Sweet Kaitlyn, you've reached double digits! ;) It's been a big month for you, and I can't believe we're just two months shy of your first birthday. What a whirlwind of a year it has been.
You're starting to interact with us in a whole new way now, and it seems almost every day you're picking up a new skill or ability. You like to play pat-a-cake now, clapping your hands when we start singing the song, or clapping your hands when you want us to cheer you on! You do "So big!" and just this week started waving when we say, "Hi!"
You aren't crawling yet, something that we're getting a bit anxious for. In fact, at your nine month appointment your doctor tested your leg muscle strength to be sure that there weren't any red flags, but you showed her that you indeed are strong enough to stand up on those legs! I think you're going to be like your mama, and you'll do it when you're good and ready. You definitely are mobile though... you roll ALL over the place to get to whatever it is you're aiming for. We can't leave you on the floor unattended for long anymore.
We're slowly introducing more table foods, though you don't show a whole lot of interest in eating them yet. You mostly like to smash food between your hands and fingers and smear food around your dinner tray. You have taken small bites of things - but mostly are still fed off baby food and bottles. You do love your Gerber Vanilla puffs - and a new favorite - Gerber baby "cheetos" as we call them. :)
Your sleep patterns are a little hit or miss right now. Sometimes you sleep through the night, sometimes you wake up once for a diaper change and a couple ounces of your bottle. You go down for the night between 7:30-8:00, and typically are awake for the day around 6:30 in the morning. You still take a good morning and afternoon nap, too.
We've loved adding outdoor time to our evening routine when weather allows. I like to take you for walks between 5-6:00 - prior to supper time - and love to put you in your front porch swing after your evening bath as we wind you down for your bedtime. You love to watch your brothers play basketball in the driveway while gliding in your swing in your cozy pajamas.
I'm getting ready to transition you to size 4 diapers soon - and am buying all 18 month clothes now. I still can't find a pair of shoes that will stay on your feet. They seem to be short and stubby. :)
Your "words" right now include Da-da, Ga-ga, Ma-ma and Ba-ba. And sometimes you just shriek really loudly to demand our attention. :)
Keeping you occupied and entertained right now is our biggest challenge. I can tell that you're ready to advance on to more activity but your unwillingness to crawl is hindering that a bit! You like to look at books, play with Duplo blocks and shake any toy or object that will make noise. You're also much better at keeping yourself occupied when Mommy is NOT in the same room as you!
You're warming up to "outsiders" now - not quite as shy as you once were. You give the nanas and papas big grins when they come to visit and have actually allowed some of the moms at basketball tournaments to hold you for a few minutes without crying. You continue to LOVE your big brothers and are always pleased to see Lucy-cat cross your path.
You still enjoy bath time, and we're getting ready to move you completely out of the baby bath and right into the big tub as soon as I can remember to grab a mat for the bottom of the bathtub to keep your little bum from sliding around. :) You're starting to get more curious while in the tub - frequently trying to lean all the way forward to grab at the faucet and the knob for the drain plug.
You still spend time in your jumperoo but we have completely retired the bouncy seat and are getting ready to retire the infant swing, too. Mama's having a little bit of a harder time letting that one go. My babies in their swings has always been some of my most precious memories of all three of you!
We love you so much, baby girl! I'm so excited for a summer of exploring with my little sugar bear. :)
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