Wild Thane (I think I love you...)

Thane is nine months old now.  He's at the remarkable age where he's just on the cusp of communicating (he signs "milk" and babbles "mama" and "dada") and walking.  His awareness of the world is growing at light speed.  He's the kind of kid who loves to see new things and be in the middle of the action.  He hates to sleep; perhaps he's afraid he might miss something interesting.

 The week after we got home from Tahoe, Thane made several big developmental leaps - he started crawling "for real," learned to go from crawling to sitting and back again (one of my most favorite developmental feats), learned to stand up in his crib (one of my least favorite developmental skills), and learned to pull himself up to a standing position anywhere.  Now (two months later) he's proficient in all those skills and has started to try standing on his own.  He cruises along the furniture with ease and I'm torn between thinking he'll be walking any day or that he'll never walk because he's always bouncing.

The boy never stops moving.  He's always been a mover and a shaker (bouncer?).  Giving Thane a bath is a bit like trying to bathe a boat with it's motor on. It took my a while, but I finally realized that I could give him a bath all by himself (instead of with his older siblings) and only put in an inch of water (yeah, I'm a little slow sometimes).  Makes bath time much easier. "Spin and flip all you want, kiddo."

 We've also finally (finally!!) reached the point where he will sleep.  Some days are better than others, but usually I can get him to take two reasonable naps a day.  I know that should be normal, but Thane fought long and hard against naps and bedtime, and with the Big Move, I couldn't be predictable enough to fight back effectively.  Thankfully, we've gotten into a good routine.  Now he goes to bed at 6:30 pm and seems to be a much happier, calmer babe as a result.  I know I'm a much happier and calmer mom.  Last night was the very first night he slept the whole night. 

*Celebration!*  

Crossing my fingers for a repeat performance.

 Thane's a lucky kid in that he's got two older siblings who love to play; there's no shortage of activity to watch or dive into.  He's learning it's usually best to steer clear of Bryce, who doesn't prefer Thane getting into his toys (and has a nasty habit of pushing Thane over), but the boys do have one game they've created that's hilarious.  The kids dubbed it "Chase." It involved Bryce pulling his Lego trains around the living room as fast as he can while Thane earnestly pursues.  Aubree alternately cheers for both boys.  I have the best job...I've been assigned to sit back and laugh.  Really!  That's my assignment!

Thane loves to smile and laugh, and is so cute, clever, persistent, and energetic.  Wild Thane, we DO love you. (cue the cheesy music...)