Gwen: 9 months

The Latest:

• Welcomed her FIRST TOOTH! Angels rejoice!
• "Da da dad," "Ma ma mom," and various other vocal experimenting
• scoots around in a sort of backwards army crawl, but hates being put on her hands and knees
• sings and claps
• when I walk up to crib she sticks her arms through to touch my legs
• loves gerber oatmeal mixed with fruit - hooray!
• loves to entertain a crowd at the table, otherwise often shy around visitors and friends
• dabbling in the waters of separation anxiety, but ok to go to church and fitness center child care :)
• getting more balance on her feet, but not enough to stand freely

When in public I get daily comments about Gwen's lovely red hair, and about how much fun this stage of babyhood is.  Both comments I agree with whole-heartedly! We love seeing her (big) personality emerge in new ways and enjoying her new antics. Though it is humbling to start learning the world of loving discipline!  Our first area of discipline has been to start teaching "gentle touch" instead of hitting my face.  She often hits me first thing in the morning, or before naps.  There's a new look in her eye when she does it, which tells me it's coming from her will, not just dchildhood behavior. We are trusting for more grace to parent well.  For the ultimate goal of Gwen loving Jesus and other people.

We love you Gwen!