This first year is going by much faster than I would like. You are my last baby, and I'm trying so hard to soak in each and every day with you. I try hard to not have a baby sitter for you because I really want to be with you as much as possible. You are 9 months old today, and this is such a special time. It's like we have come full circle. We spent 9 months together, you and I sharing the same nutrients as both our bodies grew, developed, and changed. And now I'm celebrating you as you have grown, developed, and changed all on your own.
My last letter to you was on your 6 month, half birthday. And the plan was to write 1 more letter when you turn 1 year old. But so many wonderful moments have passed, that I cannot wait that long. Here is a preview of your life from the day you turned 6 months old (Jan 24, 2014), until today (April 24, 2014)...
Here you are at 6 months ...
You discovered that flicking your tongue on the roof of your mouth made a 'clicking' sound, and this was quite entertaining! Sure we had many conversations of "mama" and "dada", but 'click' conversations were just plain fun!
This is your first night sleeping in your crib in your own room. It's February 8th, and you are half way through your 6th month. I had such a hard time with this transition, and ended up staying in your room to watch you sleep until 2 a.m. It actually took me many, many weeks to adjust to this, and even ended up having to buy a video monitor in hopes it would help me sleep better. Eventually it helped. Each night I hug and snuggle you a little extra before laying you to sleep in your crib. Our nightly routine is one I cherish every single night. Feeding you your night bottle while sitting in my quiet bedroom, then carrying your sleeping body the short distance to your room. I love how you feel cradled in my arms, and I am going to miss this so much once you are too big. But for now, just know, every night I enjoy it and don't take our nightly routine for granite.
Here you are on your first Valentine's Day, and what an extra special day this was, as you grew your first two teeth! You are so sweet, even your "first tooth" had a companion.
My most favorite memory of you during your 6th month was during one of your diaper changes. You were saying "dada" over and over, then paused and looked right at me, and then said "mama". Such a simple moment, but one that melted my heart and left a lasting memory.
Happy 7 month birthday! Here we begin a 6 month long adventure to your first birthday. So many milestones and memories happened in the 6 completed months prior to today, and there will be just as many for the next 6 months.
This month, you discovered that it is fun to imitate others. You would copy movements and sounds, and found much joy in it. For now, this is how you communicate with us, and it means the world to your daddy and I. You are also rolling more and more, and sometimes frustrated if you rolled into a position you do not want to be in. You have shown interest in toys that are out of reach, and have tried to wiggle and slither and shift yourself across the floor to get to it. Only once did you manage to get up on both knees, and with your booty in the air, you gave a push with your legs and made your first "inch worm" crawl. It was a 'one-hit-wonder' moment, but a fun one to watch. I'm in no hurry for you to begin crawling, but at same time, I am rooting for you to figure it out. Oh the discoveries you will make once you can get around!
Here you are, our little 8 month old slugger. This 8th month has been awesome! I have filled the entire page in your baby book and still cannot write enough about you. I can't even come close to writing all the wonderful things about you in this blog either.
First, I have to say, you give the best hugs! You pull yourself so close and tight and squeeze with all your might. Daddy and I love your hugs! And I am the lucky one for sure. I am with you all day, everyday, and get the most hugs. :)
Ever since you were 5 months old, you would wave "hello" to those who waved to you first. Now, on occasion, will say "Hi" along with the wave. It is so cute, and we are super impressed with this skill! You have also started to "sing" along when you hear music. One of your best singing was done on Palm Sunday in church when you began singing at the start of one song, and you stopped singing at the end of it, all the while moving 1 hand up and down as if truly moved by the Holy spirit. It was amazing to see, as I held you while you sang your praises. And I must admit, my eyes got a little misty.
I can tell you are ready to go places, because you do not sit still for very long. You roll around ...a lot! And thanks to your love of jumping in your exersaucer, your legs have become strong and you can now stand while holding furniture or our hands. You are not pulling yourself to stand on your own just yet, but are pretty solid with some assistance. A few times you have managed to get up on your knees, but have not done the "inch worm" crawl again. That day is definitely coming soon though with as much moving around that you do. You have found enjoyment in another motor skill, and that is clapping! You aren't quite coordinated enough to clap palm to palm. It's more like palm to back of hand, and more diagonal than side to side. But with the way your face lights up with a big 3 tooth smile, the awkward clap is just adorable! And yep, I said 3-tooth smile. You grew your 3rd tooth, top left side, on April 10th.
I'll close this 8th month chapter with your first Easter pictures. You have a touch of separation anxiety, so you weren't your usual smiley self with the Easter bunny, but you didn't cry either. But on Easter morning, you were all smiles!
And here we are, the start of your 9th month. I daydream about the things you will discover this month, and how many ways you will amaze us. I wonder when you will figure out the crawling thing, and when this nagging 4th tooth will cut through. I wonder what your next word will be, and what new toy or activity will bring you joy. Until then, I'm going to keep doing what I am doing. Loving you and everything about you.
Love always,
Mommy
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