Nine Months Old

 Sophia,
You are nine months old today.  It's hard to believe that you've only been part of our family for nine short months, because we couldn't imagine life without you and your sweet smile.  

Weight

Birth: 8 pounds 5 ounces
1 month: 9 pounds 3 ounces

 2 months: 11 pounds

3 months: 11 pounds 8 ounces

4 months: 13 pounds 13 ounces

5 months: 15 pounds 4 ounces

6 months: 16 pounds

7 months: 17 pounds

8 months: 18 pounds 6 ounces 

9 months: 19 pounds 9 ounces

Length

Birth: 19 inches
1 month: 20 1/2 inches

2 months: 22 3/8 inches

3 months: 23 1/2 inches

4 months: 23 1/2 inches

5 months: 25 inches

6 months: 25 1/2 inches

7 months: 27 inches

8 months: 27 1/4 inches 

9 months:  27 1/2 inches

Sleeping

You don't know the meaning of this word.  To you, sleeping is a nuisance; a hurdle in the way of getting into anything and everything.  Naps?  Who needs 'em?  Certainly not you.  If we're lucky, you will take a half hour nap mid-morning and an hour in the afternoon.  You are SO cranky at times and I know you're tired because you will rub your little eyes and bury your face into my neck.  But if I try to put you down, or rock you, or take a step in the direction of your room you will pitch an ever-loving fit. 

You go to sleep around 7:30 and wake up around 6:00, so I guess I can't really complain, but if you got this nap thing under control before I'm home for Christmas Break, I'd really appreciate it. 

Eating

You have tried almost every fruit and vegetable out there (except berries) and you prefer the vegetables, especially peas.  You father is demanding DNA tests.  You have mastered picking up Puffs, so we'll start trying out some new finger foods.  When we meet with your doctor later this month, he'll most likely give you the go ahead for meats, so we'll see how you like that.  

You still love your morning oatmeal and your bottles, but you are starting to get fussy at dinner.  I don't know if it's the "witching hour" phenomenon, teething, or tiredness catching up with you, but feeding you dinner is a full on wrestling match.  You throw punches, jabs, and swipes.  More food ends up on the tray/floor/me than in your mouth. 

Your newest favorite thing is your sippy cup filled with water.  You go crazy when we give it to you! 

Milestones

You are a crawling, cruising, babbling machine!  You started babbling the "ba" sound and made me SO happy when you started saying "mama."  Sometimes it sounds like you say "Emma" and you even said it when you saw her.  You have started letting go when you pull up on something and have stood for a few seconds, which makes my heart stop.  You are falling out of love with your jumper (too confining, I guess) but you're ok with it as long as we sit right next to you.  You really get going and jump like crazy when you want to.  You are in between wearing 9 and 12 month clothes and are much bigger than your sister was at this age.  We'll get your percentiles when we take you to the doctor. No teeth yet, and we are hoping they pop through soon!

What I Want to Remember

Your smile still melts my heart and lights up the room.  Separation anxiety really kicked into high gear this month and if Daddy or I come into a room and don't immediately pick you up you will squeal, kick, and cry until we do.  You get SO excited about things and throw your arms out and grunt with your eyes really wide when something makes you really excited. 

You are a little dancing queen!  Your favorite songs are Car Wash and Bird is the Word.  But if you hear music, just about any kind, you will start bopping back and forth.  You love when Emma dances with you and crack up when you both dance together.  We'll tell you "Dance, Sophia!" and you'll start to dance...even without music! 

You and Emma are really starting to play together a lot.  Your favorite things to do together are to build towers (she builds them, you know them down), play tag (with a little assistance from Mommy or Daddy), and play in the tent.  You are a bruiser pretty physical with Emma and you give her a run for her money, even at just nine months.  

I love you so much sweet girl!

Love, 

Mommy