Today, Jonathan is nine months old. We paid a visit to Dr. Robinson who told us that Jonathan is VERY consistent on weight, but falling off a little in height. Everything seems normal, even with Mommy's laundry list of concerns. As we can't have him vaccinated early, we will be going back in a month and a half for a height/ weight check and finding a pediatrician asap when we get to San Antonio. Jonathan was a lot of fun at the doctor's office. He's quite a ham. He made at least two friends before we went back.

Yesterday he hammed it up with the ladies at church. This week is the start of our revival services and we had a big family meal after big church. Jonathan did not protest at all as he was handed from person to person. In fact, he loved it! Wednesday, Austin comes for a morning visit. We might have Cassie, Colin and Ms. Melissa over for a piano lesson too. Jonathan loves company and Mommy almost always sees an improvement in his skills after he's spent some time playing with other kiddos.

Jonathan is trying hard to crawl. He likes to sit himself up, go forward onto his hands and knees, roll and then sit himself back up again. Sometimes he takes a longer spell on his hands and knees, rocks back and forth and then pulls up on his feet like a little teepee. He hasn't quite mastered the moves to really crawl. He ends up pushing himself backward. He is pulling up on his toddler chair, the love seat and the side of the tub. We think he'll be crawling any day now. He loves to clap. He also loves to fling his little arm out at me, wave to himself and say "Heh!" I think he's saying "Hi!" or "Hey!"

Jonathan loves books, balls and people. He is fascinated with faces and he could watch Praise Baby all day long if I let him. He protests loudly now if he is not allowed to have exactly what he wants when he wants it. He is also getting good with the sippy cup, although he doesn't always use it for drink. Most of the time he just chews on the spout.

Mommy and Daddy are learning to deal with sleep deprivation. This is a time when we could really benefit from having family nearby. We have lots of sweet friends who offer help, and we are beginning to think we need to take someone up on those offers. The house is a wreck, but thankfully, no calls from the realtor today. Whew.

I am trying to get back into my quiet time routine and it's making all the difference. My natural tendency is to be a hermit crab. Both words are soooooo applicable to me these days. Hermit and crab. Hmmmmm. The Lord knows I want to obsess on this house and every flaw within its walls. I want to make sure it's spotless "just in case" the realtor calls. I want to be prepared for every eventuality. The eventualities I forget... I will forget about this house, but I won't forget about the friends and family I've neglected while I obsess on getting my list of "to dos" perfectly complete. I won't forget that I missed moments with my tiny son while I sanded and touched up walls.

Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you. He will never let the righteous be shaken. ~Psalm 55:21-23

Search me, God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

~Psalm 139:22-24