I Think I Can

I think I can walk. I stand up all day long, many times by myself. I try to take a step and then I fall. Mommy does hold my hands and I walk though. I am so ready to be able to do everything that my big brother Cooper does. That crawling and being held all the time is for the birds now.

Today was my last day at Gymboree for a while. I really like going but we're taking a break for a bit. That's ok though because I just like spending time with mommy while Cooper is in school. I don't mind what we do.

9 Month Checkup

I had my 9 month checkup last week and Ms Judy said I was perfect in every way. Well I told her I agreed. I weighed in at 19 pounds, 15 ounces which is 80% and 29 inches which is 91%. I didn't have to be poked or anything so I was happy. I am crawling really well now. I can get where I need to go very quickly. I stood by myself for a few seconds last Friday. I am so excited to be so mobile!

My First Christmas

I was so excited during my first Christmas! I got to see many beautiful things like store displays and pretty wrapping paper. I wore several cute Christmas outfits and got my picture taken many times. I did spend way too much time in the car seat though. I screamed every time I saw that thing for weeks. I visited Santa Claus a few times and he must have thought I was a good girl because I got a dollhouse, a pet care house, and 3 Little Pigs story activity plus lots of cool stocking stuffers. Everyone seemed to give me a doll! My wardrobe was increased greatly with some super cute clothes too. I had a great first Christmas and I would probably say my favorite thing was that I learned to crawl December 13th and how to pull up December 26th. Well eating the wrapping paper was a lot of fun too.

I'm Into Fashion

This morning Mommy pulled out my Christmas dress that Granna bought me. I squealed with delight because the dress is so pretty. I instantly reached out and grabbed the dress and tried to put it on myself. I was so excited today to have a totally new outfit to wear complete down to the delicate black organza bow. I'm going to wear this outfit to see Santa Claus here in a few days and to Pappaw's retirement party. Am I cute or what? In this picture I'm showing off my black velvet belt on the dress and the expression on my face shows my delight in my ensemble.

I'm close to crawling (army crawling for a couple of months). I first got up on my hands and knees about 3 or 4 weeks ago. Oh and a tooth update - I have 8 and am 8 months.

It Hurts

I have my first ear infection in my left ear and my right ear has a bunch of wax. Dr. Putnam just confirmed what mommy has been saying since I started crying at bedtime last night. I had some clear stuff come out of my ear, can't sleep, and am fussy. At least now mommy knows I haven't been faking the last few days of fussiness. Mommy is taking good care of me and keeping me in the sling. Now that I have some medication, I might finally get some good sleep for the first time since 8pm last night. Mommy's gonna have to hold me though. I might not even let her pack for our trip.

Leaves

I love leaves. When I was really little I got fussy a few times and mommy couldn't calm me down. She took me outside and I looked at the leaves on the trees and I was happy. Daddy said at that point that I was going to like being outside. Well it hasn't stopped! I am enjoying the fall leaves that are all soon to fall, leaving us with just evergreens. Mommy is a bit worried and asked me what are we going to do without leaves on the trees. This winter will be my first experience not having rustling leaves to listen to and look at. I think that when my first birthday rolls around the leaves will become like a new experience again!

I was a hot dog for Halloween and quite enjoyed the warm costume on the "chili" (ha, ha) night. Nanny was here and I really enjoyed getting some time with her. She is so much fun!

Give Me Paper!

I am becoming demanding about my new favorite food group - paper. Daddy & Mommy are trying to keep it out of my hands, but I am grabbing every piece I can and sticking it in my mouth where it belongs. Mommy says that the love of paper is deep rooted as Granna's side of the family grows pine trees and those trees are turned into paper. And Pappaw's daddy moved from Virginia to Florida along with a few of his siblings to work at a paper mill. The crinkling and tastiness of paper just can't be beat. Too bad I can choke on it.