Kaitlyn: Month Nine

Our Dearest Kaitlyn,

Today you are nine months old! I have to say, this month, you are a DADDY'S GIRL! You really haven't wanted much to do with your mama until the past couple of days. If daddy is home, you cry and fuss unless he picks you up to play or snuggle with you. Also, daddy is the only one who can put your to bed, lately, and it makes him feel really special. (Of note: You have VERY bad separation anxiety, lately.)

Snuggling with Grandpa

 You have continued to grow and amaze us this month. I love to watch you play; you are so content playing by yourself and you find such enjoyment out of things I wouldn't imagine, like a water bottle and your Uncle Jon's "30th" over sized beads. Those two are your favorite toys. You have the cutest soft laugh and your eyes twinkle when you smile. You are very expressive with your emotions be they happy or sad.

Mommy gave me pigtails!

This month, you took for you first steps. The first time was at your Aunt Tara's house on September 6th and again last night for daddy. You also learned how to wave today, for the first time. You are so cute, too! You swing your whole arm up and down to wave, not just your wrist and hand. You have been doing all these new things with your left arm and foot, so we are curious to see if you are gonna be a lefty like your uncle.

Katie and Aunt Tara

You got your first boo boo this month. Mommy and you were at the new JW Marriott Resort to swim with Grandma and Grandpa, and we fell down when mommy's ankle gave out. Luckily you fell on the grass while I fell on the concrete, but you got a little bruise on your chin. I felt so badly and cried that you got hurt, but as soon as I calmed down, you stopped crying and forgot what happened. Unfortunately, mommy has very bad ankles, so I hope that doesn't happen anymore. It was quite scary.

Grandma and Grandpa Day!

 More Nine Month News:

Sleeping: You have been touch and go this month. We try to have you asleep by 8:30 or 9pm and you wake at 7:30 to 8am. We are pretty much down to two naps for 1-2 hour or several cat naps whenever you "decide" to sleep. Sleep has been such a challenge this month

Clothing: 6-12 month close, size three shoes, medium diapers

Mealtime: 16-18 oz of milk in four bottles and 2-3 jars of 4.5oz baby food. You LOVE apple or veggie puffs this month! You have progressed very well in trying to feed yourself.

Katie eating lunch with Aunt Nomi and Uncle Brian

Developments:

-Standing while holding on to something
-Cruising around furniture without our help
-Jabbering, you have a lot of sounds!
-Understands object permanence (You love to look for things when you drop them or they go "missing")
-Eats with fingers
-Bangs objects together (oh yes!)
-Waves
-Picks up things with pincer grasp
-Indicates wants with gestures (you do "gimme" with your hands, too"
-Stands alone for a couple of seconds (you did this when you were taking your first steps)

Slumber Party with Grandma!

We love you baby girl! You are the light of our lives!

Love,
Mommy

Tickle with Mommy!!

Laughter

First Steps

While Paul and I were out of town visiting Katie's godmother, she took her very first step (September 5, 2010). Tara and Katie were playing on the floor, and Tara let go of her waist, and Katie balanced by herself for a few seconds. She stepped forward with her left foot very steadily until Tara and I both screamed with disbelief. We were only just talking about how she'd be walking soon moments before!! Startled, Katie Bug sat back down and has not taken steps unassisted since. She has, however, been cruising all around the house while hanging on....