But first things first. I got a little curious after my 8 month birthday and decided that I was old enough to go around touching things Mommy and Daddy told me not to. I thought that grabbing onto a hot radiator pipe would be the best thing for me to do. Needless to say, Mommy and Daddy are now pros at medicating and bandaging a screaming infant’s hand. Whoops! (It took about a week to heal fully and I now know the meaning of “hot”)

I also got to go to my very first pumpkin patch, well, it wasn’t really a pumpkin patch because the real ones were closed on a Friday, but Grammy Wukitch and Mommy took me to Strawberry Acres to pick a couple of pumpkins. Most of them were bigger than me!! I had so much fun and I loved trying to stand up while holding onto them. I can’t wait till next year when I can pick out my on pumpkin.

On October 19th, Mommy’s family went over to Great Grammy Siekonic’s to celebrate Great Pop-Pop’s 95th birthday party. I had a lot of fun getting sympathy hugs and kisses from everyone because of my hand! Later that week I took part in my first Halloween Parade, although it was very cold so all you could see were my eyes poking out from underneath my 7 layers of clothes and blankets. (that and I fell asleep only 10 minutes into it, so I really didn’t take in much, although I was on tv!) I also got to help Mommy and Daddy hand out trick or treat candy to all the kids. Mommy dressed me up in a kangaroo costume that even had a baby kangaroo in the pouch. That was fun, after all the candy was given out we visited Grammy and Pop Pop Wukitch and Grammy and Grandpop DeLabar.

I’ve also started to do a lot more this month. If you ask me how big I am, I raise my hands above my head and give you a really big smile; most times I follow this by clapping. In the beginning of my ninth month I figured out how to sit from a standing position which makes it easier for me to get around and get into things now. I know how to dance and just last week I mastered the bouncing while sitting to groove to my favorite Sesame Street songs. I’ve been cruising the furniture and just last night I stood up by myself without grabbing onto furniture, parents or dogs to do it!

In all of this, I think my biggest accomplishment and the one that I am most proud of is when I climb the steps. Mommy and Daddy are usually there but I think its more fun when I do it without them knowing about it - I usually get further too. I hear them talking about gates, so I may have to be sneakier about my attempts in the future. I also like to push my push toy around and walk, although, most of the time I get down to crawl because it still my fastest way to travel.

I’ve been eating a lot more real food, as well. Each day Mommy gives me bannanas and grapes to eat and I love them. Daddy is a little more daring with the variety of foods he gives me. (Mommy isn’t always happy about it but I have my own special way of telling Daddy when things are a little too much for me to handle! For instance, last weekend at Nana’s house when they were eating ravioli and Daddy thought that ravioli, baby food, veggies and a bottle was just the right amount of food…I let him, and everyone else, know otherwise!)

This past Friday night we visited Aunt Anne and Uncle Jon and Julianna. It was so much fun, but here again, Mommy and Daddy gave me too many carrots throughout the day and it culminated at their house. So I need to take a moment and apologize for spitting up all over their couch, floor, table…etc. But I did have a lot of fun playing with Julianna and Mommy and Daddy have noticed a noticeable increase in my jabbering and “talking.” I also fine tuned my waiving “hi” and “bye.” Instead of waiving a stiff arm up and down, I extend my arm and move the wrist and fingers up and down. So next time you see me, watch out, I’ll waive hello to you and probaby won’t stop until we’re ready to leave!

Stay tuned for the next month’s entry. I’m really excited to experience my first Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are so many plans ahead of us and I’m looking forward to learning about all of the traditions, even though I won’t remember any of it! Also, I’m trying to stand by myself, so there is a good chance that I may be trying to walk by Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed for me and keep Mommy and Daddy in your prayers! hahahaha!

