Myra is 9 months

The sun broke over a night where Damon, Myra and myself had been awake for four hours.  Damon in his good nature said, 'We know the baby stage is really hard for us.  Somehow we got the 'no sleep' extended version with Myra.'  She truly is the extended version. I couldn't help but laugh at the thought. Myra is the director of our lives.  And ya know, she's not really interested in your input. 

Picturing all the Mothers across the world who somewhere rock their babies through dark nights can make the experience feel more sane. Breathing in the idea of gratitude that I can care for my baby, where somewhere out there, there is a parent who can not.  It feels humbling.  These nights are a raw privilege.  I try to let my mind sit there, if I can.  Try to remember what a beautiful foundation it is to hold Myra so near, and reassure her the world is a place where her needs will be tenderly taken care of.  Safe.

In the name of full disclosure though there are also times where all I can do show up as I clench my jaw and scream internally. So...  

Myra's a talker.  She says Mama, Dada, & baba, often. She signs eat, & all done, occasionally. She is constantly talking as she eats her food, and babbles loudly as she plays. She seems unconcerned with stern voices or changes in tone.  Finds it exciting when her siblings cry or meltdown loudly, but is very weary of Damon hugging or touching me in anyway. 

As soon as I enter a room all contentment is lost until Myra is back in my arms.  She simply HAS to be with me if she knows I am near. 

Myra is very interested in equal opportunity feeding. If she see's someone dish up food on their plate, she will throw herself back in her highchair protesting loudly for her serving.  If anyone has a snack Myra will insist loudly for the same.  There was one time I grabbed ketchup from the fridge. Myra saw and promptly threw all of her food off her highchair. Obviously upset that I did not also give her some.

Myra is very aware of who is doing what and if she might be left out. She loves to play with her siblings and will tolerate them holding her sometimes.  She loves her binkies until she spots food.  If she thinks the prospect of food is in the cards she will launch her binky and start rolling her hand and feet in excitement as she begins the war cry of 'feed me!'

Myra has the ittiest bit of a bottom tooth cutting through. She has no interest in army crawling, but will lean dangerously forward while sitting to try and reach things.  She wants to stand and play, always. She doesn't like getting dressed. 

Myra thinks it's really funny when we check her diaper and declare, 'Poo Poos!?'  Laughs every time. She is such a smiley baby.  She greets everyone in the family warmly and gets hyped up easily by a warm reception. She loves to play ball, and will pass it back and forth with utter joy. When she wakes up from a nap she will often refuse to leave the crib without her blankie. 

9 Months Mooie, we love you.