Nine Months Old

In her ninth month Little Miss Lena has been on the go!  She crawls like a little speedster dragging her favorite toy around with her.  She is going to be a climber for sure as she loves to pull herself up on everything.  She now has two teeth (the bottom front) and has learned to chew!  She can eat puffs "faster than a speeding bullet", especially the sweet potato ones, and now eats third foods with little chunks.  She is learning her first word with meaning, "Hi!".  Usually she says it when she sees our dog, Jersey.  Just lately has she been adding the "dog, dog" to her chipper "Hi" for her first sentence, "Hi, Dog Dog!".  She loves animals and as my mom pointed out she prefers toys that have a face, i.e. dolls, stuffed animals, etc.  She continues to be extremely social.  She is WAY less fussy when we are out and with people.  As a homebody myself it has made me think of ways to incorporate visits with other people during our long day at home together.  She craves social interaction and loves people watching (that at least we do have in common).  We really enjoy sitting on the porch watching people and dogs walk by.

Lena and her signature tongue and blue eyes!

One funny thing that happened this month was when at the end of a long day Dan and I and Lena were at Sam's Club.  While we waited in line at customer service Lena began to fuss a little.  I was so tired and accidentally unscrewed the entire top of her bottle instead of just taking the cap off and I promptly doused the poor girl with her formula.  She just froze and stared at me blinking quickly in disbelief.  Dan looked at me like I was crazy and so did a few others who were near by.  I burst out laughing so hard and promptly wiped Lena down and apologized.  She took it well, ha ha!  Is that what they call "Mommy Brain"? 

Lena living up to her middle name (JOYce).

At her nine month appointment last week we learned that she now weighs in a sixteen pounds and ten ounces.  She is still in size two diapers and is wearing 6-9 month clothes.  Six month clothes and now getting a bit too small.  She measured in at 30% for head, 20% for height, and still about 10% for weight but the doctor called her nicely proportionate.  He seems happy with her rate of growth and thinks she is very strong and physically advanced for her size and age.

It has been VERY hot lately so we have been enjoying the pool a few times each week.  Lena loves the water and can splash, kick, and doesn't mind one bit if her face gets wet.  She definitely continues to be a water baby and I think she will enjoy Hawaii very much when we go there in the near future. 

Always exploring...and tasting...

Lena still doesn't have separation anxiety.  While she does prefer Dan and myself, she doesn't mind being held by others and is okay when she is away from us for long stretches of time, i.e. nursery, baby sitting, etc.  She is going to be a fabulous big sister as she really enjoys her social interaction.  I kind of think it would be a social injustice to make her an only child. 

Pop and Peanut love spending time together!

Her nap schedule is beginning to change a bit.  She still mostly takes two naps but they are getting shorter.  1.5 hours instead of 2-3 hours each.  I hear this usually results in one longer nap instead of two short ones. We'll just take it a day at a time.

Lena's first time at the beach.  She loved it!

I find myself just in awe that this is my life right now.  All my teacher friends are getting ready for another year and I am preparing to take off for a family vacation to Hawaii followed by my second triathlon, and then another FET cycle for a sibling for Lena.  I feel so excited, so blessed.  Being a mom is awesome.  Lena brings me such joy.  I still marvel that she is with us as a permanent part of our growing family.  I can't wait till I can tell her about the beginning of her life.  About how wanted she was; about what a miracle she is; about how hundreds of people prayed over her and how she is a living answer to prayer and testament to God's goodness and grace; about how truly and deeply loved she is by so many.  You too can help me, help her remember the incredible story of her life as so many of you have lived the journey with us.  I am already beginning to prepare for her first birthday.  I love that she was born in the month of Thanksgiving.  So, so appropriate.