Say Cheese!

A new Max trick we discovered is that he has learned to squint when the red flash light comes on before the flash itself can blind him. This is what most of the most recent pictures I've taken look like:

But sometimes, I can do a sneak attack to catch the cuteness after the squint.

This silly baby!

8 months old already?

Max turned 8 months old yesterday, and is finally turning into quite a mama's boy. He's started crying and doing a fake scream when I leave the room we're hanging out in, and has been giving me "kissies" when I ask for them (disgusting wet messes which involve sucking my cheek, but still adorable!). He's still happy to be dropped off the gym childcare and to hang with babysitters, but is always more than willing to come to me with open arms when I reappear. It's nice to (finally) feel wanted!

He's really into toys right now and loves things that move and make noise (basically the most annoying toys possible). He hasn't started crawling yet, but has figured out an odd, wormlike wiggle that gets him where he wants to go pretty effectively. He's still maintaining his high degree of extroversion, and loves playgroups and being around other children.

His sleeping has improved a ton since his two bottom teeth popped up on New Years Day. He's now only getting up 1 to 2 times a night for a quick feed before falling easily back to sleep, which is phenomenal compared to what had been happening before! He also takes naps very well, although he's still on 3 naps a day (which Dr. Dad is somewhat concerned about, but I'm happy for the extra time to get stuff done!).

I've been having fun making his baby food, and have been recording his reactions to my concoctions in a baby food diary. Despite all my work in buying and preparing tasty, healthy, organic meals, he still seems to prefer cheap Gerber puree's over Mama's hard work. He's a good eater, though, and likes to grab the spoon out of our hands to feed himself. Pretty soon we'll be starting finger foods. My little baby is getting so big!

Attempting to crawl

Gimme that spoon!

Who me?

Hanging with Lisa!

Naked baby time!

7 1/2 months!

Sorry, fans, but we've been having far  too much fun to take many pictures lately! We've been hiking, playing with friends inside (since its so cold), eating lots of new yummy solids (like Butternut Squash, Zucchini, and Mac and Cheese), and even starting to crawl a little! Basically, Max has learned how to throw his body from side to side while scooting a bit in order to get where he is going (usually to his favorite toy, My First Laptop, or his other favorite toy, Nacho). Its quite interesting, but does get the job done! Video to come when Daddy uploads it.

Here are some photos from the past few weeks:

Big Storm

This post is a little late, as all the snow is now melting, but Max got to see his first big winter storm fairly recently. The day after Christmas, we were hit with almost 15 inches of snow! We were homebound for the day, and most of the day after as well, but did take a brief expedition out to inspect the piles of snow.

Snow starfish baby

Our house is buried!

Merry Christmas!

We were very lucky that Anthony had 6 days around Christmas off this year (especially since he worked on the holiday the last two years) to celebrate Max's first Christmas as a family! We took the opportunity to spend Christmas with our families in Washington and Erie, PA. Max loved ripping open the paper on his MANY presents, and was mostly a little angel during the days (nights were another story, however!). He got to visit with both grandma's, his grandpa, and many cousins, aunts, and uncles on both sides. He was also introduced to the extended Petruso clan at the annual Italian Holiday Feast hosted by Aunt Joan and Uncle Pete. It was a great trip!

Enjoying a sundae at Sarris Candies!

Love from Grammy Landock

O Christmas Tree!

Hanging with cousin Jack

Ending the night with Grandma Mitchell

15 days until Christmas!

We've been busy preparing for the holidays here in the Petruso household! Cookies are being baked by the dozen, cards are ordered, and the tree is up and decorated with a few gifts underneath. We still have many things yet to do, but its wonderful to get to celebrate Max's first Christmas this year. Grammy Sandy was up this weekend to help Christmas shop, and little man might have gotten the chance to meet Santa! Pics to come, but for now, Christmas card teaser pics!

6 months old

Happy half birthday, Max! It feels like yesterday that you were born. I can't believe we've been loving and taking care of you for half a year already! We've gotten to watch you grow from a little sleepy slug, to the rambunctious, active, loving baby that you are today. We love you, son!