8 months old! Happy tears

I’m not sure how I thought any of the other stages were fun, because this is the best. Ansh and I have a new adventure every day. It’s like a giggle fest in our house these days. He is learning so much. He wants to play ALL the time. He is full of laughs and smiles and is our little daredevil explorer. I think I’m not biased when I say that he’s the most gorgeous baby in the world! Gosh, It’s hard to remember life before him.

He turned 8 months last week. How can he be so big already (cue tears)? He isn’t much of a cuddle guy though. He’s taken after his aunt in that sense (too-cool-for-hugs). Doesn’t like many kisses (but I force my way through anyways ;)).

He’s started to make more sounds too – lots of “dada”, “baba”, “bua”, “gah”, you know, baby talk! He says “mama” only when he’s crying though. But like they say, the person you call out for, when you are hurt or upset, is your favorite person in the entire world.... or so I like to believe :)

We’re full into the “can’t take our eyes off him” stage, which I’m sure never ends?

His laugh has gone from a gasping-for-air noise to more of a little boy giggle now. He makes this “poof” noise, like blowing a puff of air out of his mouth. It’s something I would want to remember, so putting it down here

Watching him grow before our eyes has just been surreal. He is so responsive, interactive and interested now. He wants to grab, eat and touch everything. I mean EVERYTHING. His toys, TV remote, my hair brush, iPhones, my make-up, mommy’s hair, dad’s mustache... He particularly gets fascinated with the fridge, microwave and the thermostat. I’m convinced that he’s gonna be an electrician when he grows up. His eyes light up, and his hands and legs shake with excitement everytime someone opens the fridge. That’s when I just want to grab him and eat him the most... But I don't!!!

He is curious about everything. When he’s on the play mat, and someone opens the door, he leans forward to try and peak around the wall to see who has come.

He knows the ring tone of FaceTime. I can say that, because everytime I FaceTime someone, Ansh looks at the phone and starts giggling. Like he knows someone is going to show up on the phone and make funny faces for him. My sister makes all kind of funny faces at him, and sends him on a laugh rampage. It’s the funniest. Thank god for FaceTime, he has regular chats with both set of grandparents too. We need to make do with technology, till they come and visit him.

My favorite time with him is still his bath time, and a recent addition would be: swimming time. He is such a natural. I am starting to believe that he was cut out for water. I take him in water, and he splashes his hands and legs like a motor boat. His instructor says that if I let him go, he’s gonna swim away. He is kidding of course, but look at the video, and you’ll know what I’m talking about. If he doesn’t end up becoming an electrician, he will have an alternate career option as a swimmer. So clearly, he loves anything with water! I really hope our trip to Florida materializes soon, I can't wait to get him a taste of the ocean :)

His likes: smacking everything with his bare hands. Sometimes I wonder if that would have hurt his little hands. But then, I know he is smart enough to stop doing it if it hurts him

Pulling mommy’s hair. And mommy never learns a lesson either. She should just tie her hair in a bun. It’s like she’s asking for it eh?

Getting out of the house. The excitement on his face can not be missed, as soon as I put him in his car seat. It’s his way of saying, I love you, but I can’t watch you all day. Take me outside and show me more people ;)

He loves people. This little guy is a social butterfly.

He loves blackberries. Not a big fan of avocado, but berries are his favorite. We use it as a defense mechanism all the time. If we think he’s about to cry, or is getting bored… stuff him with berries ;)

He loves his toys, but more than that, he loves the package they come in. Sometimes I wonder if we should spend so much money on his toys, when he just likes to play with the wrappers.

He loves his time with his dad. Mostly because they end up doing silly things

He is such a smiley flirt, and guess what? He’s already had his first kiss.

He's a very good sleeper. Usually sleeps for 10-12 hours at night, but he sure moves a lot during his sleep. He wakes up in all different kind of positions

Here’s a video of him having an ice-cream that melts my heart. I know, I know… some of you might say he’s too young to be having ice cream, but one of my biggest lessons of motherhood so far: I’ve realized that I really don’t give a rats ass what some of the guilt-trippy baby experts tell me I “should” be doing (aside from actual evidence-based medical recommendations from our pediatrician, of course). I remember when Ansh was a newborn I would feel guilt after reading certain baby articles (like the ones that say never nurse them to sleep or never do x, y, z because you will form a life-long bad habit…ugh), but as I’ve become more comfortable in my role I have realized that we’re doing what’s right for our family and that’s what matters. Is the baby fed, safe, warm, loved, and happy? Well keep on chugging along. No guilt required.

He is so interactive now, it really is so much fun and probably my favorite stage yet!  I’m sure I say that every month, lol.  But really, it just keeps getting better and better!