Draper's 9 Month Update

How is it possible that our baby girl is nine months old? I don't know what it is but I'm finding this month it's harder to believe that Draper is 9 months and that I can say she was born 'last year'. WTF. When I look at her I see this spunky little girl with such a strong curious personality. She may be changing everyday but one thing is for sure she gets more and more fun everyday. I think I say this about every age but this has got to be one of my favourites. She is becoming more independent, on a good schedule, growing the cutest little hair (still got that bald spot) and she's hilarious. She actually makes me laugh out loud some days.

Memories

• We celebrated our first Christmas! It was so much fun even though Draper had no idea what was going on. I think she just enjoyed the excitement, all the wrapping paper/boxes and of course watching her older cousins play with their new toys.

• We went swimming for the first time at the public pool as a family. She splashed the water like crazy and thought she was so funny when she got water all over her face.

• Draper is so ticklish - her belly laugh just warms my heart when I tickle her back, under her arms or under her chin. Her favourite thing to do is lie on the couch facing up with her head hanging of the side and have mama tickle under her chin.

• We still don't have any teeth but mom can see the bottom two trying to poke through. I give it a week before the cut the skin. So yes she is a bit whiny and fussy right now.

Discoveries & accomplishments

• Draper is officially on the move! She started to crawl on Dec 27th and every day since she is getting faster and stronger. She's not a quiet crawler. I can hear her coming from a mile away because she makes this panting noise and slaps her hands on the floor when she crawls. We are now on a mission for baby gates!!!

• She also like standing and holding the back of the couch or mom and dads hands. Her legs are getting really strong. I swear I can see some muscle behind all those delicious rolls.

• And if that wasn't enough she is pulling herself up on EVERYTHING! From her crib to the cupboards she is trying to get into everything and anything.

• She is finally saying Mama! The first time she did it she was with dad eating dinner and I was out for the night with some friends. I like to think she was missing me so she kept saying 'mama'. She's also babbling a lot. Her little voice is just so sweet.

• She claps her hands when she likes something or when music comes on. And she bounces up and down on her bum while flapping her hands as a way of 'dancing'.

• Draper has learnt to play peek-a-boo and thinks its hilarious when she holds her lamb over her face then pulls it down. She does it in her crib when we should be getting ready for bed, on her mat during playtime and in the car.

• She's finally getting the hang of waving! It doesn't happen often but sometime she surprises us and waves at people when we are out and about or when we are saying goodbye to Daddy for the day.

Eating

Draper is still eating like a champ and loving all kinds of foods. We just hit our 50th food (cornmeal) in the 100 Foods Before One challenge. Her favourites are berries (all kinds of berries!), white fish, eggs and butternut squash. She finally likes avocado and has been having fun (and getting messy) with chili!

Also you guys she is drinking from a straw! I've had this sippy cup with a straw for months now and every time I would offer it to Draper she would just bite on the straw but this month she just picked it up and sucked on it. #selftaught She is now obsessed with drinking water so we really have to monitor how much she is intaking.

Sleeping

Nothing has changed (thank gawd!) in the sleeping department. She continues to spoil us with good naps and long 12 hour sleeps at night. Let's hope this continues!

Favourites

• Playing games such as peek-a-boo or being chased around the house

• Dogs! She is obsessed. We spent the night at my sisters house who has a big chocolate lab and she chased him around the house all day. And when we made her take a break she made sure she had her eyes on him at all times.

• She is obsessed with wires, phones & remote controls and it looks like she isn’t the only one! What is it babies and their obsession with these three things? She does have a “baby phone” but he isn’t fooled by it.

• Still loves going on walks. she is so content in the carrier or stroller looking around at the big beautiful world. Even though it's been cold we still try and get out as much as we can.

Dislikes

• Draper hates cuddling. Even when she is hurt and crying and I try and snuggle up with her she just pushes me away. Someone please tell me this changes with age. I really miss those snuggles and mama and baby cuddles.

• Still hates men in hats. Even her own uncle was scary when he came out wearing a ball cap. Mom doesn't mind though because she grasps on to me for dear life and thats as close as I can get to a hug - so I'll take it.

Just for fun, here is a pic of what I looked like carrying Draper at 9 months. Haggard, tired, bad roots but at least I am standing brushing my teeth! #smallwins. How did she ever fit in there?!

xo

LDT