Henry turns 9 months old

Squirmy Henry decided this month's photo would be taken standing up


Playing with his new truck, but also a shot of how cute the cloth diapers are


Today Henry turned 9 months old! He has been out of utero almost as long has he was in and in those terms, it seems longer. Next week we have our check up, so more to come on weight and height etc.

Lately, Henry is becoming more interested in 'boy' things. He love to play with the new dump truck that cousin Eli handed down. And we'll be on the look out for more cars and things that can move. He continues to try new things to eat and is a good eater (except for not liking avocados). And this weeks his naps really improved and we can usually count on a min 1.5 hours.

We count our blessings with Henry entering our lives nine short months ago. We can't imagine life without him!

They don't call it Fort Fun for nothing, Part 1

Last week, we vacationed in Fort Wayne, IN and spent quality time with family and friends. Mark and I especially enjoyed the cool weather - a drop of 30 degrees from hot and humid Houston. To sleep with the windows open was heavenly! Even though Henry was teething, he had a great vacation too, with almost a new and different outing each day. There were lots of people to meet and things to do!


Enjoying the new bear given to him by Pappa (Mark's grandpa), who Henry named Boo


It's never too early to start at the piano


Playing with his second cousin Dallas, who is less than a month younger than Henry


The Meneely sisters and with their grandchildren and Grandma Meneely


Trying to escape Pappa Franke


Being crazy with godfather Joel


Hanging at Lake George with the Burton girls


Getting hugs from Grandma Stoppenhagen

They don't call it Fort Fun for nothing, Part 2

In addition to seeing family and friends, we took a trip to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, one of the best in the country. One of the coolest parts about the zoo is that it is located in Franke Park (no relation, unfortunately), but provided for a good Kodak moment.



The very hungry giraffe


The very hungry giraffe enjoying lettuce fed to him by Henry


Enjoying the carousel


With Grandma and the goats


Checking out the peacock and her chicks

The joys of 'crib standing'

This is a new trick that Henry learned a couple of weeks ago and uses it to no avail. We thought he might tire of it while on vacation and in a pack n play for a week, but no such luck. Yes, he looks super cute, but this turns to super annoying quickly when crying and not figuring out how to get down. We have comfort in the fact that this too is a phase, but in the mean time it will increase our trips to the neighborhood liquor store.

I can do it

Henry thinks he is hot stuff now that he can get to his toys. Pretty soon, he will climb into the cabinet.

Dancing

Last weekend Henry and I practiced our dance moves in the kitchen. I think he liked it.

"It has a look of whimsy...."

As Henry continues to crawl more, he is exploring new parts of our house that he hasn't seen yet. Or at least not from his vantage point. I like that Henry struck this pose while noticing the paintings in our foyer.