Gross Motor: Jonah is now an independent walker and can get himself up and around just about anywhere. He can stoop to pick up toys and then continue on his merry way. He still falls down frequently, mostly because he likes to lean on people and objects and misjudges the stability or support, He also prefers to be carried or hold a hand outside where the ground is uneven. He can climb a full flight of stairs either crawling or holding a gown-up's hands. He tries to go down, too, but refuses to go backward.
Growth: 30in, 21lb 8oz., size 12mo. shirts, but we prefer 9mo. pants so he can walk without tripping! sz 3.5 shoe, 8 teeth
Fine Motor: He can doodle a bit with crayons, though he isn't interested for long. He has mastered all the pull tabs in his books and can open 3/4 of the characters on his Sesame Street toy. Sometimes he even gets a block into his shape-sorter correctly!
Communication: Jonah hasn't been interested in adding to his baby signs, but is showing interest in trying to repeat sounds and words. He says mamama and dadada regularly, and with greater discrimination than before.
Food: Jonah is practicing using a spoon and can scoop into a bowl of applesauce or yogurt and bring it to his mouth with moderate success! He takes bottles or sippy cups on his own without assistance. Jonah breastfeeds first thing when he awakes and before bed, but we have transitioned him to whole milk during the day. He took it well, though I've found that he will drink a whole 7oz bottle if it is warm, but spits and dribbles through only an ounce if served cold.
Sleep: Jonah is still a great sleeper, about 11 hours straight 8pm-7am. He has transitioned down to one nap, which is 12:3-2:30 in his new school schedule, so he often comes home exhausted and sleeps a bit longer at night.
Fun: Jonah has upgraded from Peek-A-Boo to playing Hide-and-Seek with Daddy. Jonah hides and than runs around the house looking for Daddy. If it takes more than 30 seconds to find him, Jonah gets distracted by something and the game ends. He also enjoys being attacked by Daddy's "tickle missiles" and counter-attacking by running at Daddy or Mommy's legs until we fall down. Then he will throw himself over our chest while laughing and yelling his battle cry "aaaa!" He also enjoys any book with moving parts (flaps are good, pull tabs better). He loves getting on and off his Little People ride-on bus and playing the accompanying music. He can't really push it with his feet (which barely touch the ground) but is excited to be pushed around the house and crash into things. Jonah loves to go outside and will swing for a little while, but then wants to pick a brown-eyed susan and carry it around with him.
School: Jonah transitioned from infants to the toddler room at school. This was supposed to take a week or two of slowly-lengthening visits, but I think he enjoyed the toddler rooms so much, he stayed full time by the second day. He now has a set schedule of snacks and naps, which allow the teachers to plan activities and outdoor play. I think the change will be very good for Jonah, who was bored with all the babies!
