Growing up Charlie

Charlie is in one of those amazing times of development. He goes through what seems like a lull in his milestones and then it is as if all the sudden they all come out. I walked into his room, to see if he was asleep yet, and found him standing up in his crib. AHH! Panic and Pride hit you all at once! He was grinning from ear to ear and we immediately lowered his mattress to the bottom level. Now it seems he is pulling himself up on everything he can find...couches...chairs...my pant legs. Another characteristic he is developing is his free will. He will clearly tell you if he does or doesn't want his binky or bottle. He also has found out that he is not allowed to have everything within his reach...when it is taken away..look out...he knows how to pitch a little fit. If anyone says that it is a learned behavior...I would like to talk to them. He is almost nine months old and has no way of learning that. With all of these things comes new challenges as a parent...but it is soooo exciting to see his personality come through as he plays alone and eats new foods and feeds himself. My heart just melts.