Hi, now that I’m 9 months old, Mommy told me that I could write the blog update myself. These days I really enjoy standing and bouncing. I can stand by myself next to furniture. If you try to sit me on the floor, I’m likely to object because I would rather stand and I’m trying to pull up on things.

This is my wooden toy box that was my mom's when she was a little girl.

I’m also saying syllables like “mamama”. And of course I like to blow raspberries and make other funny sounds. Sometimes I squeal very loudly too. I think Peek-a boo is a very funny game now and I am very ticklish. And I like to sing songs like the Itsy Bitsy Spider and the Wheels on the Bus. I love to hang upside and my mom calls me her “little baby bat.” I like to pet my doggie brother and sister sometimes. But I wish Bobby wouldn’t steal toys from me!

I enjoy playing with my toys, often with something in each hand. And if you build a tower of blocks or cups, I love to knock it down. I like to take objects out of containers and I like to play with dishes in the kitchen while Mommy is cooking or washing dishes. I like to chew on board books and listen to my bedtime stories each night. In the bath, I like to play with my Odd Ducks.

Everyone who meets me says that I am a very happy, alert, laid-back baby. And they say I have my mother’s eyes. Whenever I wear blue, it highlights my blue eyes. And I have curly hair in the back. My two top teeth are coming in so I’m up to 4 teeth now.

I am a very good traveler. So far in nine months, I have been to San Antonio (twice), Austin (twice), Dallas (twice), Little Rock, and New Orleans. We went to New Orleans over Labor Day weekend for our first summer vacation. I got to meet lots of new friends there along with my Aunt Heather, and cousins, Caroline & Emily. I usually sleep in my carseat which makes the road trips easy for mom.

My mom says I am a very good shopper, too. I like to go places like the grocery store, Target, and the Mall. My legs are so long, I can put them up on the front of my stroller and people laugh to see a baby “kicked back”. Most days, we go to the gym and I get to play while Mommy exercises.

I’m very lucky to have my Nana as my nanny. Nana (Karla) comes to play with me a few days a week so that Mommy can get work done in her office or go out to meetings. Nana also travels with us on work trips. She entertains me in the hotel room and pushes me around in the stroller. We had a great time in July strolling along the River Walk, although it was very Hot!

Wishing you many happy days ahead filled with songs, fun, cuddles, naps, and laughter.

During the third week of June, Tucker began sitting up on his own. This has delightfully opened up a new world of experiences for him and a different way to interact with his toys. Tucker rode in the front of the grocery cart for the first time and he happily chattered through the whole shopping experience. He also gets to sit up in highchairs at restaurants now. On the topic of eating, Tucker really enjoys rice cereal. But he is still very unsure about fruits and vegetables. I never cease to be entertained by the terrible face he makes in response to a new food. And, even more, the way his whole body shudders in disgust!

We had some photos taken for his sixth month birthday. I didn't want to wrangle him and the live Labradors for a family photo. So I used stuffed replicas of his canine siblings instead.

Also, for your entertainment, Tucker has a new movie posted here: http://youtu.be/MLxENh8Nh0g

Today, Tucker turns seven months old. And five years ago his Grandma April made her transition to Angel. We miss her and celebrate the many ways in which she lovingly permeates our lives.

A Note from Tucker

Seven Months