9m

+ Your monster teeth are hilarious and we love them. You bear them as if you know how much it delights us- their wonky white clearly visible from a distance. These six teeth (six!) change your look completely. You're leaving your baby face in the dust and sprinting toward "toddler," full speed ahead.

+ In celebration of turning 9 months old, you found your laugh. While taking these pictures you suddenly, unprovoked, just started laughing hysterically. You just keep getting better kiddo. Unbelievable.

+ You're not quite crawling, but you're definitely mobile. You scoot and pull and roll your way around your room and across the kitchen floor. You pull yourself up on stairs and baskets. We usually find you standing up in your crib in the morning or after naps.

+ You love the animals and they love you. Layla lets you lay on her and pull her ears while she purrs away. Tony sits on your lap if you're sitting on the kitchen floor. Dallas lets you touch her paws- and she doesn't let anyone touch her paws.

+ You are making all sorts of sounds. You mimic ours and play with volume. It is fun to hear you over the baby monitor chatting it up in your crib.

+ Your great grandma Harriet would have loved feeding you. I think of this frequently as you delight in any food placed on your tray- vegetables, fruits, meats, breads. Anything. You love to feed yourself (and also the dogs). You'll inhale half an avocado in 10 minutes flat.

+ We're getting back in the habit of cuddling and singing a few songs before you go down for the night- these are my favorite moments of every day.

We love you more than we understand. I am overwhelmed with the wonder of you and your very existence prods me to be better, more courageous, more deeply honest and vulnerable. Thanks, kiddo. You are spectacular.