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Yup, today,Thursday, January 10, 2013, on her 9 month birthday, Brynlee Rae started crawling. And within MINUTES (seriously, not an exaggeration) she was into EVERYTHING. The object of desire that started it all was Hayden's toy keyboard. Which Hayden, naturally, did not want her to have. Of course that made it all the more desirable and shoving the thing several feet away was not going to stop her. There she went, off to get the keyboard. I was so excited to see her crawl that I completely disregarded Hayden's upset cries and told her it was fine and Brynlee could have it if she wanted to. I know, totally mean mom.

Bryn at 9  months old

I am sure some are wondering why I was excited to see her crawling. Most moms I have talked to have to suppress the desire to knock their children over when they start crawling or walking. But, if you have been in our house for the past several weeks you would be excited too. Brynlee has been on the verge of crawling for a little over a month now. She will go to her tummy and then SCREAM because she can't go anywhere. So that means mom spends all her time chauffeuring her around the house to keep her quiet. So yes, I was excited! But, my excitement lasted about 10 minutes. It took about that long for Brynlee to get into the computer power cords, find the dogs toys, tear up a Menards add and generally reach havoc on my living room. What can I say? When she learns something new, she REALLY learns :)

My little Beanie is growing and changing every day. It seems like just the last couple days I have a completely different child on my hands. Lately, her sleeping-all-night times out number her up-every-hour times so that's been awesome. She still takes great naps every morning and every afternoon and the occasional evening cat nap as well. Although, if we have something going on in the morning she does fine without a nap and takes an extra long afternoon one. Brynlee recognizes several signs including: milk, more, all done, sleep, no, eat and drink. And the exciting part is she has started signing drink (she's pretty pleased with herself and does it quite often cuz mom gets so excited) and just today did all done and milk. Such a smart girl! Also, just today, (a big deal this whole turning 9 months thing!) she broke through tooth number 4. The "fang" on the other side :) She still loves to play peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake, but nobody makes her laugh the way her sister does. Just today I couldn't help but smile as they played together in the dining room. Hayden was hiding under the table and Brynlee was laughing hysterically! Warms a momma's heart :) I didn't even get upset with Hayden for messing around under the table when she should have been eating her lunch.

The infamous fang tooth!

Our 9 month check up is next week and I am looking forward to seeing how much she has grown physically. I am guessing she weighs somewhere around 18 lbs and getting much longer as I have had to put away several outfits that are now too short.

Speaking of playing together, I am really hoping that Hayden learns quickly to put her stuff up or keep it in her room or I am going to have one upset 3 year old on my hands. She does so well with Brynlee now and I hope that continues even if she gets into her things. A learning experience for all three of us I guess.

Hayden is getting so grown up too. On New Year's Eve we spent the day together as a family, shopping and eating out for lunch. As we were getting ready to go I was having to push back tears as I watched Hayden standing in the kitchen. She had on a long sleeve shirt, skirt with leggings and boots. Super cute but didn't stop there. Her long hair was up and she had a watch on and her own purse for shopping complete with cell phone, lipstick and debit card. Seriously, it was like she was 3 going on 17! What happened to my little girl! Later in the car I voiced that exact opinion and she answered in a very matter of fact tone, "Moooom, I am your little girl, but I am growing up!" *Stunned look on my face* Waaaahhhhh! That's what I wanted to do, break down and cry right there in the car. But I didn't; I held it together. Just barely.

I guess I have a bit of a double standard when it comes to growing up. With Brynlee, I get so excited to see her at the next stage of learning and growing, but with Hayden, I just want it all to STOP!  I love the age she is right now. The age where I am her best friend; where she still likes to cuddle up and read books; the age when things are still exciting and new and I am the first person she wants to share it with.  I don't want this age of trusting everything I say without question to end; I don't want her to ever be too old to "snuggle on the couch, eat an orange out of a bowl, and watch a movie." And yes, that is a direct quote. The ages of 2 and 3 get such a bad rap but it's my favorite. There are those that love the baby stage and there are even those that love the "empty nest" stage. Me...give me a 3 year old any day :)