the schmitts: Happy, Curious, Doll Baby

Eliana (aka E bug, Sugga Bugga, E bear, Bugga Boo, etc),
You have changed A LOT since I last blogged. Life has gotten a lot crazier since I started working again, and your dad started grad school. So, here's the update on what you're up to.

You really enjoy going to the babysitter's house 4 days a week while I work. Some days you don't seem like you want to come home with me. While you are there, you play with 3 other kids, and I think you like that. I always feel bad when you go to the sitter after I get there. However, your dad reassures me that I should feel good about this because you like it there so much. He's right. We are blessed to have such a great place for you to go.

On Fridays, you stay home with your dad. You enjoy staying home with daddy, and he really enjoys getting to take care of you all day by himself. When I'm around, you want me to do everything for you.

It was only a few short months ago that you figured out the whole crawling thing. This progressed to pulling up on things. Then, you started getting good at walking while holding on. Now, you stand for pretty decent lengths of time. You also take a few shaky steps on your own. We are pretty sure you will be walking before your first birthday. This is exciting, but I still can't believe how big you're getting.

Lately, we have been getting a kick out of your stories. You babble away like you are saying the most interesting things. We think your stories are fascinating, and I'm sure it won't be long before your stories actually make sense. We also learned that I say the word 'seriously' a little too often. It sounds like you are repeating me after I say it. Oops.

Your personality is really starting to come out. Many people at church describe you as happy. Others have considered you curious and a doll baby. We agree with all of those descriptions.

We can't believe that it is time to plan your first birthday. It seems like this year has flown by. Where did all of that time go? Weren't you just a little peanut all snuggled in my arms just yesterday? We have truly enjoyed every stage of your development this year. It has been such an adventure in so many ways. We love you so much, and we feel so blessed to be your parents. You have changed our lives in so many ways. We look forward to all you'll start to do before your birthday.

This is your first time coloring. You like to eat the paper and crayons. We'll keep trying until you get it.

This was the beginning of pulling yourself up. Notice the Xbox controller on the couch. You are probably trying to get it. You like to play with daddy's controller and the remote.

You like bath time. Now, you take a bath in the big bath tub. Lately, you like to stand up the whole time, which is a little tricky for me.

This is the scrunchy face. You make it when you're excited and sometimes when you're upset. It makes us laugh, but you don't really do it as much anymore.

You got a new toy on mommy's birthday. I'm not sure how that worked out. :)

Occasionally, you snuggle for a few minutes and watch TV with daddy. He enjoys these moments.

You're a big 9 month old.

You like to grab our glasses and daddy's hats.

This is your first trip to an orchard. We picked out some pumpkins on this trip.

You're looking like such a big girl these days. You just got to start using your snack catcher. It doesn't "catch" the snacks because you shake it around until they all fall on the floor. Then, you eat them. It would be nice if you would figure out how to use it better because it grosses me out that you eat off the floor.