Walter's First Haircut

Walter had his first haircut on April 21.  In fact, the whole family went and everyone but Michelle got haircuts - all at the same time no less.  He very well behaved, not fussing at all.  He had a few toys there to play with while sitting on the chair.  The big problem was that he kept slouching/sliding down and we had to re-position him multiple times.  People always comment on how much they like Walter's hair so we were afraid he was going to loose his signature look, but the top is a little long so he still has plenty of crazy. 

BEFORE

 DURING

 AFTER

Walter 10 Months

Walter has started to wave and really enjoys doing it!   Sometimes when you walk into a room, like getting home from work, Walter is the first one to wave to greet you!  He has learned a few words like "kiss", which means he will lean in to rub noses.  Walter is of course exploring and getting into things.  He will stand for a couple seconds by himself but isn't interesting in being up without holding onto something.  He likes to use random things, like Johanna's little chair, as a walker to push as he walks around.  He does enjoy the independence that movement gives him and he is very perceptive.  He will notice a cord from across the room and makes a beeline for it to try and grab it before you can stop him. He gets very mad when you take something away that he wants - especially remotes and cell phones.  When he is feeling defeated, he just folds himself in half (head between his feet) and cries.  Walter has started to hold his own bottle a bit, and we are trying to get him started on a sippy cup with some water.  As we were getting Walter ready for bed the other night, we got his bottle ready and put it on the nightstand in his room.  When we went back there a few seconds later, Walter was standing next to the nightstand and drinking from his bottle on his own!  Little Walter is still having trouble sleeping through the night and he hasn't been feeling well this month.  He was throwing up for a few days and had multiple ear infections.  Overall, he has some some sinus and drainage issues.  Not to mention the drool is out of control!  Hopefully after this double course of meds, he will finally overcome it.

Sabbatical Vacation

After 5 years of service at work, Michelle earned a 1 week sabbatical and $500 cash.  We waited almost a year to use it (darn pregnancy limited our vacation options) and settled on a combo stay-cation and Galena getaway.  We rented a cottage in Galena Territories for a few days but kept the kids in daycare to give mom and dad some much needed couple time.  The weather didn't really cooperate but Michelle and Tony got to hike and rest, Michelle got a massage, and the kids got to have some fun in the pool and at Jumpin Janes.  Johanna even got to go for a hike with dad while Mom got some much needed Walter time.

Easter Highlights

A total of 5 egg hunts - and Johanna loved them all, even Walter found an egg at the Arnold hunt.  Johanna was very excited to be able to meet and hold baby Molly.  Johanna had a first - she was brave enough to have a picture taken with a holiday character, the Easter Bunny!  And mom was just happy to get a very good family picture.

Johanna School Conference

We had school conferences for Johanna and got to hear a little bit about her school personality.  They refer to her as the "little teacher".  She is always the first to answer questions and stays very engaged.   Her teacher Jenny commented that Jenny could leave circle time and Johanna would be able to take over because she knows the topics so well and is a natural leader.  Johanna knows all of her colors, is great at counting, and can even draw a person with all the correct body parts.  Johanna has had a lot of growth in the last 6 months.  She had trouble adjusting to the new room but now is willing to go to kitchen for breakfast and volunteers to go to other classrooms.    She really likes to be with the teachers and likes to converse as if she is an adult (and does so rather convincingly).   Sometimes the teachers need to remind her to go and play instead of hanging out with them.
At home, Johanna has become very attached to mom (leading Walter to be attached to dad), often crying when mom goes someplace without her.  She is great at playing with and looking after Walter.  Sometimes we need to remind her to let Walter make his own decisions or to let mom and dad be the ones to tell him "No" once and awhile.

Walter 9 Months

I think Walter's new favorite position is standing.  He loves to pull himself up and has great balance but doesn't let go yet.  He will take steps while holding on to the couch but doesn't trust taking steps while holding on to your fingers.  He babbles more, especially saying "da, da" a lot.  He is VERY snotty and drooly, and sometimes will bite your shoulder so you need to watch out while holding him.  My favorite development of the month is that Walter has started to cuddle!  He will put his head on my shoulder and snuggle... but not for too long.  These monthly pictures are getting harder and harder with our little mover - less smiles this month as we almost needed to hold him down to get the pictures.  His 9 mo checkup went well, now if he would only start sleeping through the night regularly!

Weight: 19 lb 3 oz (40%)
Height: 29 in (75%)
Head: 44 cm (20%)