We declare the glory of God...

Something unexpected has happened to me since Ilyana was born. I have fallen in love with little ones and babies. My heart is so soft toward them that I almost can't be around them or see them without crying. One of the churches that broadcasts their services online just had baby dedications and I became a weepy mess. Let alone if there is a preemie or something goes wrong. Watching the Duggars little preemie on TLC is "Cryfest 2010." The reality of the miracle of babies has hit me so intensely in these last (almost) 10 months.

Last week, Ilyana was sick one day with a fever. It wasn't even a big deal...just your run-of-the-mill fever, and it only lasted 12 hours or so (thank you, Jesus.) But it gave me a new appreciation for every day of health that we have enjoyed with Ily. Our bodies are a marvel. Creation truly does declare the glory of God, and it is even more pronounced when those bodies are 7 or 10 or 16 pounds.

How much more does our heavenly Father care for these little ones?

Tall, skinny, and no teeth on the horizon...

We hit the pediatrician's office for a nine month appointment on Friday. We haven't been there for a regular check-up since February at which point, Ily weighed 15 lbs. 6 oz. and was 28 inches tall. I was sure that she was up to 19 or 20 pounds and knew she had gotten taller because of needing to change to the 12 month size for pants and sleepers. I was greatly mistaken in the weight department...only 16 lbs. 6 oz. A one pound gain. (I can just see the biggest loser scale with the +1 on the screen.) Our little willow did however manage to grow 1 3/4 inches in the same period of time to a total of 29 3/4 inches. No doubt about her parentage (if you really had any)...she is definitely her father's child.

She continues to be the toothless wonder. After checking her gums, and finding out that I didn't lose my first tooth until the spring of 2nd grade, the pediatrician speculated that she might not get teeth until 12-15 months. It doesn't seem to hinder her in the food department. Those are some mighty fierce gums. She actually split an apple slice into two pieces the other day. Not to mention, that toothless smiles and laughs are beyond description. (Also, I can't say I really mind from the nursing end of things. The advent of teeth is actually a little frightening.)

I didn't imagine how much you could love a little person...everything she does fascinates me.

9 Months and Counting...

"The dart" (as my students called her last year) turned 9 months old on Sunday. It's difficult to believe that a year ago, we didn't even know her. We were a family of two (and a half). Now I can't imagine what I did to fill my time when I didn't have a baby.

At nine months, this little peanut is bursting with personality and opinions. (I am not sure where that came from. It must be a recessive gene.) She is very interested in everything. Everything, that is, except crawling. She wants to go, but she wants it to be on two legs. About two weeks ago, we started standing her beside the furniture. She loved it, but the first day, she was very teetery and unsteady. By the next day, she was starting to get the hang of it, and by the end of that week, she was moving herself around the furniture. ("cruising" is the official name for it.) It feels like we are watching her grow, learn and change before our eyes.

She is moving around the furniture a great deal these days, and really likes to walk holding onto our fingers. She is also beginning to stand in the middle of the room without falling for several seconds at a time. Since she doesn't crawl yet, she doesn't know what do when she starts to fall. So she will try to catch her balance for a little, but then once she loses it, she does the "trust fall" and makes her body stiff and just lets it go. Most of the time we catch her, and then she laughs. One of my favorite aspects of the standing and moving is how enormously pleased with herself she is when she does something new. She makes sounds and smiles and wants us to be looking at her.

Lots of chatter fills our house (and no, I am not talking about myself.) She makes lots of sounds and definitely is beginning to express herself, but none of the sounds seem to be intentional at this point, despite my best efforts. She does look for Chad if I ask, "Where's Daddy?" But she doesn't look for me when he says, "Where's Mommy?" Go figure.

Her "opinionatedness" is evident as she spews unwanted food from her mouth showering all nearby surfaces. She also can become somewhat impatient if food doesn't arrive in a timely fashion. I often pacify her with cheerios which she can devour in large amounts.

This girl loves to be outside and spend time at the park. At this point, she doesn't seem to have a lot of fear. Being thrown in the air or swinging high produce laughter. She likes to ride in the backpack while Chad and I take walks. Kids and animals are a huge fascination.

Despite false advertising in previous posts, sleep continues to be unpredictable. I look forward to the day that it is more consistent.

Still no teeth. But her huge open-mouth smile is irresistible.

A nine-month old blessing.