Smiley is 9 months ...

Dear Sen,

Yesterday you turned nine months.  In some ways it has seemed like a LONG nine months. Not in any bad way; it is just so hard now to imagine our life before you came into our family. 

The past two months have been quite eventful.  You and I are not spending as much quality time together in the wee hours and I have to admit that I am o.k. with it.  We are both sleeping much better these days. You have eight teeth now (four top and four bottom).  The gap between your two front teeth is something.  I am saving now for the orthodontist.  Grandma Geri thinks we might need some speech sessions too :)

You have graduated from the commando crawl and are doing the real thing --- except when the floor is cold and then you do this crab-like crawl where you stick your booty in the air and hop with your back legs.  You are very strong and pretty coordinated which has led to several scary incidents, including you catapulting over the back of the couch, head first, onto the hardwood floor.   (Don't judge people, Ammon and I were both within one foot of her when she did it.)    

This winter has been pretty tough on you.  Last month, you had pneumonia and had to stay a night in the hospital.  You were one sick little girl.  I held you the entire night because I could not stand the sight of your little body in that hospital crib.  You have also had enough ear infections to qualify you for tubes.  Yet even with that many infections, you still don't give your Dad and I much indication of the pain you are in.  No fevers, no crying, no refusing to eat, nothing really.  

Finally, you are developing your personality and communication skills.  You love to sing and dance.  Dad's guitar, Primary songs, and Beyonce seem to be your favorites.  You clap, waive goodbye, blow kisses, know how to say "more food" in sign language, throw the funniest little fits, hate to be strapped in the carseat, say "mama" and "baba" (bottle), and are a splash- maniac in the bathtub.  Ava is still, hands down, your favorite person on earth.  The way you watch her and love on her is so beautiful.  I hope you two are always close. 

Now lets have a safer, healthier month --- what do you say?  We love you!  

Your Mom & Dad