9 Months of Mason

• Life with Mason is a roller coaster. In the sense that he's happy one minute, screaming the next and back to laughing in a minute, but also that he rolls everywhere. That's his main mode of transportation. He finds himself under all sorts of things and stuck against walls. It's interesting to watch - he turns his head to look at whatever it is he's trying to get or where he's trying to go and follows his perfectly round head there, all the while trying to keep an eye on the prize. He'll do great spins one day.
• Still not crawling - he will get up on his hands and knees on occasion, but he prefers to roll at the moment.
• We spend a lot of time fishing things out of his mouth. No teeth, but he likes to eat like an adult - french fries, milkshakes and other such delights and if he'd only grow teeth, he'd be able to eat so many more delicious things.
• He does NOT like mashed potatoes. Both times he's tried them he has shuddered and made a pouty face, often sticking out his tongue. Idaho may be tough for him.
• He does, however, love to suck on noses. I don't get him.
• He is a delight when he is being played with. Not so much when you put a pile of toys in front of him when you need to do something as simple (and necessary) as showering or dishes.
• Fights getting into his carseat like his life depends on it. Doesn't mind it once he's in, but getting there is a struggle every time. 
• Still isn't sleeping through the night, but I can usually nurse him back to sleep.
• Went for his first dip in Lake Coeur d'Alene and loved it. The lifejackets squished his cheeks delightfully and we all had a good laugh at his chubby expense. 
• Had his first ice cream cone (cast offs from some cousins who took pity on him) and loved it.
• Bath time is his favourite and he loves to sit under the spout to try and catch the water as it comes out.

I couldn't decide which picture was the cutest for his 9 month photo (appropriate that he's sans clothes, since it is his preferred state these days.) I really should have gotten him into modeling. What a Face.

 

We moved to Moscow this month and have been surrounded by family, which has already proved wonderful. Mason has taken a particular liking to his oldest cousin, Jacob, and looks around for him if he knows he is close. He could be screaming, and one look from Jake puts a smile on his face. They seem to have a really special connection and it melts my heart just a little - I don't think Jake minds it either. He may "have to" take Mason to a Stake Dance one of these days.