9 Months

I can't believe my baby is already 9 months old!  Well she will be on Tuesday, but close enough.  Where has time gone?!  She is getting so big.  She is about 18 lbs and 28".  I say "about" because we measured her here at home and she doesn't like making anything easy.  So here's some pictures and things she's up to lately.

She is getting really good at standing by herself.  And even gets brave enough to take a few steps on her own.  We were playing this afternoon and she took 5 steps by herself.  She walks really well if she's holding onto something or someone.  And she crawls super fast.  The little stinker can book it across the room if there's something she wants. It's hard to keep her out of stuff, particularly the dog's food and water...

She likes to "help" me in the kitchen.  She loves to pull all the silverware out of the dishwasher and throw them on the floor.  She also likes getting in the cupboards.  We fixed that by putting latches on all the doors though.

She loves food.  She will chow down on her fruit puffs, cheese puffs, and graham crackers.  She also loves her apple juice.  She thinks she has to eat whatever Mom and Dad are eating.  And most of the time we'll share a few small bites.  She's been a bit of a picky eater lately.  When it comes to her baby food, she's only eating her cereal and fruit.  She hasn't been eating much of her meats and veggies.  Not sure if there's just not enough flavor in them for her after trying mom and dad's food, or if it's her teeth bothering her, or what.  9 months seems kinda young to be that picky already though...

 She isn't very shy when it comes to other people.  She will give a smile to just about anyone, and will let anyone hold her, even if just for a second.  When we go to Ben's various appointments, she's friendly with everyone.  And we are always hearing how big she is getting.  But then most of the doctors and various people we see have watched her grow up.

Still no teeth yet.  I'm sure it's only a matter of time though.  And she has quite the temper.  If she isn't happy or doesn't get what she wants, she'll let you know.  It can be trying at times.  She is a big Mommy's girl.  That can be frustrating too.  Ben will try to take her so I can get something done, and she'll just yell and scream until I go get her.  Not every time, but a lot of times.  Or if I leave her in one room to go to another, she'll be ok until she realizes I'm not there.  Then the screaming starts.  It makes me want to scream sometimes.

She's not always grumpy though.  She is a pretty happy girl most of the time.  She can be a stinker but we still love her.  Especially when she smiles.  How could you not love that smile?!  Oh I forgot to mention that she loves having her picture taken, if you couldn't tell.  I had my camera out the other day and she started yelling at me when I put it away until I got it back out.  It was pretty cute.
She is a joy to have around, and we are so thankful for her each and every day.  She keeps me on my toes, but I love it.  It's so fun watching her learn and grow.  I just can't believe how fast it's happening.  :)