9 Month Annibirthery (and post #100!)

On Thanksgiving Russell turned 9 months old.

He is crawling. Under things. Over things. Around things. Between things. Which ever way is the most difficult and the chances of getting stuck are higher. I am loving it. It is so fun to watch him and see how he is observing things and trying to figure them out.

Tonight he decided to tackle stairs - going up - while I was near. He did really well. We then, as a team, practiced going down the stairs safely.

Russell has started saying "mama", although only when he is under duress. I'll take what I can get. He is also working on the sign for "more". It's promising.

We took these photos when we got home from Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone was a little stuffed and a little tired. Made for a chuckle of a photo shoot.

Mae SO wanted in on the picture. It took everything she had to stay to one side. Kind of. 

But mom! My sister is right there. I want to get her!

Etta wanted in on the action in a more grown up way.

Smile!

They have SO much fun together. (Most of the time.)

Lost cause at this point.

Etta at nine months.

Mae at nine months.

So Russell seems to be more "advanced" in the gross motor skills department than either girl was. He can go into sitting position, crawl AND pull himself up. All with no problem or hesitation. Is that a boy thing or a third child thing? Maybe a bit of both. He has more hair than both girls - combined. Probably more hair than Etta had a one! The more kids we get the more fun the photo sessions are. Never a dull moment and we are loving every moment of it!

*Edited to add*:
Weight - 17 lbs., 12 oz. = 23%
Height - 27.5" = 9%
Head circumference - 45 cm. = 40%

Cuddles

Mae was battling a cold for a couple of weeks in early November. And she still would benefit from a nap most days. But, alas, she doesn't really like to lie down. But if daddy is willing to take a nap too, then it works out.

Good bye sweet friends

Grandpa Steve has been having some lung issues and was under doctor's orders to get rid of all of the chickens and pigeons. While I am not exactly sure what happened to all of them, I know they no longer reside at the Wicks'. So Bob took the girls up to say a sad goodbye.

Goldie - Mae's chicken

Kramer - Etta's chicken

Group shot. They sure did love those chickens. (But Bob most of all.)

Halloween

Here are the pics that I promised ... last week.

Halloween was pretty fun this year. Every year it gets just a little bit better.

The girls were more involved with the pumpkin carving this year. A bit. They still aren't' super hip on the pumpkin guts. But they're getting there. And we trick or treated in our neighborhood again. Many, many dark houses. And after about 3 Mae said, "I just want to go home, eat Skittles and go to bed!" Jackie & Rachel took Etta and they continued for awhile. Overall it was a really fun day.

Mae intent on Bob's creation.

Etta & Steve discussing the plans for her pumpkin. Her Wicks genes were really coming through.

More watching. Bob trying not to make his "lawn mowing" face.

Group shot! Bob & I are going to miss The Girls very much. They are incredible with our kids. [Note: When Etta was a baby both girls refused to hold her. They held Mae when she was a bit bigger and now have no problem playing with Russell. Amazing what a few years and a couple of babies will do. Although they still aren't thrilled about babies...]

Happy Halloween!

2008

2009

2010

2011 - Pumpkins

Costumes

2012