I then went to my very first Celtic Fest, where I saw Seamus Kennedy perform. Daddy took a video of Mommy and me singing to one of the songs. I was tired though, so I really wasn’t into it at the time, but I still had a good time. That night we went over to Uncle Kyle and Aunt Alex’s for dinner. I had so much fun “walking” around thier house in my walker. I got a little cranky, but I had 5 teeth coming in then so I think I have a good reason! But they loved me anyhow and they even gave me my bottle!

One day when Mommy was at Curves I was watching Grammy Wukitch clap her hands and I decided that I could do it too. You can imagine Mommy’s surprise when she came home to me clapping, she was so proud! She had her digital camera handy and got a few rough seconds of me clapping. Ever since then I love to clap, especially when Daddy tosses me in the air.

As usual, we’ve been really busy and this past week was not any different. Friday night I experienced my first Family Night fundraiser that CAST throws every year. But alas, my teeth stopped me from enjoying myself and Daddy had to take me home early, but it was nice seeing everyone again. Then on Saturday we went to Great Aunt Betty’s house for a last minute picnic. It was a lot of fun and I got to see Grammy DeLabar’s side of the family. I had so much fun! I got to play with Grammy and Grandpop DeLabar, as well as, Great Grammy and Grandpop Bushner. Grammy Bushner gave me some tiny apple pieces from Great Aunt Deanna’s cake, they were yummy!! We ended the night at “Aunt” Kelly’s and “Uncle” Ken’s house. I always like going there, I usually end up falling asleep while Mommy and Daddy play cards with them, but before I do, Kaitlin always plays with me. I can’t wait for her wedding in May!!

I’m getting stronger with each passing day. I can easily pull myself up holding onto just about anything, tv cabinet, sofa, Mommy, the dogs. I just started to cruise the furniture. Roxie pretty much hides from me now since I’m a lot faster crawling on all fours and in the walker…well, lets just say that they should call it a “runner.” Mommy and Daddy also gave me some shredded chicken to taste for the first time. I haven’t decided if I like the taste just yet, but I love feeding myself!

My teeth are coming in nicely. Just this past Saturday you couldn’t see all of the top four teeth, then yesterday at my doctor’s appointment you could see 4 on the top and 4 on the bottom, with 2 or 3 more coming in. The doctor was really impressed. She was also impressed with my growth and my development. I weigh 9lbs 11oz and said that if I like stage 3 foods that after a couple of weeks Mommy and Daddy can give me more table food! Halupkis here I come!!

Yesterday we got our pictures taken at the Rose Gardens in Allentown by Great Uncle Tom. I got a little cranky here and there but Uncle Tom was very patient. I can’t wait to see what develops! When we were there Mommy noticed that I started to bounce while standing and leaning on a bench. At first she thought I was losing my balance, but when I did it today she noticed that it was more like dancing. Then I started to shake my behind to Mommy singing and she finally realized that I have some rhythm. I love dancing to Sesame Street and the Sunny Side Up Show on the Sprout network. (That Chica is hilarious!) I clap while sitting and dance while standing! I’m also very good a mimic-ing Mommy’s voice (there is a raw video that kind of shows it) today I even “sang” back to her, she’d sing a line then I would and we went back and forth for a little.

Well, that’s about it, Daddy posted a bunch of pictures from the last month, so go and check those out! He’s also working on a few more videos, so check back in a day or two for those! A lot of motor skills are developing so don’t be surprised if by Christmas I’m taking a couple of steps! I hope everyone is doing well and I will see you all next month!

Daddy and his family threw Nanna a surprise 75th Birthday Party at Uncle Kyle’s. Nanna was really surprised and was very happy. I was a little cranky that day because of my one fang coming in (luckily the other one just came in on the other side so now I don’t look that silly!) but I still had a good time. We also went to Nanna’s house a couple of times and I always have a good time there. This last time I was really a happy baby and I was giggling and bouncing and making all sorts of funny sounds for everyone. I also went to Julianna’s 2nd birthday party. Mommy and Daddy gave me a little ice cream and I can’t wait for my birthday in February. Uncle Brian and Aunt Nicole had us and Grammy and Pop-Pop over and I really liked playing in their house. I really liked their Yorkie, Snoop. He is soooo cute. I think I like his toys better than Chrissie and Roxie’s.

