Month Nine

Dear Amelia,

Today you are nine months old. My baby is growing up and transforming into a little girl! You have so much personality to share these days. You are definitely able to tell us when you are unhappy about something, that’s for sure – you have mastered the art of The Whine. You also shriek very loudly when things aren’t going your way – you are a very opinionated little girl! Just a few weeks ago you realized that you could make a neat sound when you suck air into your lungs – I was terrified the first time you did it because it sounded like you were gasping for breath – it turns out that you were just being silly. Making that sound was one of your favorite things to do for about two weeks – I would hear it countless times throughout the day! Last week you started softly babbling – ah ba ba bwa – it’s almost like you are talking to yourself. Your little voice is so precious – I wonder, are you are telling yourself stories like your Uncle Dan did when he was younger?

When we visited the pediatrician last week we found out that you are 26.5 inches long and 14.5 pounds – you’re growing like a weed. Your second tooth showed up the day after I posted your last monthly letter. It’s right next to the first! Your pediatrician says that you are working on some top teeth as well, which is why you aren’t sleeping well at night. Most nights Daddy brushes your teeth (and gums) before you go to bed, and you seem to really enjoy it. You even have your very own toothpaste – apple and banana flavor. Yummy!

Over the past month you have become much more expressive. Sometimes Daddy will put your paci in his mouth and then you laugh and take it away – you think it’s a very fun game! You have learned to share, and now you want to share everything. You will be playing with a toy (or eating a piece of food) and will all of a sudden offer it to me or Daddy. The neat thing is that you figured it out all on your own! I hadn’t been trying to teach you how to share – one day you just turned and offered me a toy! It is so amazing to see you grow and learn. This month Daddy taught you how to give high-fives (so fun!) and you also have started to give more kisses, although they are more of a head bump than a traditional kiss. We still know what you mean, Sweet Girl!

You love to pull yourself to standing when holding onto our hands. When you are playing with your toys and all of a sudden start whining, it’s because you have realized that you are not standing! Whenever you successfully pull yourself up, you squint your eyes shut and grin like there’s no tomorrow. At night you sleep on your belly – we put you down on your back in the middle of your mattress and within a few minutes you have rolled onto your belly and scooted down to the bottom of your crib. You hadn’t shown any interest in crawling until last week, when you suddenly got up on your hands and knees. Daddy and I were shocked! You just got up and rocked back and forth – you’re ready to start going places!

You are so much fun, Amelia. I love your personality and your sweet disposition. When we are out running errands you are content whether I am wearing you or you are in the stroller; you are happy to just study the world around you. You aren’t scared of new people or new places – as long as you have me or Daddy nearby you’re ready for anything. We are so fortunate to have you as our daughter – you have blessed our lives in countless ways.

One recent memory that will stay with me forever is of Daddy holding you in front of the bathroom mirror while you danced to your favorite song, Fireflies by Owl City. You have so much joy inside of your heart, Amelia – thank you for sharing it with me.

Love, Mama