Letters to Emma: 9 months

Dear Emma,

I'm a few days late to writing this, but today you had your 9 month check up at the doctor's and you are 29 inches tall and weigh 22 lbs.  That's 93% and 95% respectively. Which means you are likely going to be a tall girl, just like mom- as expected. You continue to do very well in your development and even though you're not wanting to crawl,  you have all the strength and motor skills developed to do so which means its really just up to you. You may just not want to crawl so you can walk. 

You are quick to let us know that you're unhappy about something and you've become very good at getting our attention. You like to feel like you're close to us, even when playing independently, you like to make sure you can see us; otherwise, you start to grunt as if to warn us that if we don't comply, we will soon be sorry. Most of the time, you give us about 30 seconds to move close to you; otherwise, you start to cry. You have opinions baby girl, you sure do. We wouldn't have it any other way. Mommy says that I get too upset when you cry and I want to run to fix the problem- she thinks its our daddy/daughter bond. 

You are eating just about everything we put in front of you. This is amazing considering your brother was not an adventurous eater. You are very fond of kiwi, strawberries, avocado, and carrots are among your favorites. 

You know exactly when its time to eat, you like to sit in your chair with some finger foods prior to your actual meal; for the most part, you like little baby type snacks and cheerios. 

We are also starting to introduce sippie cups and letting you hold them and try to drink out of them. You're still learning this skill. 

You look like mommy more and more each day that goes by. You are clearly her "mini-me" just like Mason is my "mini-me."

 I still hope that as you grow I'll get to see some of me in you.

This month we went to the Zoo and you loved watching all the big animals and the fish! Also, this was a neat picture because mommy walked the National Zoo at 38 weeks pregnant with you and took a picture with you in her belly at this exact location just 8 months ago. You two are beautiful- Mason and I are very lucky to have our two best beautiful girls by our side. 

Speaking of Mason, you two continue to amaze mommy and I. Your bond is incredible and it just continues to grow. I love watching you light up when Mason walks into a room. Its very clear that you're attached to him and that you love him. Mason equally adores you- he loves playing with you, giving you raspberries on your belly and his favorite thing is doing anything that makes you laugh. 
We are incredibly blessed that we get to have you both. Mommy, Mason and I know that you are a gift to us and we couldn't be happier. Your growing into such a beautiful and smart girl. 
Love,
Mason, Mommy & Daddy