Speaking of toys I need to give a shout out to my Uncle Brian. He sent me a soccer ball rattle and a soccer ball that I can kick around. His note said that since I started moving Mommy should start training me so I can go kicking with them. Although, for me to go with them that would entail them going themselves. So, Uncle Brian, whenever you’re free, Mommy’s ready to go.

I also celebrated my first Labor Day with a picnic at Grammy and Pop-Pop’s. It was loads of fun. All of Mommy’s family was there (except for the Marylanders) but it was still fun. I got to spend a lot of time with ’Aunt Anne’ and Julianna. Mommy tried to get our pictures, but as she was trying to get us to smile, she’d let the camera drop so most of them are just of our heads! Silly Mommy! It was great to see everyone again and I can’t wait until our next family get together. 

I have to say the biggest accomplishment for me this month is definately my crawling skills. I started “army crawling” about 2 weeks ago and let me tell you, I’m fast! Just this past week I’ve ventured onto my knees a couple of times and I’m thinking if I get that down, I’ll be even faster. Oh, and get this, this past Sunday, while Daddy was sitting on the couch and I was sitting on the floor right below him and I grabbed onto the sofa and pulled myself up to a standing position. I was so proud…Mommy couldn’t stop laughing and Daddy looked like a dear in headlights! I have a feeling Mommy won’t be laughing for long though! I can pull myself up onto my bouncer and then back off again. They should have made my middle name “daredevil” because if its dangerous I won’t stop until I try it, no matter how many times Mommy and Daddy take me away from things. If it looks interesting, I’m there - especially the tv cabinet and putting the dog’s ears in my mouth.

On the 11th (my seventh month “birthday”) Mommy gave me a Gerber cookie and it was gooooooood! Mommy noticed that I would gum my food in my mouth when she would feed me, and with my crawling skills excelling everyday, Mommy thought that she’d let me try it and I’m glad that she did! I love those cookies so much that I cry whenever they take it away from me. I had one on Saturday night when Grammy and Grandpop came over for dinner and I got it down to two little pieces, but I kept on dropping them down into my chair, but it was ok, because I’d find them a little later and continue to knaw on them. They are some good cookies.

That’s about it for this month, Daddy has a lot of new pictures posted on Flickr, and be sure to check out my first crawling video below, it’s a little dark and I barely move, but it was only the beginning! Also, don’t forget to go vote for me at the Lehigh Valley Mall. Voting is open until September 26th. It costs $1 and it supports the March of Dimes, a great cause. Also, Dr. Christina Lee is sponsoring it and our family owes a lot to her help. So please, go out and support this beautiful cause because babies are awesome!

I also went to Uncle Kyle and Aunt Alex’s house warming party. I had a lot of fun watching Mommy and Daddy play pool and I really like their nice big fenced in yard. I can see myself running around with my future cousins there! I would have to say the biggest development for me in this past month happened when Daddy went to Florida. He left on Sunday and Monday morning I had two teeth coming in!! By Tuesday my two bottom front teeth popped up! And get this, just yesterday two more popped up!! You’d think they’d be the top two front teeth, but actually they are the teeth that would be beside the middle two. Oh well, Mommy is just hoping that those front two come in! Hopefully, they’re next. I was a little more cranky this time, but after three days I’m back to be smiling Lily.

