9 month post

Another month has come and gone. It's going by way too fast. It's hard to believe you've now been on the outside just as long as you were on the inside.

Tidbits. You've grown a lot this month and your personality is shining through. You are a very determined little girl and although you get frustrated sometimes, you never give up. You are a lover of the paci. This month, we've only let you have them in your crib or when we have to leave you in the nursery. You've tried desperately to sneak a paci out after nap time. I came in your room one afternoon and you had one in your mouth and one in each hand. You were very concerned when I tried to take them away and put them back in the crib. I often turn the monitor on to find you asleep this same way (one in the mouth and one in each hand). I think I'm going to be in trouble when it's time to give them up for good. You are doing very well not having them throughout the day :) You are obsessed with Daisy and want to be near her at all times.

Eating. You are an excellent eater! You nurse three times a day and eat two "meals" a day. I need to bump you up to three. I'm sure you won't have an issue with that. There are way to many new foods I introduced to you this month to list. The biggest accomplishment on the eating front... finger foods! You are eating finger foods like a champ. Cheerios, toast, and bread in general are your favorites (in that regard, you're your momma's daughter). You've also mastered tortellini, cheese and steamed veggies. We've started you on stage 3 foods and you're doing really well with them. You've really taken to the sippy cup this month. You drink about 5 oz of water a day. You're stellar at tipping up your cup and sipping till your heart is content.

Sleep. You are a fantastic sleeper. We are certainly blessed by that. We put you down around 7pm and you usually sleep until 7:30am. You occasionally wake up at night, fumble around for your paci, pop it in your mouth and immediately go back to sleep. You take two naps a day that range from 1-2 hours a piece. It is wonderful!

Teeth. You welcomed two fully erupted teeth this month (top middle, bottom right), for a grand total of seven teeth. You are working on number eight, another bottom tooth. We are brushing your teeth every night (that mom can remember). You are pretty patient for your age, but who knows if it's actually doing any good. I like to think it is :)

Motor Development. This was a big month for motor development. On Memorial Day, you took your first steps while holding onto our hands. You've been pulling up for a while now. Daddy and I were so surprised when you pulled up and then walked a few steps forward! You're now obsessed with walking and we spend a lot of time holding your hands and letting you explore. You are determined to let go and do it by yourself. You usually get the courage to let go and then immediately grab out leg. You are also crawling, sort of. I say sort of because until now, you've been scooting backwards. On Father's Day, we sat you on the floor   several feet away from the xylophone. I was playing it and you wanted to join in. Slowly, but surely, you went from sitting, to all fours, to rocking and then moving forward. We were elated! You are slow, but you are forward moving. We are thrilled! Today, you went from lying down to sitting up for the first time AND pulled up on an object (as opposed to our hands). Time to lower the crib mattress! Finally, you have learned to sign "more" this month. I was really beginning to wonder if all of our signing was going to have an effect on you.

Friends. We are enjoying spending time with the Moms Meetup group. It's been wonderful to explore our area together and meet new people. We are also getting together weekly with the library group. I have to admit, that one's my favorite. The kids are closer to your age and the moms are really fun.

Separation Anxiety. You have definitely developed separation anxiety. It's not terrible, but it's definitely there. We leave you for at least an hour a day with other care givers, whether it's at church, going to the gym  or with friends while I run errands. You usually cry for about five minutes and then relax and play until I return. It's gotten much better since your first bout, but you still have your  bad days. For example, I dropped you off at the gym and I came back an hour and a half later to find you crying. Apparently, you kept looking at the door when the other moms came to pick their kids up. The ladies said after the third mom came and left with her kids, you lost it. I felt so bad! You'd just hit your limit and were probably thinking... where's my mom??? I get so excited when I drop you off and there's no crying :) We're looking into a morning program one day a week for you. We really wanted to get you into the Mother's Day Out program at the church, but the cut off birthday is September 1 and they wouldn't make an exception. No worries, we'll find something.

New Adventures. You took your first boat ride this month. You did very well considering it was such a windy and cold day. We continue to explore our little city and Chicago every chance we get. You enjoy riding the train downtown and are such a trooper

We can't wait to see what next month will bring. Every day beings new and exciting joys and we love watching you grow and change every day. We love you Hannah Kathryn!