Sweet Alex 8 months!

Alex is already 8 months. He weighs 21 pounds, is wearing size 12 to 18 month clothes and he continues to be the happiest little guy I have ever met. He spends every minute (that he isn't nursing or napping) playing. I forgot just how much little babies play. He crawls to something that catches his eye, moves it, grabs it, explore it with his mouth, bangs it, and then if it is big enough he tries to crawl over it or use it to pull up on. His favorite place is the beloved playroom. We have to keep on him in the playroom because there are little toys, and we often try to keep him out. About a week ago he was making his way into the playroom and when I said, alex...no, not in there, he booked it as fast as he could...it was adorable. I love bad to the bone kids. He freaks us all out (except Adam) when he pulls himself into standing. Either myself or Charlie or Kate run over and place pillows behind him.

His favorite toy (as well as mine) are this amazing magna tiles that my parents have generously given my kids for xmas this year and last. First he would just play with them, then he realized he could pull himself into sitting position with the basket, then standing, and now he likes to crawl right over...

About a month ago he started pulling himself into standing on the couch and just about anything. He is now starting to try to let go, and just yesterday he took two steps while holding on to the couch.

For the first few weeks he didn't know how to lower himself once standing...so at times I would hear whimpering and find him like this....in this exact situation Kate called for help and I let him relax for quite a while like this...as it is less stressful for everyone. Don't look too closely, it appears as if he is leaking through his diaper...poor third kids...

In this past week his favorite game is to pull knights and horses through the castle window.

And whenever Charlie and Kate are outside playing with friends or Adam, you can be sure to find Alex at the window hooting and howling and wanting to be part of the fun...

He is getting more creative with what he can use to pull up...and letting go with one hand...

And quickly learning how to balance, lower himself, and save himself from falling.

All day, everyday you can hear one of us say how cute he is, how much we love him...if there is such a thing he may just be the best loved baby ever.

Oh, and how can I forget he is finally interesting (kinda) in eating. Despite this face, Adam told me that he loved my split pea soup (I was working) but when I tried the same soup the next day I faced closed lips and this face...

He just seems so big to me, like once again it is going by too fast...

How he made it until 8 months to join the big kids in dress up is beyond me...doesn't he make the cutest baby pirate?

Charlie and Kate truly love Alex. And while Kate annoys us by always loving him too close, I couldn't ask for better safety helpers and playmates for my littlest boy.

Alex continues to brighten our days and our lives. He is happy, very focused, starting to understand the world around him, waves hi and bye, loves everyone, and is all around a great little boy.