Ewan is 7 months old

I took this photo of Ewan when he was sitting at my feet, looking up at me and smiling and growling at the same time. Try that. It's not easy. That's my talented baby!

I'm not sure there is much new to report this month, although of course things are constantly changing. Most of what Ewan's been doing is improving upon skills he's developed in the last couple months. He can sit unsupported for much longer periods of time now, although he still sometimes topples over, so we're always sure to surround him with pillows if we're not sitting right next to him. Ewan also continues to move a lot, and is a master pivoter. He can do a full 360 in a matter of a few seconds. He's close to being able to push up on all fours, and the motivation to crawl is definitely there. He is back to getting frustrated being on his tummy because he just seems to want to move forward, but can't quite figure out what he needs to do yet. We have also learned from a couple of unfortunate incidents which thankfully did not result in any injury, that we need to start seriously babyproofing.

Ewan's continued babbling a lot, and this month "da da" is the favorite syllable to repeat, although we're still also hearing "ma ma" and "ba ba" (or something in between the two) at times. Ewan's receptive language is continuing to develop, too, and he recognizes phrases such as, "Who's that baby in the mirror?", to which he responds by seeking out the nearby mirror, finding his reflection, and smiling. He also recognizes the names of and will seek out mama, dada, Lola kitty, and Clyde dog, and he continues to be smitten by these four members of our immediate family. I would think that if he recognizes the names "mama" and "dada" and can say them, that it won't be that long before he puts two and two together, but I could be wrong. Ewan also recognizes and usually responds to his own name, unless he's deeply absorbed in another activity, like examining and chewing on a tag (see below).

Another cute new behavior that has slowly emerged over the last couple months is his showing physical affection in the form of something resembling hugs, kisses, and cuddles. I guess he's been giving kisses for a while now, but it took us a while to realize that that's what he's actually doing, and it was sort of a gradual transition from him trying to nurse our faces. Now it's big old slobbery open mouth kisses that we can't get enough of! He also puts his arms around our necks or torsos and nuzzles in close, or puts his head on our shoulders or against our chests at times when we're holding him. There is an awful lot of love flowing through our house these days!

Oh yeah, and the boy has started bouncing. Bouncing in our arms, bouncing on our laps, bouncing in the Ergo carrier. He also loves when we help him jump. I think we need to get him one of those jumpy things you hang in a doorway. And his other favorite activity this month? Chewing on tags (like the kind on clothing or pillows, for example) and straps (like on the Ergo carrier, car seat, or high chair). I've heard of other babies with this same obsession. What's the deal? No sign of any teeth yet, by the way, despite the fact that we've thought he's been teething since he was two months old.

Here is Ewan a week or so ago, showcasing several of his new skills (sitting, babbling, etc.):

Ewan 7 months from Rebecca Turvy on Vimeo.

And here are a few more recent photos. I don't have too many really recent photos of Ewan without him furrowing his brow. He does this a lot, which is funny because Troy has always teased me about furrowing mine. Yup, he has brows that could only belong to a Duke. Maybe one day he'll be able to pull his eyebrows down to the tip of his nose, like my dad. Oh, the parental and grandparental (is that a word?) pride that would ensue!

Happy 7 months, Ewan!