Eight (8) Months Old

Ryker Kay Nelson, at 8 months you:

• weigh 19.6 pounds - you're actually "thinning" out - you've gained almost a pound since 7 months :)
• went through your very first terrible, awful diaper rash (just after 7 months). We had to take you to the doctor it go so bad
• are such a fantastic eater still - with the exception of peaches, you hated them and cried - I think they were too sour for your taste
• are funny! You do silly things, make funny noises.. You just have a good sense of humor already
• are still EBF - I couldn't be prouder we've made it this far
• love the bath - you try to 'play' with the baby in the reflection off the chrome fixture (yourself) - you are also excellent at splashing
• are trying to cut 3 upper teeth - the two center ones and one on the left
• also went through your first battle with constipation (right before 8months) - thanks to solid foods and avocado - it was horrible. We took you to the doctor for that too
• are doing so well at self feeding - you really like Gerber Puffs and yogurt bites
• love baby cereal, cucumbers, sweet potato, egg yolk and watermelon
• think Wheels on the Bus is hilarious when mommy sings and does crazy hand motions/noises
• got 'beat up' by Aunt Mare's nephew at Conor's party - April 12th - Jorel is 2 months older and he just wanted to play ;)
• met the Easter Bunny and didn't shed a single tear
• give hugs - and it melts my heart
• can throw a royal fit, accompanied with loud screams and a back arch, you also push hands away when you don't want something
• are really close to being out of all your 6mo clothing and into 9mo
• love being outside
• started using a sippy cup a little bit - a little juice (to keep you regular and a tiny bit of water)
• are a bouncing machine in your Jump-a-roo's
• have the best giggle
• are so so close to crawling. You rock back and forth and just when we think you're going to go, you flop on the ground and army crawl
• also do the downward dog a lot too. You'll stick your little bum in the arm as far as it will go and try to motor around that way
• say 'dadada' and 'mum' now. I know you know who you're calling for
• love books - you like to be read to and bat the the pictures
• know how to pet the puppies and your grandma's kitties - you pull their hair a little too, but they don't seem to mind much
• got to color Easter eggs with mommy and daddy
• are almost too big for your infant carseat. Your legs are getting really close to hanging off - time for a convertible seat I guess
• give wet, sloppy tongue kisses
• reach out when you want to be held
• think pulling the chain to turn the light on at Grandma's is super awesome
• have the cheesiest gummy grin
• "feed" your puppies from your highchair - they love it - they also try to "clean" you up after dinner too
• also have the best facial expressions - they are so funny and always keep up laughing
• still get up 1-2 times a night, sometimes 3 - it depends on how long you napped during the day
• actually weren't sleeping well at all for a few weeks, so we upped your bedtime to 7:30 and it really helped
• are still in size 3 diapers - Huggies - they are they only ones that can keep you clean and blowout free
• love the vacuum still - and the lint roller
• squawk at mom and dad when we aren't giving you are undivided attention
• still take a bink
• are a fantastic baby! We still, honestly, get compliments from strangers (in the store or in a restaurant) about how great you are and well behaved
• are still the very best thing mom and dad have ever done. You are the light on cloudy days and the beat in our hearts. A bad day with you is better than the best day any place else. 

We love you so much sweet baby.

Happy 8 months.