Back in the beginning of August Mommy and Daddy took me to Musikfest for the first time and they didn’t bring their camera. Gasp! At first I didn’t know what to think about all the loud noise, I didn’t know whether to cry or dance! But after awhile I calmed down and enjoyed listening to an Irish band and later a swing band. I can’t wait to go back next year! Two weekends ago “Aunt” Anne and “Uncle” Jon brought Julianna up to visit. I had so much fun with her. It was weird at first to have someone closer to my height play with me so for the first 30 minutes I just sat and stared at her. But then I got used to her and she would give me toys to play with and it was fun! This past weekend we went to visit Joyce and Paul at Joyce’s mom’s house in Weatherly. We were supposed to go swimming, but it was too cool, so we just sat around outside and enjoyed each other’s company. This weekend we’re going to visit Adriana and Joe and the weather is going to be in the high 80’s so I think I’m going to get to go swimming. This may be the last time I get to this summer so I’m really looking forward to it.

That’s about it for this month and a half. Oh, and if you’re in the Lehigh Valley area September 13-26 stop by the Lehigh Valley Mall and vote for me in The March of Dimes Most Beautiful Baby contest they’re having. It’s $1 to vote and it goes directly to the March of Dimes, a fantastic organization. Just look for the chubby cheeks, white hat, pink sunglasses and open mouth! Watch for the Sunday, Sept. 13th Morning Call, my picture will be in there too! I don’t care if you don’t vote for me, just vote; it’s for a terrific cause! Tell your friends!!

The week of the fourth I went to John and Rosie’s house to watch people from CAST make pierogies for the North Catty J-4 celebration. They made 75 dozen pierogies in only a few hours, so now I’m all ready to help David make them this year for Christmas Eve! But more importantly, since we got done so early, I got to swim in a pool again!! This time I got to swim with my best friend Bethany, as well as Andrea and Linda from CAST.

On July 3rd we left for our very first family vacation and it was my very first time at the shore. ‘Aunt’ Kelly and ‘Uncle’ Ken invited us to visit them down at Rehobeth Beach while they stayed at The Melbourne Inn. I had a blast! I loved to sit on Sandy’s (the owner’s) front porch and watch the people walk to the boardwalk. On Friday and Saturday Mommy and Daddy took me to the beach. At first I didn’t know what to think about this whole ocean and sand thing, but after awhile I became fascinated with it and I couldn’t take my eyes off of the crashing waves. Mommy, Daddy, ‘Aunt’ Kelly and ‘Uncle’ Ken also learned to keep their drinks away from me. I loved trying to reach for their margarita glasses but Mommy said I had to wait another 20 years and six months in order to try it. To keep me busy ‘Aunt’ Kelly bought me my first sippy cup that Mommy put water in and I loved it. Although most of it ended up on me! Oh well! We also watched the fireworks from the beach and I loved watching all the pretty colors and designs in the sky. Our last night there, Mommy, Daddy and I rode on the carousel. At first I sat on a horsey, but Mommy thought I wouldn’t like it so we all sat on one of the benches, but I still had a lot of fun! I didn’t like the fact that we had to leave and cried most of the way home on Sunday and even most of Monday. After watching all those people at the beach, only having Mommy to look at on Monday wasn’t fun!

I also started eating fruits. Every morning I have some fruit with my cereal, this week was bananas and I looooooove them! I can’t wait to try pears next week. This coming Monday is also my five month check up with the doctors. Mommy and Daddy are curious to see how much I weigh and how long I am. I love to roll over to my left and I’m just starting to go to my right. But what I really love to do is to stand in my saucer and bounce up and down while playing with my toys. I don’t like to sit or lay down for a long time so when I get gretzy Mommy and Daddy put me in my saucer and I’m as happy as I can be.

That’s about it for this post. Don’t forget to check out the pictures and videos from all my adventures in the past month. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer just as much as I am! I have to get going now, it’s dinner time and then off to the Northampton Community Days carnival and more fireworks!

Since I’m growing so big the doctor said it was time for some solid foods. So, Mommy and Daddy went out to the store to look at the baby food. They stood there for a while, and even called Grammy Wukitch to find out what they should get! Eventually they settled on some rice cereal and we went home. The next day Mommy and Daddy attempted to give me the cereal, I liked it, but they made it too soupy so it wouldn’t stay in my mouth, so they just diluted it some more and I drank it. The next day they got it right, and I actually ate it with a spoon!

