9 and 10 Months: Zoe

(Better late than never.  I began writing this when Zoe was 10 months and a few weeks old.  Now, she is 11 months, which I hope to post soon).

It is much more difficult to stay on top of updates now that I have two kiddos, but beyond that I am in a season where writing is not all that enjoyable.  I experience much joy re-reading posts about my children, so I will make the time to document the last two months of my sweet sassy Jane's life.

(sorry my white balance is a mess in these photos, but I have not had the time or motivation to work hard on editing these)

She takes 2 naps per day.  She goes down for her first one between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. depending on how early she woke up.  It usually lasts 45 min to an hour.  She goes down for her second nap between 12:30 and 1p.m.  Most days she sleeps 1.5 hours, but occasionally it is a little shorter or longer.  She goes to bed between 7 and 8 p.m.  Her wake up time varies from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.  When she is teething, fighting a cold, or sleeping somewhere besides her crib you can bet it will be 5:30 a.m. or earlier.  For the most part, she is not a snuggler.  When she's tired she wants to be laid down.  She will suck on one pacifier while playing with another until she falls asleep.  Most nights she falls asleep while drinking her bottle.  

She made her first long car trip.  I drove with both kids to Nashville in May.  I must say it went really well and Zoe was a champ.  It was a 14-15 hour trip with stops and she did phenomenal.  She has a few meltdowns, but nothing unexpected.  She only slept for 30 minute stretches in the car, but was not unhappy upon awaking.  

From the time she turned 9 months to the time she turned 10 months she has learned to push herself up into sitting, crawl, and pull herself up into standing.  Sam had to lower the crib, because we would walk in and see her cute little face peering over the edge.  It took her a while to crawl.  She would get onto to hands and knees, but couldn't make any forward advancements.  Then, one day while Julie (the young woman I grew up babysitting) was visiting she crawled forward a few feet.  By Monday the following week, she was crawling all over the house.  

She loves to wave, particularly to Sam while saying, "Daaaa Daaa."  She is beginning to mimic peek-a-boo.  She can sign "more" and "all done."  She really enjoys hearing us sing, especially our prayer before dinner.  She stops what she's doing and begins smiling and bouncing in her seat.  She is trying to say Bye, Bye, but other than that she just makes random sounds.  

(The above photo is her peek-a-boo face.  I love it!!!  Love. Love. Love It!)

She also visited the beach for the first time during the month of June.  She was hesitant at first, but it didn't take long for her to begin eating sand.

She will pick up her sippy cup, but still won't drink out of it consistently.  

She is a huge eater just like her brother.  She eats more table food than baby food, for which I am extremely thankful.  The girl is a meat eater.  She prefers meat over most other foods with the exception of banana.  

She has always been so smiley particularly for the camera, but that has really changed during these months.  It is rare for me to capture this joyful look.  She is just too curious now.

She has no toy preference.  She doesn't spend much time exploring our toys unless it is something she hasn't seen before.  She primarily crawls around pulling up on my leg or on furniture and then whines until someone gets her.  She is already a daddy's girl wanting him to carry her anytime he is home.

She wears a size 4 or 5 diaper and wears 9 and 12 month clothing.  I have yet to take her to her 9 month appointment, but we did go in when I thought she had an ear infection.  My sweet chunky monkey weighed 23 pounds.  Can you believe it?  What can I say?  Go BIG or GO HOME!  She has 5 teeth and is cutting her 6th one.

Sweet Baby Jane,

You are so sweet and have really become such a special part of our family.  There is something truly delicate about a girl that I did not understand until God blessed us with you.  You are much more sensitive than your brother and you already cling to your daddy much more than he did at your age.  I know, because I am a daddy's girl that you will always find comfort, love, and joy on his lap.  It is so fun to watch you develop and to hear your first words.  I love you baby girl forever and ever.

XOXO,

Momma