9 Months (2 weeks late)

Lil,

You are getting so big! I know I say that nearly every month, but FOR REAL. So. Big.

Your personality has really developed over this past month. You know what you want. When you want it. Which is usually -- now. And you know how to get what you want. You also know which people are more likely to give into you (Aunt Jessica, specifically).

You are able to recognize the people you see a lot immediately. For people you don't see as often, it takes you a few minutes, but you warm up. You can get shy and bury your head into my neck, which feels awesome and sweet. But just as you do that, you are looking at someone and giving them a mischievous look and smile. Like you are saying, "Hey, I will warm up to you soon, but I gatta make Mommy feel wanted."

One of the funniest stories from this past month happened a couple weeks ago when I took you to visit Grandma Peg at McDonald's. There was an old man there who said you were cute. (I should say that I know this guy before this gets any creepier) Anyway, you were looking at him and smiling. Then he starts singing this song -- a serious song -- one he sang to his daughter 53 years ago. He sang all 3 verses plus choruses. You did great, just looking at him, until the 2 verse started. Then you got embarrassed and started bawling. It was so cute. And he didn't even care! He just finished the song!

Speaking of McD's... You pretty much eat anything that we eat now. We still don't give you the things you aren't supposed to have, though. Every couple of days I think your teeth hurt and you don't eat much solid food. Although you take more bottles on those days. You still don't have teeth, so you are getting bored with the food I'm giving you, too.

You still take 2 naps a day, but they are getting shorter and more spread apart. You are a very happy baby -- even if you don't get your naps.

Yesterday you were dedicated at church, we went out for brunch, you played at Aunt Jen's, then came home, wanted nothing to do with you supper, took a bottle at 5:00 and then were out for the night! You were so pleasant until we got home. You knew you were able to sleep, so that's all you wanted to do!

Your dedication was nice. Grandpa, Grandma Cindy, Grandma Peg, Aunt Jen, Ciso, Aunna, Uncle David, Auntie Em, Auntie Jessica, Uncle Dustin, Grandma Great, Great Grandma Nancy, & Great Grandpa Don all came. Then we had a nice brunch at a restaurant near by the church.

You can say a few words now: Dad, Doggies, & Hi
You wave hi and bye, play peek-a-boo, and dance like no one's business.
Everyday you get closer and closer to walking.
This past weekend you climbed the stairs. You have never tried to even get close to them. Grandpa asked me if you had, I said no. Then you crawled over there like you knew what he was talking about and (with me behind you) climbed the entire flight!!

Your first Easter was a success as well. Friday night we went to the Ruwe's and had a nice time. You got a swing for at Grandpa & Grandma Cindy's house, a blow up pool, & sand toys. Sunday we went to Grandma Peg's for lunch. You and Aunna had a blast playing together. You got a couple of outfits, snacks, bows, & play jewelery. You enjoyed the holiday festivities, for sure.

In a couple of weeks, you'll be 10 months. I'm sure I'll have loads to say then, too, about your accomplishments. You are an amazing baby, Lillian. Daddy and I love you too much!

Love,
Mommy