Dearest Monkey,
Look at me, getting your 9 month update finished in advance! I can't believe you've been here (almost) as long as you were in my belly.
We've had lots of fun over the past few months. You are getting more and more social, independent, curious, stubborn, mobile, and hungry every single day.
Visit from your aunties! Yeah! They enjoyed babysitting and spoiling you rotten.
You met my Lola, your great-grand Lola. And it was slightly embarrassing. Thankfully, on subsequent visits you weren't as...emotional as you were the first time.
Look at you sleeping in your crib! It took about 3 months, but we sort-of-mostly have the hang of this. Sickness, teething, and trips have interrupted our routine but overall you seem to prefer sleeping in your crib over everything else. Of course, it would be really lovely if you slept past 5 am, but I'M NOT COMPLAINING 5 AM IS ACTUALLY DOABLE PLEASE GOD, LET IT BE KNOWN THAT I'M REALLY HAPPY WITH MAKING IT TO 5 AM
for now. AMEN.
You still really love to grab whatever we're holding. Since you were 30 seconds old you've had a phone in your face, so naturally by now you've noticed how we love our little glowing rectangles. I'm pretty sure you took this picture when I wasn't looking. I love it because it's exactly your point of view--your favorite toy (affectionately nicknamed"Red Rojo"), the rug, everything blurry because you hardly ever stop moving.
I've been searching for baby Moccasins for a million years but they are so expensive. Even the used ones are pricey. I finally found a pair at a consignment store! You won't be able to wear them for a few years, but you must learn this lesson: when you love it and it's on consignment, at a thrift store, or on clearance, you need to just go for it. Trust mommy on this.
We went on our first road trip to Northwest Arkansas! You were a trooper. Diaper changes in the trunk at a McDonalds parking lot? No big deal!
We hung out with your aunts and uncles, visited Crystal Bridges, and rode the elevator at the hotel a hundred times!
You love to touch things with your index finger. One day we can do crafts which require fine motor skills, like beading and sewing. I. Can't. Wait.
You love going for walks in the stroller. It's a shame I haven't been able to keep that hat on your head since I took this picture.
You still love to hang out with us in the mornings, trying to grab our coffee and, you know, occasionally using our bed as a diaper. We tolerate it because we love you, and you make the best faces.
I feel like this picture is a glimpse into the future. You were upset because I took too long mashing your dinner in between bites. You really, really love to eat. I totally get it, girlfriend.
Other notables:
Ear infections.
You finally took a big bottle.
Favorite books: Goodnight Moon, Sophie, Bear's Colors, Mille Goes Shopping (!), Millie Goes for a Drive, a compilation of poems
You still love Dinosaur Train and recently have been watching Sesame Street. It's cliched, but you do love Elmo. When you hear the Elmo's World song, you stop and do a little dance. It's precious. Anyway, one day you will learn Cookie Monster is really the best. Just so relateable.
Anyway, you are such a joy! And, despite the fact that I've outsourced a lot of this parenting business (grandparents, daycare), you still seem to prefer me over anyone else in the world. I feel really blessed to be your favorite person. Thanks for being patient with me, lil boo. I love learning with you!
