Much More Than A Mom | Nine Months

Nine Months

She’s over 10 months now…probably time I posted this, no?

October 11, 2008

Dear Bella,

You are nine months old today, and you are growing more and more awesome by the minute. You’re still bum-scooting but have started to crawl a little bit. Just a few steps here and there, though, before you pop back on to your bum and hop away.

You are still an amazing little creature, lighting up the room with your smile. You’ve made this last month, which was sad all around with losing my Dad, much smilier than it would normally have been. Grandpa would have loved that. He absolutely loved your smile and thought you were the prettiest baby he’d ever seen. It is rare that you’re not smiling, actually. It’s still your brother that gets the biggest of your smiles, and he loves that. He’s a typical two year old so sometimes is a little rough with you, but he gives you a kiss after his time outs and proclaims “I made her smile!” You’re really starting to stand up for yourself and will look at me and squawk if he takes something away from you, or you’ll just take it back yourself. It’s super cool to watch your sibling relationship develop into a friendship. It was just a week or so ago when you two were playing and Primo said “Bella’s my friend!” with a huge smile. It’s my wish for you that you’re always friends.

You eat like a champ and love most things that I offer you. You seem to show a preference for wheat products – particularly Mommy’s fresh bread. You also really love cucumber right now, and can’t get enough fruit. Kiwi is a fave, as are applesauce, apricots, blueberries, various melons, and grapes. Your little teeth are the cutest (and, thank God, you’re a better teether than Primo so far) and you’re loving taking little bites of crackers and Baby Mum Mums.

One thing you’re not so good at right now is sleeping. Actually, you royally suck at it. At most you give me two hours at a time and have a knack for waking up a few minutes after I fall asleep. You end up in our bed most nights because I’m too tired to put in the effort to stay in your room. I love sleeping with you but am looking forward to sleeping alone with Daddy again some day too. When I get up with you at night, though, I do my best to remain very positive and enjoy the fact that you still need me. When I nurse you I always take a few extra minutes (sometimes an hour or more) to just rock you and bury my nose in your soft pudgy cheeks. Your baby smell is intoxicating and I can’t get enough of the cuddles. Once my back starts to get sore from hunching over you, I try to place you in your crib, you cry, and I pick you up and take you to bed with me. There will come a time when I know I’ll wish you wanted to cuddle me so I’ll take it as long as I can get it and you’re always welcome to a cuddle when you need or want it. But please – wait until 4 or 5 am when I’ve had a little bit of deep sleep, okay?