Then Claire Turned 9 Months Old!

In August, Claire turned 9 months old.

That face above sums up the 9th month.  Even though she was still our happy baby, she sprouted 4 more teeth, which made for some grumpy days.  

Also she is putting EVERYTHING she can get her hands on into her mouth.  I've caught her so far with a penny in her mouth, 2 pieces of chalk, a toy ring, and a marker cap.  I'm really trying to be careful about what the kids leave lying around at her level, because she WILL find it!!  

She also loves her paci, which is a first for me.  Morgan never did and Joey sucked his thumb.  So it will be interesting to see when or if she willingly gives that up!

 Here she is letting MoJo know she won't be sharing the spotlight.

"This is MY 9 Month Photo Shoot! Get out of the shot!!"

 She started sitting up really well with more stability (she was before, but would topple over easily), and started scooting around.  It's kind of an army-crawl, 3 point turnaround thing.  And she also started crawling, or inching, backward.  She's getting her strength built up and able to get from point A to point B.  Where are my baby gates?

She also loves cruising around the house in her walker.

Let's take a moment to appreciate those thighs though.

 At her 9 month well-check, which actually occurred at 10 months, she weighed 23 POUNDS.  And was 30 inches long.  It's no wonder my back hurts!!  She's basically the size of a 2-year old.  Those stats put her in the 93rd percentile for weight and 96th for height.  I want a maternity test lol.

The Pedi gave her the green light for any and all foods (as long as they are small enough to not present a choking hazard).  So we've been letting her try a little bit of everything and she loves it!  She's quite dexterous at feeding herself as well.  We are still working on drinking from a sippy cup.

She is a very healthy, happy and oh so loved baby girl!  And the harsh reality is setting in that her first birthday is quickly approaching. Somebody hold me!!