Just when I think I have things down pat, Houston ups and changes, challenging in me in new and exciting ways. He is extremely physically active, enjoying things like playing in his crib. It is sometimes difficult to get him to fall asleep for his nap now that he can roll around in his crib, get on his knees and grab all the toys that were at one time just decoration. He’ll be standing in the crib soon enough, I’m sure.
Houston absolutely loves to play outside. We have been chilling outdoors on some recent warm days, soaking in the vitamin D and the cool breezes. He’s content to play by himself so that I can get a few things done in the yard, but most of the time, I will sit in my camping chair (since it’s much easier than sitting Indian-style for long periods of time) and take part in the fun. Sure, I’m not getting any housework done, but these are the wonderful memories that I’ll cherish forever.
Houston kind of has a fetish with his Daddy’s work badge. Every time Stephen puts it on, the kid goes zany. Not sure if it’s because it’s shiny or has Daddy’s photo or is hanging from a lanyard, but it’s one of his favorite “toys” these days.
To see Houston doing the above-mentioned activities, click here.

Houston has recently discovered his tongue. He is constantly sticking it out and rolling it around in his mouth. It’s quite the sight.
He’s still not crawling, but his butt scooching and belly waddling seems to get him from point A to B quite easily. He prefers butt scooching, since he can usually make it farther with this method, and also because his belly waddles usually take him backwards and not forward.
Houston can also stand in his playpen quite well with only one hand. Sometimes he dares to go the distance and even does hands-free. His balance is increasing by leaps and bounds by the day.
The playpen gets to be a tad confining to him after about 20 minutes; we just keep it in the kitchen these days, so that I can keep an eye on him while I cook, eat, make coffee, clean up dishes and the like. What he really digs is being able to scooch, waddle and reach for toys to his heart’s content while on the great expanse of the floor. His head had taken one too many bonks, so we got him an activity mat. It’s only 4-by-4, so I usually break out the camping chair and hang down on the floor with him, or at least have him very close as to keep him within the cushioned perimeter.
To see Houston in action on the mat and doing some other cool things, click here.

I’m still trying to figure out his feeding. I think I was overfeeding him for a while, but it’s so hard to tell since he never turns away the spoon. And I can’t really judge what to feed him by what the typical near 9-month old eats, since he’s so darn big for his age. So, I’ve been giving him a couple extra breastfeedings and a few extras snacks. I’m also sometimes breaking up his breakfast, lunch and dinner into two feedings each that are spaced closely together. This usually works. And then other times, I can do exactly what I did the previous day and yet he still pukes. Could just be the teething, my neighbor Shawn says. Houston is pretty consistent with the “eat” sign, so that has helped out tremendously.
The family had a great Easter. Church service was nice and Stephen even got to play Jesus in a drama put on by the choir. Then Houston went to Donni’s birthday party that afternoon (she’s Dixie’s big sister).
Stephen has been working diligently on fixing his motorcycle. We think (and hope) it’s finally fixed, but it has been too slick and icy to ride the past couple of days. I am beginning to lose it without having access to the car during the day, so keep your fingers crossed that it’s ready to ride.
Lastly, I have launched into an endeavor that I’ve been wanting and needing to do for a long time: I’m finally writing a book. I have been working on it an hour a day for almost a week now. It feels good to put my journalistic skills to work again. Plus, since we plan on having another kid and I plan on homeschooling the tikes, I figure I better get ‘er done now or else I’ll have to wait about 18 years to make it happen. Of course, the house and yard will suffer in the process, but if it’s a NYT bestseller, it’ll surely be worth it!