Charlotte- 9 Months!

Clothes 
All 9 month clothing.  Although, pjs are starting to fit pretty snug!

Health
The last month marked the addition of TWO (first) new teeth!  This also coincided with hanging out with the neighbor kids on the 4th of July.  We are not sure if it was her first cold or if it was related to teething, but for about 4 days, Charlie had a runny nose.  It went away and didn't seem to affect her other than that symptom.  We kinda think it was teething related but thankful it was not long duration or hard on Charlie.  We still deal with eczema on her cheeks and behind her knees.  Hoping this is slowly go away soon!

Diet 
We eliminated 2 whole bottles this month, yay!  She is still having the same amount of milk throughout the day, just in sippy cups.  This took about a week for the transition to be a success.  We still do 3 "meals" a day of baby food and 2 snack times with finger foods.  Hoping to phase out the purees this month and go all finger foods next month.  Vegetables continue to be Charlie's favorite and all proteins are her least favorite.

Sleep
Same old same old here.  We were worried about vacation with her schedule not being exactly normal and not sleeping in her crib.  But, she slept like normal!  She's usually asleep by 7:30pm and we get her up at 7:30am.

This month she dropped her evening cat nap...except when we were on vacation.  She decided that week that she needed the extra sleep.  Once we got home, it was back to normal and she's up from 3:00-6:40. This is such a fun stretch for it allows Derek and I to go on long walks with her, run errands, go out to eat, zoo, etc. without worrying about naps!

Crying
This girl knows how to whine like the best of them ;).  Basically, this is the only way she knows how to talk to us...cry/whine when wanting to be picked up, cry/whine when she wants something but cannot reach it, you get the idea.  However, I have to say that most of the time she is absolutely great!  We did have to take her out of the restaurant twice while on vacation.  Usually, she is the best baby out in restaurants.  However, she started this yelling thing.  Derek and I didn't know how to handle it.  I think it was all the attention she was getting and also still needing her evening cat nap.  Whatever the case, she is back to being a great little eater-outer.

Baby Gear
Flashcards, puzzles, anything that makes noises, and again anything that's not "baby gear"

Likes
Music/dancing, walking around things, standing, water bottles, drinking water, being tossed in the air/held upside down, walks, being outside


Dislikes
When I walk into the room and do not immediately go to her and pick her up, being spoon fed (likes to feed herself), sleeping in a room with any light (we had to put the pack n' play in the bathroom on vacation!)

Milestones
This month brought on the teeth (finally!).  And two at a time.  Charlie started crawling so much faster this month, going up the stairs faster (hello baby gate), walking around things with ease, standing by herself, and even taking a few steps!  She can now stand all by herself starting from a position on the ground (instead of pulling herself up with assistance and letting go).  Starting on vacation, she would take one step all by herself and then fall.  We know it won't be long until this little girl is running around by herself.

Charlie has also started talking up a storm.  She can say mama, dada, ruff, and cat.  Our walks usually involve me saying "Charlie, what does a dog say" and she will say "ruff", "Charlie, can you say mama" and she will then repeat "mama."  You get the idea.  It is so fun to have her repeat us!

Other Thoughts
Charlie, your dad and I have enjoyed you so much this month.  You were a great little traveler.  We love taking you places and especially out to eat.  You are the perfect little travel companion.  We had the best time with you at the ocean.  We love seeing you grow each and every day.  It is so much fun that you are starting to interact with us more and more.  We are looking forward to what the next month will bring!