You’re 9 months old today! It’s bittersweet, though, considering that you’re probably our last one. It’s unbelievable how much you’ve grown, how lovable you’ve become, and what a good baby you are. Instead of keeping track of your milestones, I try to avoid thinking about them; I know you’ll be walking and talking before I know it. I find myself holding you and kissing you more often than not, trying to cling to every last remnant of baby in you.
You are such a good sleeper. It’s amazing how easily and happily you go down every time. You sleep at least 12 hours at night, from 8:30-8:30 for the most part. When a tooth is coming in, you might wake up once or twice, otherwise it’s uninterrupted. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night hoping that I’ll hear you whimper so that I’ll have an excuse to scoop you out of your crib and lay you down in bed with me (but I rarely give in because your daddy is afraid he’ll roll over onto you). Every morning you announce that you’ve awaken by banging your paci against the side of the crib, and proceed to play happily until I decide to go in to your room and pick you up. You’re already trying to stand up, so we’ll have to lower your mattress one of these days. You still nap twice a day, once in the morning shortly after you wake up, for about 2 hours, then later in the day for another 2-3 hours. On good days, you nap at exactly the same time your sister does in the afternoon, so I can enjoy a good cup of coffee and some computer-time. Sometimes, though, I let you enjoy an hour or so by yourself, just to see the joy and awe inspired by the rare chance you get to play with all your sister’s toys.
You’ve just started eating cheerios, pinching your thumb and forefinger together, and you can’t get enough of ’em! You have 3 teeth and one more is about to cut through any minute now. You love munching on toast and frozen cantaloupe. In fact, there’s nothing that you haven’t liked, although cauliflower, as much as you love it, doesn’t sit too well with your tummy. I was so so strict with your sister when it came to what she could/could not eat at your age (nothing sweet! nothing too spicy! no dairy!) and you, you eat anything and everything! That definitely shows how much more relaxed I am with you.
When you’re outside you forget you’re hungry or tired. Most babies fall asleep in their strollers on a walk, but not you. You delight in taking in all the sights – the branches swaying in the wind, planes flying overhead, dogs barking, birds chirping, your sister running alongside you – and you smile at everyone you see. You love the swing in the backyard and giggle as you swing towards me.
You love, love, love baths and are a champion splasher! You even tolerate your big sis pouring pitcherfuls of water over your head without a complaint. The only downfall is the tantrum that ensues when bathtime is over.
You always want to be a part of the action, and since you’re free to roam wherever your little heart desires (for the most part), the only obstacles you have to overcome are those built by your big sister. You are extremely agile, though, and still manage to get into all her things, much to her frustration. You worship her nonetheless, and she loves you more than anything!
Some of your funny little quirks:
• You’re obsessed with the vacuum; when I’m running it, you chase it around and try to climb on it. When it’s off, you bang on it so much that I have to put it away. I can’t wait to get the Roomba fixed and see how you react to that!
• You love your daddy’s slippers – you can’t keep your hands off them! Not quite sure what the appeal is, but it sure is funny.
• 
You hate the feeling of wet grass; it’s the only thing that keeps you from crawling all around the backyard in the mornings. You touch it and stare at your hands in disgust!
• It’s so hard to get a diaper on or off you, with all your squirming. I have to sing to you or make funny faces, anything to get you to focus on me so I can just get the dreaded job done!
• You protest with a slight grunt every time I say “no” to you.
• I can whisper your name from across the room and you’ll turn your head in a flash.
• You hate having your nose wiped, so I have to come in from behind so you don’t see it coming, because you can spy a tissue from a mile away.
• You creep around so quietly that sometimes I have no idea where you’ve gone, though I can often find you under a chair eating something that fell from the table.
• If I leave a door open, be it the door to a closet or to the backyard, you’re out in a flash (or in, when it comes to the closet).
My sweet baby girl, your smile and happiness is contagious; you bring so much good to our lives and have made our family complete. We love you so very much!
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