Rory Keiko 9 Month Update

Dear Rory,

Yesterday you turned 9 months old. Nine months! Your dad and I decided that you've gone through the most changes from 8 to 9 months. We are in total awe of how much you've grown and learned this past month.

You are an expert crawler now and you love to pull yourself up on anything and everything. Recently you've started letting go of whatever you're holding onto and let yourself stand freely for as long as you can hold your balance. You look so proud of yourself for standing without any help, and I don't think it will be long before you attempt walking by yourself as well.

Even though you've gained several new skills, there are lots of things that you're still learning. Unfortunately, you have to learn the hard way sometimes. Just yesterday you slammed your play kitchen cabinet on your fingers, and I could tell that it hurt because it's unusual for you to cry for more than a few seconds. I undergo a constant internal struggle: Do I let you explore and learn on your own, or do I hover over you and watch your every move in an attempt to shield you from any pain? Luckily your dad is over-protective enough for the both of us, so I'm usually the one encouraging you to discover things on your own. You love opening the kitchen cabinets and exploring what's inside. The tupperware cabinet is very exciting. (I wish I shared your enthusiasm for plastic containers.)

You are basically inhaling food at this point. You're happiest when you're in your high chair shoving mango pieces or organic off-brand Cheerios in your mouth. Even though I feel as though you're constantly eating, you're only in the 40th percentile for weight and the 30th for height. (You can blame this on daddy's family.) I'm amazed at how big you've become. Every night it's harder for me to lift your sleeping body and put you in your crib.

In the morning, you love watching daddy get ready for work. You crawl around in the bathroom while he showers and giggle when he shows you his face covered in shaving cream. Nothing makes me happier than watching you watch your dad while he plays the guitar. You are totally entranced. (I have to agree that there is nothing better than watching the man you love play the guitar and sing.)

Your great-aunts, Mary and Kelly, came to visit you this month, and we had so much fun with them. We went shopping, to the farmer's market, and to Red Rocks. They spoiled you with attention and cute outfits.

The older you get, the more I think about your future. I want so much for you, but more than anything, I want you to be happy. I want you to enjoy life and be the kind of person that radiates happiness and positive energy. Judging by your constant smiles and endless giggles, I'd say you're well on your way to becoming this person. We love you, Rory, more than words can say.

Going for a walk.

What? How do you think I get my skin so baby-soft?

Hanging with Daddy after a soccer game.

Your first taste of sorbet at Sweet Action. You were a fan.

Who knew baby gates could be so much fun?

Mommy's newest Craigslist find. Now you can slam your own kitchen cabinets. 

Spaghetti! And jazz hands.

At Park Burger with your great-aunts.

But first, let me take a selfie.