Dear Vivian {Month 9}

Dearest Dearheart,

9 months old

Nine months. I'm partial to this particular birthday because it's the ninth month, and you know how I feel about the number nine. But mostly I'm partial to it because this is just such a sweet time in your young life. You are busier by the day, sweeter and more joyful and more fun than the day before. I know next month I'll be writing just a slight variation on this theme - that life has gotten even sweeter and busier and more joyful with each passing day.

Busy girl! Surrounded by toys! Shaking the basket!

I love the way we start our day: after you eat, we get down on the floor to play. I sip hot coffee and eat cereal. Toys that were put away the previous night to prevent mom and dad from tripping all over them are set out on your blanket. The past couple weeks you have been showing a penchant for making a big old mess within about the first ten minutes of playing. AND I LOVE IT. I love the mess you make! You turn from side to side, reaching for toys and tossing them with reckless abandon over to the other side. You pick up a basket, lifting and tossing to get that toy sitting at the very bottom of it. It's awesome.

We're still working on eating solids. You tried pears the other day, and you were quite taken with them. You took a bite and opened your mouth for more. You've also enjoyed banana and avocado this month. But I think pears are the clear winner. You've been using your hands to pull your bottle toward your mouth when you want more. That is definitely a new development and one that makes me very happy - I call you "Voracious Vivian" when you do this - and it coincides with your habit of eating more and more happily lately.

Sweet Vivian

When I say your name, it sounds a little sing-song-ish. I can't help it. I love to say your name. And when I say it, I catch you smiling that sweet, sweet smile of yours. The smile that says, Yes, that's right, I'm Vivian. What's up? What are you going to tell me about next?

Our little ham

You've become quite the little ham. You and Dad were playing a week or two ago and the two of you were being cute (as usual), so I got the camera ready, called your name, and you looked over and smiled this smile that was made for the red carpet. You've done it a couple times since. I think it's hilarious. And I don't mind being your paparazzo. It's actually a pretty good gig.

On a walk at Hidden Villa Farm

In your helmet, so happy

Some other fun stuff from this month: You're loving the song 'Roll Over,' you loved our visit to Hidden Villa Farm and now you're enjoying the farm toys I couldn't resist getting you, and you are happily chewing on everything like mad - a carseat strap, toy, blanket - you don't discriminate, but no teeth yet. You got your helmet this month and have taken to it like a champ, but it has been a bit of a nightmare for me as we have spent a lot of time getting it adjusted to fit correctly. But I think we're finally back on track and I enjoy the way it accentuates the deliciousness of your chubby cheeks.

My precious baby girl

I celebrate everything that you are, Vivian. And you are so much to so many: lovely and sweet and funny and cuddly; strong and brave and resilient and charming. You are the daughter I am meant to mother. Knowing that that makes my heart soar with peace and happiness.

Oodles and noodles and doodles of love,
Mama