Dear Aeris

You are 9 months old! This is hard to believe for so many reasons. For one, you're still so little. At the pediatrician's office yesterday you weighed in at an astounding 13 lbs 6 oz (a loss of 5 oz from your 6-mo check-up). You must know I am a penny pincher and can't stand getting rid of things before they've been properly used, because you are still wearing your 3-6 mo size clothes. I have brought out the 9-mo size because the calendar says they should fit, but truth be told, you drown in them. But now it's time to grow. I'm giving you my permission. In fact, I'm going to help you along in any way I can. The doctor told me to add as many calories to your diet as possible. You are about to find out about one of the true pleasures of this world... fatty foods!

Rolling is still your favorite way to move. This method doesn't take you around objects though, so you quickly get frustrated and even angry when something is in your way. I admit that I'm glad for those obstacles. It means I can actually leave the room and know you can't go too far. I know someday it will take a lot more than a couch to keep you in one place.

Your voice is the most beautiful sound. I keep working on mama, but for now your favorite is nanana, dadad, and ssssss. When we're in the van together I turn the radio off so I can hear every word you try to get out. Your brother and sister love to tell me what you're trying to say.

You love the camera. When I got it out to capture you at nine months, you couldn't help but smile. You were upset with me at first, probably because I'd already tucked you into bed with a kiss good night when I remembered I'd forgotten to take your picture. Then, after dragging you back out of bed, I sat you on the floor BY YOURSELF! You immediately began to weep. As soon as you saw the flash and realized I was taking your picture the tears dried and all that was left was your perfect face.

You have learned what it means to have stranger anxiety, and Daddy anxiety, and OH NO, MOM HAS LEFT THE ROOM anxiety. When you're in my arms and someone approaches us you bury your head a little further into my shoulder. As difficult as it makes life for me, I wouldn't give up this stage for anything. I secretly love being the center of your world. It won't last forever.