9 months

For 9+ months I carried a life inside of me.  On the inside she developed four functioning heart chambers, organs, skin, fingers, toes, a button nose, and eyes shaped like mine.  Now she has lived 9 months on the outside.  On the outside she has developed a smile, a laugh, a cry, a wave, an appetite, and a personality.  Nine months on the outside go by so much quicker than the same on the inside.  So much change occurs during both, but on the outside we are able to take it all in, record and document each step.  My baby is growing up.

At 9 months Caroline is BUSY!  She is our little Energizer Bunny.  She would be the cutest mascot in her pink bunny pajamas.  She:

• Weighs 17lbs 6oz (30th percentile) and is 26.5 inches long (10th percentile), petite like Mom
• Still has blue eyes but may be beginning to change
• Pulls up on everything
• Crawls anywhere she would like
• Walks across the room behind her Dino Stride to Ride - a Christmas gift from Lollie
• Squeals with joy when Mommy picks her up from school
• Wears size 3 diapers
• Wears mostly 9mo or 6-12mo clothes. Size 1 shoe...teeny, odd shaped feet.
• Eats winter squash, zucchini, sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, pears, oatmeal with applesauce...recently got over a two week period where she was refusing several foods (bananas), but I think it was related to the fact that she:
• Is getting her first tooth!  The tip top is peeking through her bottom gum
• Takes one nap at school.  The girl wants to play all day and party all night
• Has been waking up at night.  We're not sure if it is related to teething, appetite, loneliness...
•  Claps her hands
• Loves to play Patty Cake with Lollie.  She will put her hands together when you say patty cake and anticipates getting tickled after you roll it up and throw it in the pan
• Likes to ride the horsey on anyone's lap
• Still loves bath time every night
• Can let go of support and stand on her own for a few seconds
• Desperately wants to get a hold on Penny Lane and her food bowls
• Learned to "bark" with PL and Tucker over Christmas break...tightens up her chest and makes a "huh" sound

Caroline,
Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you.  We love you more than we can describe.  You have blessed our lives with your smile, good temperament, social personality, and joy for life.  The best part of our day is when we get to be with you.  It is hard to believe that it is time to start planning for your 1st birthday party.  Your teachers at school expect you to start walking with in the next month.  These are all such big steps.  They are bitter sweet for us.   We pray that you will continue to be sweet, healthy, and joyful in life.

Much love, baby girl,

Mom