Noah's 10 Month Update

Noah Bear,

The day after you turned 9 months you had a check up at the doctors. You now weigh 17 pounds and 0.5 ounces and are 27.5 inches long. At 9.5 months, Sophia weighed 18 pounds and 9.9 ounces and was 26 inches long. You’re on the smaller side, but taller than she was. The doctor is still concerned about your thigh creases being uneven that you’re not crawling yet. Technically, you’re still within the normal range for not crawling, but most babies your age have made some crawling movements. She encouraged us to schedule a consult with a pediatric physical therapist to determine our next steps.

We were able to schedule a physical therapy appointment for you fairly quickly. The PT spent some time playing with you and showing us different exercises we could do to help you get into a crawling position and to strengthen your muscles. There is no sign of hip dysplasia (Thank you Lord), you just need some extra encouragement to crawl. You're at the point where you can easily go from sitting to being on all fours, but then you plop on your belly and get upset. We are constantly sitting you back up, just to have you flop forward again. Every day you get closer and closer to crawling. It has been fun seeing your gradual progress and I bet in the next few weeks you’ll be zooming around our house.

You've gotten really skilled at picking things up with your fingers, even if you’re holding something already. Picking up small pieces of food (and not choking on them) is no problem for you. It's about time we got you your own water bottle as you like drinking out of Sophia's. It's a good thing she likes sharing food and drinks with you.

You hate when we take something away from you. For example, taking your toy away for bedtime or your thumb out of your mouth when getting you dressed. I wish you could understand why we are taking it away, and more often than not, we will give it right back.

With the nicer weather, we’ve gone on a few runs. You’re my little running buddy, but you often are lulled to sleep. I aspire to go more often, but work has been busy and I haven’t been able to make the time.

This year, being outside has been more meaningful for me. I’m not quite sure what it is, but something about the fresh air and sunshine can instantly lift my mood. We’ve even planted a few plants and we love checking on their growth every day. Maybe I’m developing a green thumb? Your contribution to the cause is sitting on the porch or grass and watching me work in the yard.

A few times a week we will take Sophia or pick her up in the bike trailer. All the kids at school think it is the coolest thing; we feel like celebrities.

I convinced Daddy to let us buy you guys a water table for this summer. You both already love splashing around on hot days.

Sophia is taking soccer lessons for a few weeks this summer. We’ve been to two and it’s been so fun seeing her learn a sport that Daddy grew up playing. At her age, it is less about “soccer” and more of listening to the coach and playing some fun games. I think she likes it.

My coworker, Beth, told us about the Salem Agriculture Festival and how much fun it is for kids. We decided to check it out and it was a blast. You and Sophia got to see lots of farm animals and Sophia ate ice cream and rode a pony. We can’t wait to take you again next year.

We love celebrating birthdays with our friends. Happy first birthday to Sebastian and Dove. Your birthday is up next, little man!

Daddy took his 6th architecture exam, passed, and then applied to become a licensed architect. All these years of hard work have finally come to an end. We were able to celebrate while Grammy was still here with dinner at Wayside Brewing. I’m enjoying getting to spend more time with Daddy in the evenings, since he no longer has to study.

This month we celebrated my first Mother’s Day as a mom of two and I felt so special. A week before the actual holiday, my girlfriends and I went to a high tea experience and the dads took all the kids to the library and park. A few days later, I attended a special Mother’s Day Tea with Sophia at preschool,

where we ate some treats, potted a flower plant, and played together. It was such a fun time.

Mother’s Day weekend Daddy and I had a brunch and coffee date, while our friends took you and Sophia to the zoo. I got a nap later that day and then on Sunday we all went to Oceanside Beach for a reprieve from the Portland heat. I am so proud to be your mommy and am very thankful God blessed me with you as my son. Every year gets better and better with you two as my kids.

We cannot believe that 10 months have flown by and you’re almost a one-year-old. We love watching you grow and develop into the little boy God created you to be. You are so sweet and brighten even the darkest of days. We love you so much!

Mom and Dad