9 months

Dear Baby Girl,

On Monday you turned 9 months old! How on earth did you get so big so fast? You must have hit a growth spurt because, girl, you are tall. All of a sudden you look like a little girl and no longer like a baby! You're going to be tall like your daddy.

You are not crawling, and I wouldn't be surprised if we bypass crawling all together. You're more interested in standing, but you're not so interested in doing that on your own yet. We'll get there. I'm actually not in much of a hurry for you to be mobile. It's nice to be able to set you down and know that you're not going anywhere. This will change soon, so I'm going to enjoy it for now.

You've been a little cranky this week and I'm not sure what's going on. It might be the front tooth that is taking its sweet time coming in. Or it may be that you're getting bored with our routine and you want something more. I started teaching you some sign language (really just "more" right now - we're starting slow) and you seem really interested and intrigued by it. I'm going to keep that up and see where it takes us.

I've decided to lay off so many pictures of you just because I felt like I was recording your every move without being present in the moment to enjoy it with you. So don't worry, I'll keep taking pictures, I'm just trying to be with you more right now.

You're sleeping very soundly at the moment. You tend to get fussy around 7:15 and lights are pretty much out around 7:30. A little different from our 10pm bedtime routine several months ago. This seems to work better for us. You usually wake up around 4am with a wet diaper. You HATE wet diapers - with a passion. I think - and hope - that will be on our side awhile down the road when we start potty training. :)

I tell you everyday, but I'll say it again. I never knew I could love someone as much and as completely as I love you. I stare at you in complete awe, especially when you're peacefully sleeping. How did those beautiful big, blue eyes, those gorgeous little hands and feet, and those long, long legs come from me? We are absolutely blessed that God has chosen us to be your parents. You are the absolutely best part of my life. I love you so very much.

Love,
Mommy