Sessions with Sweetie

Sorry I've gone MIA lately. It's for multiple reasons, but I thought I'd check in and say hello, before probably going back to radio silence. Maybe for good? Who knows.
Here's what's going on.
Basically, a couple months ago, Dash started crawling. I know, blaming it on babies is SO cliche, but seriously - game changer. He's walking now - everywhere and he's quite good at it. :) Anyway, he's moving and usually moving in a different direction...

So, here's something funny. I started this entry three weeks ago. And I've started a couple others as well, but... I'm caught constantly playing referee between two kids - one who wants to kill himself by throwing him down the stairs, sticking his finger...

Nine months feels like such a milestone age for a baby to reach, doesn't it? My baby will be nine months this week, and is on the precipice of some big changes.
How can I describe him adequately? Words do not do this boy justice, you guys. He's so incredible. He's sweet and tenderhearted, but is showing us that he's also strong willed and determined. He's physically strong, big and very healthy. He's gorgeous...

Ellie's afraid of monsters right now. Anyone else have a toddler with this issue? I honestly don't know where this came from - true monsters are not really something she's been exposed to (ala Monster's Inc), but she can't sleep without the lights on...