Liam at 9 Months

 

Dear Liam, 
  
 You are 9 months old!  You have been in this world longer than you were in my womb.  You are growing so quickly and your first birthday is getting so close.
  We are 9 months into this journey, and I watch you grow and learn every single day.  I am amazed by your determination, your strength, and your spirit.  You have amazed us all.  Your doctor always says, "It really is just an extra chromosome with him." And it is.  Every parent wants a happy, healthy child, and you are exactly that.  
  We are raising you the same as your siblings, and giving you every opportunity they have. You fit in perfectly with our family and take everything in stride.  I don't focus on the fact that you have Down Syndrome.  I focus on the fact that you are LIAM, and I hope to show everyone around us that you can, and will, live a happy, healthy life.
  Everybody that meets you can see just how special you are.  You have an incredible spirit and you share that with the world. Your smile is contagious, your happiness is contagious, and you remind us all to just live life and be happy.
  I love you, my beautiful boy.  You are my sweet baby boy and I will love you, care for you, and protect you until the end of time. 

Love, Mommy



MILESTONES:  Sitting up in a tripod sit on your own!




 
TOOTH COUNT: Still none!  I'm completely shocked.
 

 
COMFORTS: Nursing, cuddling, being carried in your Ergo, chewing on Sophie the Giraffe, and chewing on your fingers.
 
 
FIRSTS:  Between 8-9 months, you learned how to sit longer on your own.  You also celebrated your first Easter and met Uncle Benno!
 
 
EATING:  You are breastfed, you eat 2 pureed meals a day, you eat most table foods, and you are learning how to self-feed. 


 
FAVORITE FOODS: Puffs, Yogurt Melts, Yogurt, Bananas, Apricots, Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Soup, Peas, any Banana blend puree, and watermelon.
 
 
SLEEPING:  You love to sleep 12 hour stretches. You still wake for a dream feed, and I cater to you, because you are still on the smaller side. You usually nap 3 times a day.
   

SOUNDS/WORDS: You are very vocal, and repeat most consonant sounds.  You said "mama" directed at me, just a few days before Mother's Day!
 

LIKES:  Eating, snuggling, standing, hanging out in the Ergo, playing with your toys, chewing on your fingers, babbling, sitting up in your tub, grabbing your toes, and interacting with your family and friends.
 
 
DISLIKES: Feeling hungry or cold, teething, getting your nose/face wiped, and being positioned on your knees.
   
 
FAVORITE TOYS:  OBall toys, Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes, Sophie the Giraffe, and your music box toy.

 
NICKNAMES:  Miam (thanks to your sister, Lily), Little Dude, and Buddy.  
 
  HEALTH:  You are very healthy!  You have mild reflux, which doesn't seem to bother you at all, and your Laryngomalacia (floppy vocal chords/airway) is improving like the doctor expected. We don't even hear you squeaking anymore!
 
 
EARLY INTERVENTION:   You receive OT once a week and PT once a week. Your amazing therapists come to our home, which is wonderful!  You officially graduated from nutrition services because your eating is perfect and you are finally gaining weight!

 
 
STATS: 14 lbs 2 oz and 27.5 inches.
 


WEARING: Size 1 diapers (you have tiny hips and a tiny bum, and they fit you the best) and 0-3 month clothing.  The smallest shoes finally fit! You are starting to outgrow some 0-3 month clothing, so I'm buying 3-6 month clothing now!
 


PERSONALITY: You are very go with the flow, happy, cuddly, and sweet.  You have an amazing spirit which just draws people to you!