9 Month Appointment

Today Jillian had her 9 month pediatrician appointment (a bit belated due to our travels). I would be willing to bet that this was Jillian's favorite trip to the dr. so far, becuase no shots were involved--yipee! Here's the skinny on all the important "stuff":
Jillian weighs in at a respectable 20 lbs 12 oz (78%) and is 28 3/4 " long (81%), while her ever-large noggin tops the charts at >97%. Matt said that the number one reason that a child has a big head is because one of her parents has a big head. He then proceeded to say that he doesn't have a big head. Hmmm...what is he trying to say??

I also filled out the usual developmental checklist. At 9 months, Jillian...

-Cruises around furniture

-Stands alone for up to 15 seconds (she often lifts one foot to try and step, but quickly just sits down)

-Uses a pincer grasp to pick up her food and can feed herself pretty efficiently

-Waves (and usually says "Hi" at the same time)

-Claps

-Signs for "more" to request more food at meals

-Has an intense love of cheese, bread, and yogurt

-Still makes hilarious faces when she tries new food. High drama for sure.

-Gives fabulous kisses and is starting to hug. In fact, every morning that I go in and get her, she grabs my face to kiss me, hugs me and then pats my back. It absolutely melts me.

-Makes a variety of sounds--she recently added "mama" (finally!) and "pa". She also started clicking her tongue.

-Has 2 speeds: wild and asleep

-Sleeps a solid 11 hours at night (yahoo!) and takes 2 naps/day (I love nap time)


Jillian is incredibly curious by nature and doesn't miss a beat. She has a life-loving spirit and insatiable desire to explore and interact with everyone and everything she sees. I think she truly enjoys herself and is a happy baby. Can't ask for much more than that!
Recently, I had her 9 month pictures taken at Plummer Gardens in Rochester. What a beautiful setting it was to capture this stage of Jillian's development. Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!