9 Months!

I can't believe my little baby is 9 months old already! It seems like it was just a few weeks ago that we brought her home. But here we are again with another monthly update.

Taking a photo of Charlotte at 9 months old was tricky! We tried to take her photo on the recliner... here are 2 of about 20 shots.

Next, we tried to take her photo on the couch. Again, these are the cutest 2 pictures out of about 20. 

"reading" the sign with her little pointer finger! 

After another little while, I tried taking her picture up in the glider - where her other monthly photos are taken. 

I can't decide which one I'll use for her photo album, but I definitely have many to choose from! That little paper sign is just the most fascinating thing to her - she can't keep her eyes or hands off of it. Ben and I clap and sing and make fools of ourselves trying to hold her attention. 

Charlotte's sweet, funny, adventurous personality is starting to really shine. She's full of life and we love every minute with her. She never ceases to amaze us - especially with all the tricks she has up her sleeve!

* clapping

* waving

* raising arms up when Daddy says "Woo Hoo!"

* repeating sounds like "lalala" or "bbbbb" with fingers over lips

* blowing kisses (working on the form a little bit, still)

* crawling 

* pulling up to stand

* "cruising" along furniture

* climbing stairs

* dancing to music

* grabbing stuff off of the shelves near her crib - specifically pacifiers & books

Charlotte's been taking better naps and sleeping well at night, too! She still wakes up at least once to eat, but maybe she's getting ready to drop that - - on May 7, the day she turned 9 months old, she slept through the night for the first time. She slept from 7:50 PM to 6:05 AM. She let a couple little whimpers or babbles out throughout the night to let us know she was okay, but neither of us had to set foot in her room for over 10 hours! Way to go!! It's crazy - I've been hoping and praying for sleep for months and months - and then she finally does it and I missed her. I woke up at around 4:30 and just laid there listening to the monitor, waiting for her to wake up. I just couldn't wait to see her! 

At Charlotte's 9-month well baby checkup, she weighed 19 lbs, 2 oz (50-75%ile) and measured 29 inches long (95%ile). Her pediatrician was very happy with her growth and said she looks super healthy! Charlotte, of course, was a doll the whole time we were at the doctor's office. She was waving to all kinds of new friends in the waiting room, chatting with Dr. Gilliam, squealing and giggling at her naked self in the mirror, and playing with the instruments & paper on the exam table! 

We love you very much, Charlotte! We can't wait to see what new & exciting things you have in store for us this month!