Ten months......

Ten months have come and gone… And what a month this last one was!! So many things happened and changes have occurred. Grace was 16 pounds 12 ounces at her 9 month check up and in the 13th percentile for weight. We couldn’t be happier, and she looks very healthy! It is getting harder to tell that she was premature as she is closing in on the range for normal for babies who are her age. She is doing what she is supposed to and more!
She is now able to crawl a few steps forward, although she doesn’t do it without some help to start. She much prefers moving in circles and backwards. And she is getting quick! Over the next month, we’re going to have to look at cabinet locks and install electrical outlet covers. Life is going to change again really soon!
Grace had her first illness this past month as well. She had a bit of the GI bug and despite feeling awful, smiled through it quite a bit. I was amazed at how many things could get dirty with just one launch! One time she had only 5 ½ oz. from her bottle and threw it up 30 minutes later. She hit the bedspread, her sleeper, sleep sack, blankie, my shirt, pants, and carpet all in one instance!
But probably the biggest change this month is the decision we have made for me to stay home. We have had ongoing difficulty with consistency with Grace’s baby-sitter, forcing me to call in to work quite often. Knowing Grace’s support needs for napping (although getting much better), we’re pretty sure that she’d have a very difficult time at a home or community daycare; unless we find someone who is willing to come into the home, is an excellent match for Grace, and is super-consistent, I am going to be with her. I am excited and relieved to be at home with her. I’ll still be on the Saturday rotation at the clinic, working one out of every four Saturdays. But I am sure that home is where I need to be right now. Stay tuned!!!