Dear Rose - Nine Months Old

Dear Rose,
You are now 9 beautiful months old! I cannot believe how quickly these months have flown by. I was looking at photos of you when you were first born, and it is amazing how much you have grown and changed since you first arrived. You had your 9-month check up and are 27 inches long and weigh 18 pounds and 9.5 ounces. You are a little on the short side but have you seen your Mom and Dad? We're all doing our best to reach the items on the top shelves in the cabinets.

This past month has been one big adventure! Your Mama had surgery to remove her gallbladder, which meant that Dad was in charge while Mama recuperated. He did a great job - and Mama is feeling much better. Grandma Jan and Grandpa Dewey came to visit the weekend after Mama's surgery and to help Aunt Sarah move. They were so happy to see you and couldn't believe how big you have gotten!We also took a trip to see Olivia who takes beautiful photos of babies, kids, and families. She did some photos of you when you were about 4 months old and we wanted to get some more photos of you in your first year. The photo below is one that she posted on her photography blog.

We have had some fun and adventures too! Mama took you to the Como Zoo one morning and we had fun looking at all the animals. Well, Mama had fun telling you about all the animals and you had fun looking at all the other babies. You are incredibly interested in other babies - whenever you see them, you laugh and giggle, and try to talk with them.

Aunt Carolyn came for a visit and we had lots of fun with her. While Aunt Carolyn was here we went to the MN Zoo and also to pick apples with Aunt Sarah, Uncle Joe, and Aunt Katie too! You rode in the little red wagon and we picked out some pumpkins.

You are a real person now - with a distinct personality, Rose. You are so much fun now, too. I can make you laugh by doing silly things, like putting a cup on my head! So hilarious! You also have ticklish spots and I love love love the sound you make when you laugh. You are eating lots of different foods now, too and it is so much fun to introduce you to different things. You tried toast, and pears, and lots of other vegetables! Woo-boy! You've gummed up some pasta, and have tried cheese and yogurt too.


Soon, there will be snow on the ground, Rose, and your first Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are right around the corner. Dad and I look forward to the next three months and what they will bring our family. We are so in love with you and continue to look forward to each day with you, your sunny smiles in the morning, and your wiggles in the afternoon!

All my love,
Mama

Voluntary Mobility

Dear Rose,

When I went to pick you up at Montessori this afternoon, two of the babies were sitting at the gate, so I couldn't get in to you right away. You saw me, your face lit up, and then, THEN! you got on all fours and began to CRAWL TOWARDS ME! It was amazing and breathtaking. I cheered for you! I yelled, "Come on, Rose, you can do it!" and clapped my hands. Your teacher, Eileen, cheered you on too, saying, "Go, Rose, go! Go to your Mama!" You almost reached me, and then, you flopped onto your tummy and began to squawk, so I came in and picked you up.

When we got home, Dad read on your pink sheet from school that you enjoyed crawling around the room and he was very excited. Later on, you crawled towards a piece of paper that you wanted to get and Dad was able to see you crawl and he was very excited too!

Go, Rose, go! The world is in front of you!

Love,
Mama

Dear Rose - Eight Months Old

Dear Rose,
Please forgive your Mama. I still have two days left until you turn nine months old. It has been a very busy month!
What did we do before you turned 8 months old? The state fair was a big one. We had a ton of fun. You also began working seriously on crawling. You have not yet mastered moving forward, but you learned how to get up on your knees and rock back and forth. You went on many walks with your friends at school. You ride in the 4-seater baby buggy, and all of you love it!


Please enjoy these photos and know that your Mama loves you very very much.
All my love, Mama