Parker had his 9 month check up yesterday (almost a month late!)  First - he's not cross-eyed.  I asked the Dr (at the urging of Grammy) and he said that he would be concerned if both of his eyes weren't tracking objects from left to right.  His eyes are working just fine and he doesn't think he is cross-eyed.

Parker is a small baby - which surprises me.  He always seems like such a chunker when I carry him around.  He weighed 17 pounds and 4 ounces and was 28 inches long.  His weight placed him in the 10th percentile, and his weight only put him in the 20th.  He is a boy and I don't want him to be petite, or short, or short and stalky, or anything that will cause the kids to make fun of him as he grows up.  I'm 30 and I still get short jokes - on a daily basis from my co-workers.  I think it must be much more frustrating to be a short man!  I will feel soo terrible if Parker grows up and is short.

Other than his small size - he is very healthy.  He is quite the over-acheiver when it comes to the generic baby milestones.  He says Mama and Dada, he has started waving good bye.  He still isn't walking on his own yet - but he can stand, unsupported for about 5 seconds before he sits down.  And he has 4 teeth!  The dr said he doesn't really need to formula feedings in the night and that we should start "teaching" him to go back to sleep on his own - because he is using the bottle for comfort.  He said it takes about a week and then he should be sleeping on his own.  Jeez.  Wouldn't it be some kind of miracle if we could get this one sleeping on his own, in his OWN bed, by his first birthday!  He is such a snuggler.  I think I would miss him!

Parker is starting to eat regular people food.  He really likes yogurt and all things mushy: mashed potatoes, soup, mushed up beans, etc.  He loves noodles - just like his brother.