Official Stats

Isabella had her doctors appointment today. We were excited to find out that she didn't have to get any shots this time. That certainly made this visit more enjoyable than our other visits (if you remember last time she had to get shots and blood drawn for her hemoglobin tests, that was NOT fun). We were in and out of there in a half hour today. Bella was on her best behavior for the entire visit; she didn't fuss once. She is still very small. This time she measured in the 7th percentile at 15 pounds 5 ounces. We have had problems with her weighing-in less than she actually weighs (when we weigh her at other offices she weights more), but we still have to keep an eye on her and make sure she's eating enough. She's in the 3rd percentile in height at 25.5 inches. And her head is 17 inches (I don't know what percentile this is, but I'm sure it's low). So far our doctors haven't found anything medically wrong with her that is making her small, but we're hoping that she catches up a little by the time she's one year.

We got a handout on the progress that Bella should be making at this point. Here's what it said:
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT:
Baby is an avid household explorer with a distinct personality all her own. She investigates everything and imitates those around. By now she may crawl, creep or cruise the furniture on her feet. A playpen in a good place to learn these new skills. Baby may be afraid of strangers and cry when parents leave her with a babysitter. Some babies are saying "mama" and "Dada"and imitating sounds. Early in this period baby will chuckle, crow, make faces and laugh when you talk. Encourage her first attempts at language by repeating her sounds and talking to her at every opportunity. Your baby will learn the rhythm of speech long before developing a specific vocabulary.
FEEDING:
By nine months baby is beginning to make chewing motions, an indication that she can handle coarser foods. Start offering baby mashed tender table foods like vegetables, fruits, fish, chicken, meat, whole eggs, etc. Soon she will prefer these foods in small, bite-sized pieces which can be picked up and fed by themselves. Avoid foods that could cause choking like uncooked carrots, nuts, popcorn and hot dogs. Luckily babies and highchairs are washable, because this is a messy, but important step in developing independence. Use strained and Jr. canned foods when the family diet is inappropriate or for convenience when traveling. With more solid foods baby needs less milk. Five to six breast feedings or 24-30 ounces of formula a day would still be an appropriate amount. Continue to give baby milk in a small plastic glass. You can discontinue bottle or breastfeeding now if you wish.

So far Bella seems to be right on track. She is certainly an investigator; she loves checking everything out. She is just beginning to walk along our furniture, but once she sets her mind on getting to something she goes for it. So I don't think it will be long before she's cruising right along. She is very aware of strangers, but she's getting better with other people. I'm glad that she is too because we will be having our friends watcher next term when we're in class. We will continue to work on her vocabulary and hopefully start some sign language too. She is eating like a pro. She loves her veggies, fruits and meats. She's still uncertain about baby food that isn't pureed (food that has small chunks), but we keep giving them to her so hopefully she'll get used to it. She loves to feed herself and likes to have small pieces of food left on her tray to eat by herself. She's still taking a bottle and working on using a sippy cup. Hopefully she'll be using the cup more and more.