8 months

Liam's 8 months and he's really growing out of the baby stage. He's pulling himself up, getting into everything he can get his hands on and learning something new and exciting each day.

Some of our favorite things to do with him are:

Helping him balance on his feet
Playing "Face off" This is what "Face Off" looks like
Morning snuggles (never gets old)
Superman
Trying new foods
Hiking
Playing Parrot This is what Playing Parrot looks like
Going to the grocery store
Screaming
Secrets (when I whisper in his ears)

Merrell Monthly Milestones:
Repeats what we say (as long as its da or bah)
Pulls himself up on things/people
Tries to balance on his own for short spurts of time
Eats bananas, peas, avocado, potatoes and his favorite, paper
He learned to clap on his 8 month mark!
Finally fitting into some 6 mo. clothes but all the pants are too long! Curse Chad and his short legs!

He's so playful and extremely fearless...which naturally scares me to death. He chases the vacuum, loves loud noises and is full speed, where ever he is going. Liam has started running into things, knocking things over and tearing things apart. He's a monster. But we like him.

He has made some friends! He loves "Uncle Doorknob"!

He flirts with all the girls at church but especially loves Lily. (Whom i not-so-secretly hope will marry him someday).

He still is crazy about his cousins!

And he loves hanging out with the guys and watching the BYU games.

 Liam was so lucky to have his friend Porter over this last week!

 Liam was much more excited about it than Porter...mainly because Liams "playing" isn't exactly friendly yet.

 Here's Liam trying to "share" his banana with Porters face...while he slept. 

Sharing's an abstract concept.

Naps have been really hard the past few weeks. It came so naturally to him the past 3 or 4 months but I think we're needed to retrain him because he is so resistant. Yesterday I tried to let him cry it out and it about killed me. 45 minutes later and 4 reswaddles and pep talks later he was finally asleep...for 15 minutes. I'm going to keep at it but it is probably my least favorite part of parenting so far (I'm sure I'll look back and laugh at that statement).

But it's so small compared to all the fun we have! I was sitting with Liam in the front room, playing with his toys, reading books, giving kisses and clapping and the time just flew by! 2 hours, we played and I didn't even realize we had passed his nap time. I just thought to myself, "Liams my best friend" I'd rather be with him, (and Chad of course) than anyone else. We have so much fun together! Loving this stage of life and living in the moment!