The Toohigs: Nine Months

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Nine Months

Helen Grace is 9 months old! It’s weird to think that HG has been with us almost as long as she was in my tummy. I can’t imagine life without her!

Weight: 18 lbs, 10 oz (65%tile)

Height: 27.5 inches (70%tile)

Head Circumference: 97%tile

She’s officially mobile! She started crawling on the night of her nine-month birthday.
Her babble is getting much more pronounced, and while she hadn’t said a recognizable word, she changes her pitch and makes much more distinguishable syllables and sounds.
She is starting to clap and give high fives.
She has two bottom teeth and two top teeth. It HURTS when she nibbles on your finger (or nose or knee) now.
She can pull herself up on any furniture without any assistance. She can even let go and stand on her own for a few seconds, probably more if I would not freak out and grab her. ;)
She is absolutely fearless which terrifies her mama.
If you hold her hands, she can walk- quickly and with direction. I often sit her at the door of the laundry room while I switch clothes to the dryer. On our “walk” back to the den, she always stops at the cat scratching post and bats at the red ball on the spring on the top of it. Ha!
She is a water baby and loves her bath time! She would stay in there all day if we would let her.
She is much more coordinated, and her motor skills improve by the day. She is a master at getting Puffs into her mouth now.
She is a mama’s girl and often cries when I leave the room…makes her daddy sad. But I keep telling him that this will all change when she’s a little older, and she will forever be a daddy’s girl.
For the most part, she has Level 2 foods at each meal, followed by a bottle. She has tried some fruit, cheese, and chicken nuggets, but she doesn’t eat any of that like she scarfs down Puffs and yogurt meltaways. Those are the only ways we get through a meal sometimes!
We are still working on a sippy cup. She gets it to her mouth but doesn’t realize she’s supposed to drink the liquid that comes out and drenches her.
She now fits in Size 3 diapers well.
She is still in her infant car seat and facing backwards. Our doc really wants us to wait until her first birthday to turn her facing the front.
She gnaws on ANYTHING. Today we were walking through Target, and John handed her a box of Tylenol that we were buying to keep her entertained. He later looked down and realized she had chewed a hole threw the box! Lordy!
She is finally waving at the appropriate time rather than at random.
She is having some random bits of stranger anxiety. Even when we are at home, sometimes she refuses to sit by herself and will only settle down if you hold her- going through a clingy phase.
She gives lots of hugs and open-mouth kisses, and she often nuzzles into your neck for a little snuggle. Priceless.
Now that we have found her crawling in her crib, I’m VERY glad we recently lowered her mattress!
She reaches for and yells at the kitties. They will let her get somewhat close but then usually take off to find a hiding spot. Good thing she is still just a touch too slow! Just wait, Rebel and Mocha, your world is about to drastically change!!