Nine months old

You're nine months old today sweet girl and we started your day singing you happy birthday. You seemed to like our off-key rendition. Lucky for you, your Mama doesn't know how to sing in-key. Your Dada however has Grandpa James preacher voice and is quite a good singer. As you get older, I'll let him take the lead.

You are an independent girl, more so every second. We knew that from the start but your independent, dare I say stubborn side is starting to come out as you feel comfortable showing it. You've started to squeal both from excitement about a new toy, food or activity but also when you want your way. A little sound out to the room to remind us you have your own way in the world. It's sweet and funny and we love it.

You've mastered crawling now. You were a scooter for such a long time but now you can get around on your hands and knees quite quickly. There used to be an invisible line that you wouldn't cross (only crawling on the living room carpet) but now you crawl down the hallway towards our voice and into rooms to explore.

You are still pulling yourself up on anything you can and one of your favorite places is the living room bookcase so you can pull off all the books. Very messy and entertaining.

Food....now this is getting fun. You've been eating solids for a while now but last week you seem to be letting us know that you are 'over' baby food. Only big girl food now and you'd prefer to feed yourself, thank you. So off we go into the land of messiness!

We love you Lucia Olive. Happy nine months!