8 Months Old!

How did I get a little 8 Month Old? I can't believe how fast little Zachary has grown up! I know people say this all the time, but it really does feel like we brought him home from the hospital yesterday. I keep thinking he's still a newborn. I have to admit though, I LOVE every minute of life with Zach-y (Ike's affectionate nickname for him).
Zach has now officially boycotted tummy time, which means he is not crawling (and I'm not complaining). One less little boy mobile is a good thing around here, I'm sure! Instead Zach loves sitting up, looking around and reaching just as far as he possibly can until he has disrupted everything conceivably within reach. He is starting to scoot on his bum to get closer to things, so I think we may have a little "alternative transportation" on our hands. He is manipulating smaller things now from hand to hand and LOVES when I give him the spoon so he can put it in himself. It's pretty funny to watch.
As far as eating goes, Zach LOVES sweets (already). I'm not sure if this is a Pieper curse or a Pokorny curse because I think we all LOVE sweets too much, so he was doomed from the start. He actually spent some time this month trying to boycott non-fruits, but mommy has been around longer and as such, is more bull-headed. So, we played food roulette so poor little Zachy never knew if the next bite would be "yummy" or "not so yummy." Anyway, he's finally given in and is an equal baby food eater after all. I would say, though, fruits are still his favorites and green beans are a close second. Do you think my kids love green beans so much because I eat them so often when I'm pregnant and nursing? Just a thought... I have tried my hand at making his baby food too and it's going pretty well (thanks to a special "magic bullet" gift- thanks Rach- if you don't have one, you should seriously consider it!) Zach eats cereal in the mornings and then eats fruits and veggies (with some nummy meaty mix ins- shh! He doesn't know) at lunch and dinner times. Luckily, he is also still an avid nurser several times a day and once during the night (unless I'm lucky).
Zach has also just started saying "Dada" last week. He jibbers all day long saying most sounds, but he definitely knows what "dada" means. Ike is also convinced he said "egg-ie" today, but I'm pretty sure that's not really the case:) Our little man also just learned to click his tongue, which is pretty cute. Now his talking sounds a little bit like the aliens on "Signs."

This little guy has also figured out how to give us high fives. He will all of a sudden reach one hand straight out (and sometimes up) and smile until we say "high five!" He plays peek-a-boo with a blanket too. Zach is waving "bye bye" too, but not necessarily when we're leaving. I just want to say how much I LOVE this age. Zach is such a treasure and can always light up a room. I know things are busier with the second munchkin, but I love him to pieces and just can't imagine our world without him. He was certainly sent to our family at this time for special reasons. He is still Ike's favorite toy. Today Ike said "Oh Zachy, you are my bestest friend in the whole wide world!" and I believe him. Zachy, in return, replied "Grezuzzle ba pfth" which must me something really great. It's so fun to watch them grow up together. What a blessing and a light. Happy 8 months little man! Now slow down! I need to enjoy every last minute:)

P.S. notice his little Valentine's Day shirt... it says "Wanna Date?" Too cute to pass by...