a whale of a tale at 8 months

When Mark turned 8 months old a couple weeks ago, he also turned up the charm. I'm smitten with this little bundle.

Some big changes and little milestones have been happening in his life and as a family. I feel like I'm just trying to keep up with what life has in store for us and to keep my panic moments to a minimum. Marks sugary disposition does help with that, I will admit.

He loves his binky still, thinks Elizabeth is the most wonderful thing in the world, and has discovered an affinity for playing peek-a-boo.

People comment on his huge eyes, his blond hair that has a tinge of red to it, his large hands and feet, and how his temperament is sweet and happy.

Mark in Istanbul! When we made the decision to move back to the States, we knew their was one more destination we just had to see before we left this region of the world. So many people have recommended Istanbul to us, and did not disappoint! Elizabeth stayed in Abu Dhabi with some friends and Richard, Mark and I were there for 4 days and 3 nights. It is the only city in the world the borders two continents, Europe and Asia. It seemed like an amazing mix of Rome and Arabia. Loved it. 
When Elizabeth was 7 months old we took her with us to Jordan and Israel, now with Mark getting to go to Istanbul at the same age, we think we're going to have to keep up the trend and go somewhere fun with our future kids when they each are this age. Any excuse to travel really!

His body is long and a bit leaner, he must be going through a growth spurt. He sits, can rotate 360 while on his tummy, pushes off with his legs and is close to crawling.

He has two bottom teeth!

Babbling is common now, mostly vocalizing baa or daa with the rare Mmm or Maa in there. He also does this awesome sound when he's excited where he screams and takes in a breath through his mouth simultaneously making a high pitched yelp. It usually makes someone in the vicinity jump which makes for good times.

Loves bananas, not a fan of carrots. Also eats oats, rice, potato, apple, pear, peach, spinach, peas, yogurt, and more. Yesterday I gave him some Nalley Chili and he was all over it! That's how you know he has Spencer blood. He is still breast feeding a ton, which is good and what works for us right now.