Harley - Nine Months Old

Size:
- You finally grew a little and now weigh 16 lbs. 14 oz.
- 28 inches tall
- Head circumference is 45 cm
- You still wear all of your 6 month clothes, but have just in the last week or so been able to wear more 9 month clothes that don't swallow you. I think you have hit a growth spurt.
- Size 3 shoe
- Still in size 2 diaper, maybe almost a 3. You have a tiny hiney.

On the Menu:
- You eat table food now including fruits, vegetables and whatever else we might be eating. You really like yogurt also, but I think your favorite thing you've tried is pancakes. :)
- You are still nursing, but you are biting and that coupled with my stress level is not helping the milk supply.

Sleeping:
- You sleep from from approximately 8 - 7:30. 
- Your naps are still the same, two hours in the morning and 2-3 hours in the afternoon.

What's New?
- You cruise along the furniture and stand on your own for a few seconds. I usually find you standing and bouncing in your bed.
 - You play independently very well. You are really interested in the toys and discovering new things. It is so fun to watch you explore.
- You are getting A LOT of new hair and it is all over the place. I'm not sure how we're going to tame it.
- I forgot to mention that you talk a lot. You call me mama intentionally and also say dada, bubba and I'm pretty sure you're trying to say dog, hi and bye bye.

Favorite Things:
- Your favorite toys are the musical learning table, the play kitchen, blocks and balls. You usually crawl around with a ball in your hand. 
- You LOVE to empty things out of a bin or bag. You will throw everything out as fast as you can and laugh about it. Too bad you haven't figured out how to put it back in. :)
- You wave at anybody and everybody on the street and in the store.
- You get really excited around other kids, especially little girls.

At your 9 month appointment as she was examining you and talking about how strong you are and how great you are doing she noticed something about your head. Your skull bones seem to be fusing together too soon. This may be something that we just watch and make sure that no intracranial pressure develops or in some cases it requires surgery to correct. We will evaluate again in a few weeks and see if there is any change and consult with a neurosurgeon. You also have an umbilical hernia, but in many cases they correct themselves.

While I am sure there are worse things and you will probably be fine (which I have been constantly reminded by well meaning people), I don't think any parent ever wants to hear concerning news about their child especially when it pertains to their head. I am thankful that you are healthy in all other regards and we will just pray that this is not something that will require surgery. You are exceeding milestones and not showing any neurological symptoms so that is hopeful.

In the meantime we will just continue to love you to pieces and enjoy every sweet moment you bring to us!