Happy 8 Months, Declan!

Dear Declan,

This isn't just my mama sentimentality speaking when I say that you are flying through all your baby phases WAY too fast. Slow down, baby boy! Last month you were starting to move around through a series of scoots and turns, but almost as soon as I published your 7 month update you started full on crawling and standing. And then you learned how to climb stairs. And you've been putting in lots of practice standing on your own, completely unassisted. Your ultimate goal is to walk. I can see it in your face. And if I had to guess I'd say you'll get there sooner rather than later. In the past month your crawl went from tentative and slow to lightning fast. Seriously, you are so fast. Your favorite thing in the world is when we forget to shut a door to one of your "forbidden" places, like the bathrooms or the closets. Faster than we can brush our teeth or change our clothes you're in there, pulling everything out of the waste basket piece by piece, or ransacking Mommy's shoes or Daddy's boxers. You are a mischief maker through and through, and you love nothing more than getting caught red handed doing exactly what you're not supposed to be doing. Your face lights up and you give the biggest smile whenever we exclaim, Declan! Stop! You've even turned around and wagged your finger at Daddy, as if you were telling him, Nope. I do what I want. But of course we can't stay mad, because your crinkly eyes and wide smile make us melt every time.

You love spending your days chasing down your brother, getting your hands on whatever it is he happens to be playing with, then promptly stealing it and trying to eat it. Seeking out every stray piece of paper within your reach is another daily highlight, and I have to fish chewed up wads of paper out of your mouth at least half a dozen times a day. Stroller rides and crawling all over the playground are a few more of your favorite things.

You tend to be the star wherever we go, and while your brother, mama, and daddy aren't too fond of extra attention, you soak it right up. Except for that one time a gang of five year old girls tried to adopt you as one of their own, pinching your cheeks and telling you over and over how cute you are. That was a bit much, even for you.

Likes

• Spitting. Especially spitting food at people.
• Attacking the DVDs and cable box.
• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
• Anything big bro does. 
• Daddy's jokes never fail to crack you up.
• Making messes.
• Destroying your brother's toys.
• Chasing balls around and playing catch.
• Clapping.
• Chasing cats.
• Baths.
• Trying to eat everything.
• Mirrors.

Dislikes

• People eating in front of you and not sharing.
• When brother doesn't share his toys.
• Mommy leaving the room.

Milestones 

• Crawling 
• Standing 
• Babbling - especially ba ba
• Rolling from back to tummy finally 

Even though it's only been eight short months since you've entered our family, it's hard to remember a time when you weren't here. You bring us all so much laughter and love every single day, and we love you more than you'll ever know.