A Temper & Tantrums

Maddox is only 9 and a half months and he has already displayed a very persistent personality.  When he wants something that he can't have, he does not give up.  Maddox loves to play with and chew on cords; all kinds of cords, computer cords, TV cords, internet cords, phone charger cords, etc.  No matter how we try to hide them or how high we place them, he keeps after them.  Maddox has also discovered Cuni's food and water.  Once he realizes that he can't have the thing he wants, he throws a tantrum.  He screams and cries and throws his head back.  I was so shocked the first time he did it but now I am used to it and I just try to protect his head from hitting the hardwood floor.  But last night was quite an episode.  We went to the church to watch Allan play basketball and Maddy fell in love with the court.  All he wanted to do was crawl on the basketball court and he wanted to crawl toward all the guys playing basketball.  It was like he wanted to play with them.  Obviously, he couldn't crawl onto the court while they were playing so I would grab him and hold him back.  He was furious!  Maddox screamed and cried and threw his head back.  Once he calmed down, he would try to crawl back onto the court.  This cycle lasted the whole time we were there until finally I took him home.  In between games, I would let him crawl on the court and he was so happy!  It was really cute.  It seems he is already taking a liking to sports.  Maddox has gotten a little better about eating.  I figured out that he likes baby food plain without cereal mixed in so I have been feeding him that.  Maddox had his 9 month check up and all is well.  No ear infections, his umbilical hernia has healed and he is big, strong and healthy.  Maddy also got to go on our girls' trip to Vegas.  He had a lot of fun.  My mom, all my sisters and I went to Vegas for a couple of days.  We went shopping and swimming and ate out.  It was so much fun and Maddy was a good sport.  He got a little restless on the ride home but overall, he was great.  Maddy is so affectionate and loving.  It is so nice that he loves my mom and sisters and will give them hugs and let them all hold him.  Anyway, Maddox is doing great in spite of his temper tantrums.  His two top teeth are growing in so he has been a little fussy but he is still such a happy baby.  I always have to keep my eye on him so he definitely keeps me on my toes.  He is a very busy and curious little boy!

9 months old already!

Maddox had his first Easter and his first visit from the Easter bunny. He loved the eggs! Maddox turns 9 months old in 3 days. I can't believe it. He is crawling really well now and pulling himself up onto chairs, couches and beds. I can tell he is very anxious to walk. He definitely prefers to be on his feet standing. I am realizing how "un-baby-proofed" our house is now that he is so mobile. Maddox is also becoming a finicky eater. I can't seem to figure out what he likes or doesn't like and when he is or isn't hungry. He still has a big appetite when it comes to nursing but he refuses his cereal and baby food. I'm assuming he is asserting his independence because he only seems to eat table food that I let him feed himself. So lately, I have been giving him cheese, little bits of meat, veggies, fruit, grilled cheese, waffles, etc. Stuff that he can pick up and put into his mouth all by himself. The problem is he takes a really long time to eat and sometimes just plays. My concern is that he isn't getting enough to eat so sometimes, I put the food in his mouth just to help him out a little but he gets really offended. Needless to say, I spend a lot of my day "feeding" Maddox. I am debating as to whether or not I should start feeding him three meals instead of two. Maddox is not showing any signs of starvation and is still a very large little boy. He is extremely solid though and almost muscular. His legs are really firm but massive. Maddox is wearing 18 month old size clothing already and some of the clothes are a little snug. He is also wearing size 4 diapers. The other day, my friends mentioned on Facebook how her 2 or 3 year old daughter wears size 4 diapers. Maddox is also a very good snuggler. He loves giving hugs and kisses and still loves sleeping with Mommy and Daddy. But he is getting better at not eating as much at night. I am optimistic that eventually he will outgrow nursing at night. Maddox got to spend some time with his Grandma and Grandpa Morrill. They came to visit a couple of weeks ago. Maddox was very sweet and affectionate with them as he always is. It's very nice to have such an affectionate and loving little boy. His hugs and kisses mean the world to me! Maddox's first top tooth just poked through yesterday. I can't believe he is going to have top teeth. He is growing up way too fast. Time has flown by and we sure have had fun! We love Maddox so much!