to stand up whenever possible, and is showing a definite interest in moving about. He rolls from his back to his stomach and flip flops back the other way. He still hasn’t completed a full “revolution”, but we know it is coming soon. Although he likes to move, Graham is still happy as can be sitting on our laps listening to stories or singing songs, and the snuggle and quiet time is greatly appreciated by all of us.

There were a lot of first this month (most of which were covered in other blog posts); my first Mother’s Day, my first go-round as a “single parent” when Chris was in Orlando for the State Special Olympics meet, Graham’s first airplane ride, (and subsequent flight delay) Graham’s first wedding (and suit), and the list goes on and on! With Graham changing so fast, it seems as though everything is a first and we have to stop and enjoy every minute. For this month (and I am sure from here on out), I think Ferris Bueller might have said it best: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it”. So, here’s to not missing a moment!