Dearest Claire Elaine,

I have 1,001 reasons why I’m writing your 9-month blog post 11 days late. Work has been super, super hectic…we just spent four days in Nashville for a wedding…our mountain of laundry is mighty embarrassing…

BUT, the fun part about my accidental procrastination is that for a 9-month-old, a lot can change in 11 days. In fact, since the 22nd you’ve started crawling on your knees (!!!), you took your first dip in a swimming pool, you began pointing at things you see or want to touch, and you’ve started babbling Da-da-da-da (although not necessarily directed at your Da-da).

You, my sweet girl, are a crawling, cruising, clapping, busy bee. When you’re awake, you’re on the go. You’re curious and determined. And my goodness, you’re adorable.

It astonishes me that you’ve been out of my belly for longer than you were in. Pregnancy felt like an eternity (not in a bad way…we were just anxious to meet you!) — and yet the past 9 months have passed in a flash.

Our days are so full. From the outside looking in, we don’t accomplish all that much. But between nursing and diapers and three solid meals and naps and playtime and cuddles and books and songs, we stay so busy! I’m really grateful for the way you’re helping me re-prioritize my life. How even though I’m checking fewer things off the to-do list each day, I still feel accomplished by how you’re growing and thriving.

Daddy and I count our blessings daily — sometimes hourly! — when we think of how healthy and happy you are. Truly, it’s a wonderful world.

Here are a few highlights of Claire Elaine at 9 months (and 11 days – oops!):

Weight: Right about 20 lbs. (It turns out your cloth diaper weighs a good bit, which we’ll keep in mind when we put you on the home scale next time!) Height: 29 1/2 inches — still in the 90-97th percentile!

Eating: If they were giving out grades, you’d get an A+ for eating! You love food and we love watching you eat. Peas are still your very favorite treat, although bananas and blueberries rank mighty high, too. We still haven’t offered you meat, but you’re a champ at fruits and vegetables, and have even enjoyed cheese, bread, crackers, hummus, and tortillas.

Over the next few months we want to continue to diversify your menu — adding more spices and textures and maybe utensils and a cup. So far you don’t appear to have any food allergies, minus a red-hot diaper rash when you eat too much kiwi (lesson learned).

Breastfeeding is still a priority, and we’ve maintained our morning, bedtime, and every 3-or-4-hours-in-between routine. I’ve been trying to pump more lately to maintain my supply, but so far I think we’re going to hit my one-year goal. Thank you for that, sweet pea. Nursing has been a special experience for me — and one I don’t take for granted.

You still only have your two bottom teeth, but you’ve been gnawing on every book and toy and washcloth you can get your hands on lately…so I’d imagine a top tooth or two may be headed our way.

Sleeping: God must have known how much your Mommy and Daddy savor their sleep, because you are a champion snoozer! You’re going to bed between 8 and 9 p.m. these days, and sleeping soundly until 7 or 7:30 a.m. Even better: You no longer wake with tears. Instead, we’ll often flip on the video monitor to find you sitting or standing — happily waiting for someone to come get you! Such a sweetie.

Naptimes are still pretty consistent. Sometimes you’ll give me a sign (you’ll climb in my lap and put a thumb in your mouth) and other times you’ll just get super cranky… But we can usually count on three naps a day, each about an hour or more.

Playing: My goodness, you’re a busy girl! You’ve pretty much grown out of your exersaucer, so Daddy and I purchased a big play yard today to help keep you (ahem!) “contained” so we can get things done around the house. We’ll see how it works!

At 8 1/2 months you began “commando” crawling, so we lowered your crib and anchored your bookshelf. The day after your 9-month pediatrician appointment you finally got up on your hands and knees…and these days you’re doing a combination of both commando and hands-and-knees crawling. No matter how you do it, you’re FAST…and we can hardly take our eyes off you for a second.

You love “chasing” the kitty, playing with your treasure chest coins, “reading” books, and pressing the buttons on your activity table. And although we’re still trying to encourage you to crawl, your favorite thing in the world is pulling up to standing and “cruising” down the length of the coffee table. You’re also a big fan of Audrey McQueeney’s walker/car, which you can push and walk down the hall on your own!

You have an incredible laugh, and your giggles are my favorite sound in the world. You’re also fascinated by animals, and will let out a high-pitch squeal if you spot a neighbor dog on our evening runs. We can’t wait to take you to the zoo in the coming months!

Our pool opens in three weeks, and we think that’ll be a huge hit. We’re also looking forward to two beach trips this year, and tons of time out on the boat.

Needless to say, we have some BIG fun ahead. Thank you for making our days such a delight, little Claire. We absolutely adore you!

All our love,

Mommy and Daddy

P.S. Just for fun…here are the outtakes to your 9-month shoot. (Yes, you were supposed to be sitting sweetly!)