Dear Syed Brian (vol. 1 iss. 9)

Nomadic. That is how I describe your 9th month. You have been nomadic in a number of ways, the first being in the car. You have been quite a trooper, and have willingly gone wherever your dad and I have dragged you. It helps that you’re traveling in your new car seat which allows you considerable more shoulder room. Most of your traveling has been to visit family including your great-grandparents in St. Louis and Uncle Brad; you have also tagged along while your dad works on Grandma and Grandpa Azhar’s house.

Your tendency toward being a nomad also extends to your newfound mobility. No longer are you satisfied to stay in one place. You prefer to roam the house and go wherever your hands and knees will take you. When you become bored with this mode of movement, you reach for the nearest adult hands to help you to your feet. Once on your feet, you take off as fast as you possibly can. You put your head down and just go. Whoever is providing the supportive hands must be prepared to travel quickly, because that is the only speed you know.

Another significant milestone is that you said your first word, “mama.” While it would be naïve to think you understand what it means, it does make me feel proud, nonetheless. Along with saying this word, you are babbling. A lot. And we love to hear you talk. We are looking forward to answering your questions…at least part of them. I’m pretty sure that you will have significantly more questions than we have desire to answer. But we’ll eventually find a happy medium.

You’re starting to become interested in feeding yourself more and more each day. You have become a big fan of feeding yourself crackers and tasting soups that your dad and I are having. You are also trying to feed yourself baby food, too. While your attempts to feed yourself usually result in someone or something covered in food and none in your mouth, your desire for independence is admirable. Also worthy to note is that Simon and Charlie are extremely pleased with this newfound interest in food now that it is combined with independence…they get significantly more human food than ever before. And just to return the favor, they share their food and water with you. Yes, you are fascinated with the dogs’ food and water and knock it over any chance you get.

This month, more than ever, you have become a daddy’s boy. Your face lights up when you see your dad, and it melts when he leaves your sight. Although he doesn’t show it, I think his face mirrors yours a bit… He and I have more and more fun with you every single month. While we have sleepless nights because of you, we forget the exhaustion when we see you smile and hear you babble. We are relishing every month, because you’re growing so quickly. You continue to show us that little things are the most important to remember. There are so many new experiences that you are having on a daily basis that fill your life with wonder, intrigue, and interest. Don’t forget to take time to enjoy these experiences, even when they aren’t new. As always, we love you, buddy!

Until next month…

Love,
Mom