Beckett is Eight Months!

Every month celebration post is beginning the same way: I cannot believe he's eight months! Time has really flown by, which is exciting because fun breakthroughs are on their way, but it's also a little sad because I will miss this extra squeezable, not-so-independent Beckett. Now on to his update...

• He had his first "temper tantrum" the other day. Hamilton took a matchbox car away from him. I tried to give Beckett a baby rattle instead, but he just squeeze his little fists together and made a very disgusted sound. When, he got a matchbox car back, he was back to his happy self. Already a big boy!
• Hamilton has a drop-off playgroup for a couple hours every week, which gives me some alone time with Becks. One day we went to Target. I let him ride in the cart seat for the first time (with his cushy seat cover), and it was the most pleasant shopping experience with kids in a long time. He seemed so pleased to be riding in the cart like a "big boy" and just smiled and laughed every time I talked to him.
• I took Hamilton and Beckett to the park the other day. Hamilton eventually made his way to the swings but was trying to get in a baby swing with tiny leg holes. I explained, "No, we have to get in the other one because this blue one is for tiny legs like Beckett's. Wait! What?! Beckett can ride in the swing!" So, I got to push both my boys in the swings (Hamilton got giant "blast-off's" and Beckett's were baby "blast-off's"). Beckett really seemed to like it, but kept one hand tightly on the swing and the other balled in a fist. It was the highlight of the day and served to undo some contentious moments earlier on. I can't wait to do more and more activities with them together.
• On a sadder note...Beckett got an ear infection in both ears a couple weeks ago, which led to my better appreciating Hamilton's quality of eating whatever medicine is given him. Beckett would make his mouth as closed and tiny as humanly possible. He also refused to eat any solid foods. Consequently, I've experienced more Beckett frustration lately than in previous months. Yesterday, though, he miraculously started taking the medicine no problem and has been eating yogurt. Hopefully, we'll get fully back on track soon.
• He is about 20 pounds now. Carrying the car seat is virtually impossible.
• He lights up and starts kicking whenever Alex comes home.
• He is sitting up better and better...just scared to leave him alone with Hamilton who can cause falls through well-intentioned hugs and ill-intentioned pushes.
• Beckett's still nuts about Hamilton.
• Beckett and Hamilton have been going to sleep in the same room for about a week now (I'd normally tranfer Beckett to the crib when I went to bed). Only one incident of Hamilton climbing in with him, but he did so so carefully, he didn't even wake Beckett up.
• The photos are from Beckett's first official photo session since the hospital. I kind of love the cheesiness of the Kiddie Kandids-brand of photography. We took them while Hamilton was at his sports class with Alex...this made managing everything easier (H is a bit of a camera-hog), but I really could have used him to help make Becks laugh!
• The awesome shoes are from my great aunt Edith Ann. She got similar ones for Hamilton. I can't wait to send her the pics!