9 Month Check-up

So Elyse had her 9 month check-up today and passed everything. The doctor said she looks and acts great. She also told us that we can start her on regular food too. So tonight she had a few bites of cheese, banana and a turkey meatball. It appeared as if she still preferred her vegetable baby food though. She didn't know what to think at first. She continuously kept looking at her hands, I think she was thinking...wow, mom and dad are really letting me get dirty at the table ;) She also was 19 lbs, 3 oz (57th percentile) for weight and 29 inches long (90th percentile) for height. Overall, very successful doctor appointment; plus I think it was Elyse's favorite because she left without any shots.

Below are a few 9 month pictures Nate took.

9 Months Old

Happy 9 Month Birthday Elyse! While Nate and I were talking yesterday about how much we love this little 9 month old, I mentioned I want to freeze her right now. Every month I want her to stop growing, not because I love that stage, but because that just means she's going to be a teenager in no time. However, it's different now. I want her to stop growing because I LOVE this stage. She's crawling, standing, talking, and expressing her personality daily. She will play by herself now but still loves to be around people. I can't get over how beautiful and perfect she is. God really blessed Nate and I with a gift that we love so much!
Elyse is having her 9 month check up on Wednesday, so for grandparents and other interested people the stats and more 9 month pictures will be coming soon.

Mastered the Art of Climbing

Well I've said it many times and many people have seen that Elyse is constantly pulling herself up on things. I feel now that I never got it on video and it's been a month it's old news. So what is new news? Elyse is now pulling herself up the stairs. She climbed all 12 stairs last night. Nate and I can't get over how physically strong and strong willed our child is. It takes her awhile to do it, but at just under 9 months, we are very proud! Oh yeah, my life just got a little more busy, time to add another gate :)

Elyse Stair Climbing from Natalie Klauser on Vimeo.

Her New Swing

Nate and I love to garage sale to get great kids stuff at great prices. I think we are pretty good at finding things, but I believe my mom tops us by far. She finds Elyse awesome toys, clothes and other goodies. This past week was no exception. She found Elyse an outdoor swing for about $5.00. Elyse loves it and I love the fact that my mom is such a great bargain shopper. Thanks mom for Elyse's new swing.

Memorial Weekend

Last Friday, Nate, Elyse, my mom and I traveled 6 hours to a Chicago suburb to visit my Nana Speckman. Nana hasn't ever seen Elyse so it was extra special. Elyse is her first great granddaughter and like Elyse, Nana is also adopted. Elyse loved seeing her, she was constantly smiling. After staying for an hour, we got back in the car and drove another 4 hours to Michigan to stay with my brother, Steven and sister-in-law, Kim. Elyse did wonderful in the car, but does NOT sleep well at all. I expect her to spend the next few days catching up on her zzzz's. While in Michigan we played games, went to the park a few times, visited goats at a nursery, went to a parade and visited with Kim's side of the family. We think of them as family, they are amazing people and Kim's sister has a precious five month old girl. A special thanks to Aunt Kim for buying them adorable matching outfits. Overall, it was a very fast and wonderful visit.
Thanks for everything Steven and Kim, we love you lots and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Little Lizard

While Elyse was playing I noticed she was constantly sticking out her tongue. I ran and got the camera and was able to show you Elyse's new talent. It' nothing too exciting, but still kind of funny. I also know it's not very lady like, but when a little lady is this cute, I think she can get away with it.
By the way, I want to apologize to family who have been waiting weeks now. I have been trying to catch Elyse pull herself up and wave bye-bye. I'll get it sooner or later, promise!

Egocentric Child

On Sunday, I was videotaping Elyse playing and just happened to catch her smiling at herself. I can't get over how babies don't realize they are looking at themselves until about 11 months old. She just smiles every time she sees herself, she must find that baby in the mirror to be one happy and adorable little girl.