After a few days Mommy and I went out while Daddy was at work and got some veggies. We bought some squash and some carrots, and tried the squash that night. I wasn’t sure at first, but eventually I decided that it was pretty good and ate the entire bowl! I tried the carrots this week, I think they’re better than the squash, and I’m getting a lot better at this eating thing. (As soon as I figured out that I needed to close my mouth after Mommy and Daddy put the food in it got a lot easier!) After our second carrot experience I had a bath in the sink since I was completely orange from head to toe!

Two weekends ago my cousins Maisie and Maddux were up to visit for their first birthday. We had a lot of fun at their party and Mommy and Daddy took a ton of pictures.

I’m also getting ready to become mobile! I am soooo close to rolling over, Mommy and Daddy are sure I’ll have it in a few days. When I’m on my tummy I also kick my feet and move my arms, I’ll be crawling pretty soon and then Mommy and Daddy are in for it! Grammy DeLabar says I’m teething, she can feel the tooth, and I do like to chew on everything, especially frozen things! (I even snuck a lick of Mommy’s fudgicle! It was delicious!)

The last two weeks it has been very hot, so hot that last weekend Daddy went out and bought a pool for Mommy and me, and a ladybug floater for me. I love it! Mommy put me in it on Monday and I scooted all around the pool. Mommy was very surprised. She even got the video camera out on Wednesday, but I wasn’t moving around too much so it’s not very exciting. I was pretty tired and all I wanted to do was chew on my ladybug!

Well, that’s it for now! Daddy put up some new photos in the gallery section and the post before this one has two new videos to look at. Mommy and Daddy are pretty busy so who knows if they’ll get to update before I’m five-months-old but they’ll try! If they don’t, next time we’ll have stories about my first trip to the beach!

Eating

Swimming

I’ve been pretty busy growing up in the past month, in fact now I’m smiling and “talking” more, trying to sit-up by myself, putting my hands in my mouth, and holding up my head a lot better! I love to lay on the ground and play with my toys, swing in my swing, and bounce in my jumper.

This past Sunday was my 3-month birthday, and it was also Mommy’s first Mother’s Day. To celebrate her special day Daddy made her french toast for breakfast and we gave her a necklace with my birthstone in the middle of it. My gift to Mommy was that I slept all through Church and didn’t cry. Later we had Grammy and Pop-Pop Wukitch and Grammy and Grandpop DeLabar over for lunch, Daddy made Mommy’s favorite soup, French Onion soup. In the afternoon, we went to Great Grammy’s and visited for awhile. When we got back Daddy got Mommy her favorite meal…pizza and ice cream!

Last week Daddy was in San Francisco and Mommy and I made a video everyday so Daddy wouldn’t miss anything. Here is part of the video so everybody can see me smiling:

Daddy added some new photo gallaries including my 3 month pictures, Mother’s Day pictures, some more Baptism pictures and some updates to the snapshots gallary.

The last time we wrote I told you about the first show and going to Friendly’s, well after that it got even more exciting! Since then I went to four cast parties, on at Bill’s, one at Bob Nolter’s, on at John and Rosie’s and the big cast party at the school. Even more exciting than all of that is that I got to be in the last show! I went on stage with my best friend Bethany for two scenes and the curtain call where I was announced as the youngest cast member.

I also turned two months old on Friday, and in celebration of that I grew out of all of my 0-3 sized clothes! (Mommy and Daddy are convinced I did this over the course of only a few days, but I think it took me a little longer than that!) I’m also holding my head up a lot more and doing a lot more smiling! I really like to sit up and play with stuffed animals, which I was doing today with Grammy DeLabar.

This week Mommy and Daddy are going to be getting ready for my Baptism this coming Sunday. I’m very excited to see everyone again, but I’m not too sure about this water thing. However, I’m starting to enjoy my baths, but that water is warm, and I don’t think the baptism water will be!