Seven Months

 Wiley

• You have officially reached master status of tummy time! Last month you had mastered the roll and would flip right off your tummy the second you got over. If for some reason you stayed on your tummy for a moment, you wouldn't stay up right, start to lean, and it was quite clear you just wanted back on your back. You are now pushing up all the way on your arms, reaching for toys while on your tummy, and doing so much better. 
• You are an expert toy snatcher! You can spot a toy from miles away and will contort to all kinds of crazy positions to grab it. You are especially great at snatching from your little brother! We will give you each a toy. The second you see Ryan's toy, you truly toss your's aside and grab his! Just to prove that this wasn't a fluke, one day after you had snatched a toy, we then gave Ryan a second toy. Yep, you threw your new toy down and grabbed his. We gave Ryan a third toy and low and behold, you snatched that one too! Luckily, your brother is pretty laid back and is happy to share (even if he really has no choice).
• You love your fruits (especially apples) and cereal! If you are crying while waiting for food, you will instantly stop when you see me walk to you in your seat with a bowl in hand! You already know that a bowl means food. It's incredible to me! You also now understand what eating is all about. When you see Mommy and Daddy with a spoon eating, you assume it's for you too and reach for our food all the time now. You love to feed yourself and will fight us for the spoon - sometimes we let you win and "feed yourself."
• Any and everything goes in your mouth! Your hands, mommy's hands, your toes, toys, pillows, clothes...if it's in reaching distance, chances are you will try it out as a teething ring!
• You used to sleep curled in a ball. However, since putting you in your crib, you have more room to roll around. Recently you have been sleeping on your tummy a little too. 
• You still aren't a fan of naptime in your room and still prefer to fall asleep on Mommy. I know when you're sleepy because you will start nuzzling on my chest, chomping on my shirt, and you make a clicking noise with your mouth. If those three things are happening, I know naptime is just moments away!
• You still love being read to and being sung to - these will still often stop any crying fits!
• You are such a happy little boy and love to share your sweet smiles. If you are really happy / like someone, you will tell them with a sweet little coo.

Ryan

• You now prefer to spend more time on your tummy than you do your back! You have great control of your head and upper body while on your tummy. You are very curious about all that is going on around you and being on your tummy seems to be the best way for you to survey the room.
• Ryan, you have learned that we are a loud family where everyone talks all at once. And already you can hold your own! You like to talk...and to talk loudly too! Even though you've been "talking" for awhile now, it's like you have just discovered your voice. When you are really excited you shout in a very silly voice (and once you start, you often continue shouting for quite awhile). You like to laugh and make people laugh. You have such a fun, spunky personality already that I just adore.
• You love your fruits and cereal! If you are crying while waiting for food, you will instantly stop when you see me walk to you in your seat with a bowl in hand! You already know that a bowl means food. It's incredible to me! You also now understand what eating is all about. When you see Mommy and Daddy with a spoon eating, you assume it's for you too and reach for our food all the time now.We can't feed you fast enough. The second you swallow one bite, you are shouting for another!
• You can't get enough of your thumb! Unlike your brother, you don't need to put everything in your mouth; you are perfectly happy with just sucking that thumb of yours (and an occasional toe or two).
• You sleep on your tummy about 99% of the time now (even though we still put you to bed on your back). The second you hit that crib you flip and snooze!
• You are our expert napper - and you you let us know when you need a nap too. Naptime follows playtime. When you are finished playing and ready to sleep, (if not already there) you roll onto your tummy, lay your head down, suck your thumb with one hand, and rub the back of your head with the other. When I see this I know you're ready to sleep...into your crib you go and typically you are asleep before I have even left the room.
• You still love being read to and being sung to - these will still often stop any crying fits!
• You are such a happy, silly little boy. You can't smile without sticking your sweet little tongue out. It is so cute!

I just cannot believe I am already writing your seventh month post, boys. Time is moving so quickly. It is wonderful watching you develop, change, grow, and learn on a daily basis. I will sit and watch you experience your firsts and can just see the wonder and amazement in your eyes as you take life in. It is wonderful and you are teaching me so much about the importance of just soaking up everything around us. We love you so much and look forward to all the future holds for our little family.