Fun in the Fall

We've really enjoyed the last few weeks with Will as his mobility and personality continue to emerge. He's recognizing words (Mama and light, for instance) and babbling often New syllables show up fairly regularly at this point. Still waiting for the "dada" though - "mama...mum" was an early favorite. :)

Will's often pensive and serious-looking in groups, but full of laughs and vocal displays of his pleasure and displeasures at home.

He loves exploring his environment. Play time often includes emptying out the toybasket and moving his attention from one object to another. Sometimes he likes to focus on one toy, seemingly studying it from different angles. (he has that, "who me?" look going on in the picture below....)

We took advantage of some unseasonably warm weather today to go to the "Singing Beach" in Manchester-By-the-Sea. Will was fascinated by the waves (this picture notwithstanding). He's consistently engaged and calmed by being outside.

After his 9 month check up (19lbs, 28.5inches), we made the decision to end night-time feedings all together. He wasn't needing them to eat, but he was consistently waking out of habit between 3-4am. (he nearly always goes down right at 7pm). The last week or so he's continued to wake up - but we've taken some time to put him back to sleep without nursing ("sleep" to varying levels of success). Someday soon he'll get to 6 or 7am.... :) We're thankful for a healthy and happy baby boy.

Geoff's coaching cross-country at Covenant in September and October, and Kelly's deep into a Career counseling course at the seminary. We've have a busy but rewarding Autumn. Many of our weekends have been slow - a necessary family regrouping from the crazy weeks.

Kelly and Will visited Geoff at Covenant's "Fall Family Festival" Friday the 10th... they got there just as Geoff was in the dunk tank... so, opf course Will and Mommy had to dunk Dad (Brrrr!)