Knox- 9 months

 

Knox is 9 months and what a month it's been! He is crawling everywhere- or dragging himself everywhere. He has finally cut two teeth on the bottom. And he developed an ear-piercing squeal when he's eating and the food isn't coming fast enough. Truly, ear-piercing. 

I feel like now that he can move around freely, Knox is happier. Not that he was a fussy guy, more like he just likes his independence. We now have a baby gate at the top of our stairs. He seems to be doing better in the nursery on Sundays. At least I can't hear him crying from the stage anymore. :) 

I'd say sleeping and eating are Knox's strongest areas. Ha! He sleeps from 7p-6a, eats, and goes back to sleep until about 9. Then he takes a long afternoon nap. He loves to eat and really hasn't found a table food he doesn't like. He's somewhat transitioning out of baby food. It's still nice to have on hand if we're not home for a meal time. He really seems to know his siblings and enjoy them playing with them. Unfortunately for the girls, he likes to pull hair too. Thankfully, they are quick to forgive since they absolutely adore him. 

Eli, Micah, Haddie, and Lana at 9 months

Haddie is 5

Our first girl is 5 and I can hardly believe it. I'm about a month late in posting for her birthday here, but I was looking at her 4 year post and it was 4 months late so I must be doing a little better this year. Our girl is such a sweetheart. She is still a girly girl and still detests any living thing that isn't a person. 

She is caring and notices when people need some care. I wrote in our Christmas letter this year that Brent and I joke that she is like a service animal. When she notices one of us is struggling she will bring a soft blanket and snuggle. She is observant and still plays well with everyone. She likes order and organization but is a bit of a pack rat. She can play legos, bake, color, paint, play in the dirt with equal enjoyment. She doesn't care to get sweaty, however. :) She likes Frozen II and Ninjago and The Three Stooges. I think she's well rounded in her interests. Ha! 

A couple weeks after Haddie's birthday, she had her tonsils and adenoids removed. The surgery went well, and she is finally feeling herself again. When she was waking up from anesthesia, she said "I hope Knoxie doesn't ever have to do this." She is singing again and it's crazy how clear her voice sounds. I love to hear her sing and I hope she continues her whole life. She is a really sweet voice and can carry a tune well. Whenever I'm practicing for church at home, she always starts singing with me. It's amazing to me how many songs she knows. 

Haddie is quite the little mama. She babies Knox and whenever he sits up from crawling, she finds a pillow to put behind him or sits behind him in case he loses his balance. At one point in the last year she told me that she wished Knox could just stay the same age and she could still grow up and then take care of him as an adult. She also likes to play babies with Lana. And she tries to mom the big boys too, but that doesn't go over quite as well. 

In the fall, Haddie will go to kindergarten. I'm so excited for her, but there is no doubt I'll miss her so much. She is pretty sure she's going to get Mrs. Seuser as her teacher since that's who the boys had- we'd be pretty happy with that too. 

Oh Haddie Joy, you truly are such a joy to have in our family. God is so good to us to give us you. Daddy and I pray for you- that you will know Jesus as your Savior. That you will learn to listen to Him and live your life in His love. We love you more than you can imagine. He loves you even more. 

 Height: 41"

Weight: 38.4#