Dear Mykenzi: 9 Months

Where have the last nine months gone?  I've witnessed my tiny little baby turn into a full on tantrum throwing, slobbery kiss giving, non-stop babbling little girl.  Watching you grow has been so fun. This month has been full of discoveries with still so much more to discover.

We got to see your Pediatrician this month and she was pleased with how much you've grown.  We got to leave the office with no shots this time, so you were a pretty happy baby.  At your appointment you weighed in at 17.5lbs and measured at 28.5 inches.  My height and weight calculations have been off the last couple of months, so thank goodness for Doctor visits.  You are healthy and right on track!  We get to see your Doctor again at 12 months. Yikes. One year old! I can hardly believe that is three short months away.

You are still in size 3 diapers and 9 month clothing.  Some 12 month pieces are starting to make their way into your daily line up.   But amazingly enough, you still have teeny tiny feet.  Maybe you did get your Momma's small tootsies after all.

You're eyes have stayed blue and your hair is growing like crazy.  It's getting so long in the front and sometimes falls in your eyes but I don't have the heart to cut it just yet.  We can officially get your hair into the most hilarious looking ponytail, although you are not a fan of Mommy messing with your hair.  I hope that changes or you are in for some long years of ponytail torture.

We managed to make it through your biting phase and still successfully breastfeed.  I have high hopes that we will make it to a year.  We shall see.  We have started giving you more table food and you are loving it.  You are loving you some Cheerios and you are still a big fan of your peas, carrots, and squash.

Sleep has been pretty decent this month.  Hopefully we aren't jinxing anything by speaking it.  You are consistently taking your two naps a day and sleeping through the night.  You generally go down about 9pm and wake about 7am.  Occasionally, you have some nights were about 3am you can't seem to get comfortable and toss and turn until you wake at 7am.  We are very blessed with your sleeping habits.  I think I can thank your Father on that one, because that man can sleep through anything.

You are mobile and into EVERYTHING.  I really underestimated the amount of baby-proofing that needed to be done.  You respond to the word, "No." but take it more of a suggestion and test me about 15 times before you decide that Momma really means, "No."  In addition to movin and groovin  you are full of chatter.  You can say Mama, Dada, Hi, and took us all by surprise when you said Bubble.  You also love to grunt and will carry on a full grunting conversation with me.  We are working on saying Bye, Bye! Night, Night! and also blowing kisses.

Your days are full of clapping and waving.  Those are your favorite.  You love any toy that makes noise when you shake it and this month you've really taken a liking to your stuffed animals.  You will sit and softly talk to them, it's the sweetest thing I've ever seen.  We took you to the beach and you loved it.  The water and sand had you so mesmerized.  I'm hoping in a few months the water will be warm enough that we can actually go swimming.  I can't wait to take you swimming for the first time.

It's so crazy how much you are growing and learning.  Seeing the world through your eyes is so sweet to witness.  Everything is so exciting to you, I hope you never lose that spunk.  I can't wait to see what we discover by next month.

Happy 9 Months to my little Stinkpot!  You are so loved. I hope you know that.