Better post this before the 9-month mark!
This month has been a game changer in terms of both physical and cognitive development. Gia’s movements, social interactions and interests have taken a huge leap!
Weight: 21.5 pounds
Size: 12 months/18-24 months, depending
Teeth: four on top, four on bottom
Development: fully crawling, pulling herself to standing, starting to cruise, carefully sitting back down by putting one hand down first, playing peek-a-boo, turning pages of books, mimicking sounds like “up” and “uh-oh”. I think she may still be slightly cross-eyed so we are going to have our pediatrician refer us to an optometrist.
Naps: 3 with nanny, 2 on weekends with us
Favorite activities: reading books, clapping, knocking down block towers, standing up and walking while holding our hands, and LAUGHING while we’re being silly.
Food: loves zucchini and apple oatmeal with flax seed, vegetable soup with beans, pieces of beets, broccoli, asparagus, etc, sautéed greens, berries, and noodles. Oh, and definitely breast milk!
Sleep: Not fun. Leap 6 has been a bitch, and interesting considering how alert and interactive Gia is. A lot of her ability to self-soothe is still there, but it’s as if she’s moved on to needing new ways of connecting anyway. Some nights she has trouble going to sleep, and she’s harder to settle after her night feeds. She wakes up twice. I’m planning to wean her from one of them once her teething and sleep regression settle down. I nurse her in bed and we sometimes end up bed sharing in the early morning hours; the rest of the time she’s in her crib with a knitted blanket and her fox lovey. We’re doing some research and consideration of how to organize Gia’s sleep again now that her behavior has changed so much. I need to figure out how to help her sleep better now that she stands in the crib staring at us!
As far as mom life goes, I’be been struggling with my work environment not being as healthy as I’d like, low pumping productivity, and sleep. On the positive side, being a mom just gets better and better. I find it easier to care of Gia without feeling anxious and overwhelmed. J and I have started going out more during the weekend days since we’re always home at night for Gia’s bedtime, and it’s been FUN! We are working on our relationship too, and it’s slowly paying off. Playing with Gia together is the best – she loves to read books, dance to Paul Simon, and ride around with J on my exercise ball chair. Making her laugh is more fun than going out drinking any day! Well, we least for now.
The other day I was watching Parenthood and there was a cheesy, cathartic but well-edited scene tying an episode of parenting strife together. I thought, very clearly, I can’t believe I almost missed out on this. I can’t believe I didn’t realize how incredible having a baby is. I am so, so happy. Being Gia’s mom is the best thing I’ve ever done.
I love to see how she is growing so beautifully!!! So much love sent to you!!!
Thank you so much!
I am smiling from ear to ear reading this. Gia is absolutely adorable! And your family is beautiful! So much love to you all!
Awwww thank you so much! I’ve been dying to see a picture of your baby. I know it may not be possible and you may even have written about this. I try not to skim posts – if im going to read I want to really be present so I miss some. Anyway, sending tons of love and light right back at you.
Ill email you a photo tomorrow (if i remember). I think he’s pretty adorable! And nope, i have never written about my choice not to share photos, maybe i should. ☺
That would be amazing, I’d love to see him! I totally understand why people don’t post pics of their babies. I just figure people can see my baby in person or on the internet anytime, but I also count on my blog not being attached to my name and hope no clients ever find it
I 100% could not resist that adorable little face standing in the crib looking at me. You want to sleep in the big bed?? DONE. A pony, an ice cream, and all the toys? ABSOLUTELY.
Lol! Yes she is kind of irresistible!!! Thanks for noticing 🙂
She is seriously just so adorable. I’m so happy things are going well for you guys. This is such a fun age… I wish I could bottle it up and save it for when she’s 12 and driving me crazy.
I know. It’s very special, these few weeks/months. Every age is so different but this is definitely a fun one.
That face is so adorable! I am so happy to hear that the two of you are doing well and able to spend time together.
Thank you !!!
Gia sounds like so much fun at this age! I love how interactive she is, how she has so many things she loves, and that you all are doing great. We have the same activity centre (the cube box thing), and crinkle giraffe- it’s fun seeing that you have them too. I love all of your beautiful photos of her and of you three. I am enjoying watching Gia grow!
Thank you! I saw your giraffe!