Yes, I can still count...which makes me feel like a pretty terrible mom. I thought missing one month was bad...but three??? Therefore, this is a summary of the last QUARTER OF A YEAR (ridiculous, Mara. Just ridiculous!)
Eli's 9 month measurements:
Weight: 18 lbs, 0.6 oz (24th %)
Height: 26 3/4 inches (4th %)
Head: 17 inches (10th %).
Dear Eli,
The past three months have been such a huge developmental time for you. After learning to roll over just after you turned 6 months old, you started to get the bug to move. Once you realized you could control your body, you started sleeping on your stomach. Then, you began to realize you could propel yourself forward-similar to the dance move "the worm"! I thought crawling would be next, but instead you've perfected this move and can get across a room in no time! You can go from "crawling" to sitting up, and back to crawling all on your own.
You are really beginning to explore things more and take a lot of time to intently study whatever you find in your hands. You love to play with the car keys and whatever is in my hand, too! You have started to remember things that you like and as soon as you see them, go for them-like turning the light switch on and off and playing with the door stop. You still love bath time and splashing is so much more fun now that you can sit up!
We've continued the solid food adventures and so far you love everything you've been given: green beans, peas, avocado, banana, apple, pear, spinach, sweet potato, prunes, carrots, beets, black beans, mango, puffs, oatmeal, squash, and bread. We are just starting to give you pieces of things (like bread, whole peas, and beans) and you love to play with your food and explore it before you eat it.
You make all kinds of sounds: mama, dada, baba, squeals and shrieks. You've started to wave bye bye and give high fives. And, about a month ago, you got two teeth! They sure have made your smile cute!
I am really trying to cherish the (rare) moments when you give me cuddles. Now that you can move on your own, you'd rather be on the floor than be held in our arms. But at night, when you're really sleepy, you'll lay your head on my shoulder. Those are some of my favorite moments-sitting in the dark of your room, rocking in our chair, while your cheek rests against mine, or your head is tucked just under my chin. I know it won't fit there much longer, but I hope you'll always find time to cuddle your mama.
You love to play and laugh-you're so ticklish and it's so easy to get a giggle and big smile out of you! You smile big every time your dad comes in the room, and when we come to pick you up at daycare you squeal and bounce until we come and pick you up.
Eli, as we enter the final quarter of your first year, I pray that we can continue to find moments of joy, laughter, and fun in the midst of our busy lives. As you get more mobile and independent, I feel torn-between the pleasure of watching you grow and become more of your own person, and missing how much you used to need me for everything-food, transportation, and entertainment. I know as you get older the ways you rely on your dad and I change-not that either one is better than the other, just different. But it's just another way for me to realize how quickly this first year goes.
Eli, sweet boy, we love you so much! I can't imagine a world without you in it to brighten our every minute.
Love, Mom and Dad
A casualty!
