Caroline at 9 months

Caroline at your 9 month well check you weighed in at a mere 21lbs and you measured 29.25in. long. This places you in 85-95% for height and weight. You are actually on the growth chart, and the pediatrician was pleased with your overall growth. She is new to the practice and this was our first time meeting her so the appointment was a little longer and more in depth than usual. Sometimes it is nice to have a fresh, new perspective and/or approach to things. She agreed that we would continue the Prevacid for the reflux but would not increase the dosage due to your weight increase unless you started experiencing symptoms. We also reviewed the need for soy formula and when she heard your reaction to dairy yogurt she very strongly encouraged us to stay away from milk products. Although you seem to have done okay with little pieces of cheese here and there. We also reviewed your developmental milestones. Your dad and I seem to think you are a little behind on your gross and fine motor skills, but the doctor assured me that you are your own person and will do things on your time. We were concerned with the fact that you aren't "conventionally" crawling, but you do army crawl or roll and get to where you want to go. The pediatrician wasn't concerned, but you are making progress each month, and are meeting milestones. Besides all of my PT and OT friends assure me you are perfect, which we already knew.

We have been working very hard on getting you to feed yourself, and it amazes me how fast children learn. In less than a week you have gone from picking food up in a raking motion to using a pincher grasp and putting it in your mouth. Next step...sippy cup. You will take a few sips from one as long as we hold it. Socially you are quiet the ham. You are clapping your hands, working on high five with daddy, and shaking your head no. You also mimic a lot of facial gestures and sounds we make. You will fake cough, laugh when we sneeze, and squeal when Olivia laughs.

Returning from Christmas break has been a struggle. It appears you were a little spoiled staying home with your grandparents and daddy for two weeks. Transitioning back into daycare has not been fun, but your last day last week went fairly well. Let's hope it continues this week. Your dad and I seem to think you are a stay home kind of girl.

You are still wearing size 3 diapers, but it won't be long before we transition into size 4. You wear mostly 12 month clothing and a few 18 month pieces. The 18 month pants are always too long, and your tiny little feet disappear. You enjoy singing with mommy, going for walks in your wagon, playing with your ABC bear, and playing with your walking toy. We still lay you down for naps or bedtime with only a hug and a kiss. You take your lovie and rub it over your face and suck on its ear to put yourself to sleep. Your hair is getting thick and long. Everyone seems to think you will be a redhead like mommy. Your eyes remain a dark brown around the outer edge, and a beautiful golden amber on the inside.

You are a beautiful baby, and we are blessed to have you in our family. Your sister told me the other day she was so thankful for her baby sister, because she loved you SO much. We all love you SO much.