It is beyond hard to believe that my little girl will be turning 9 months old in a few short days. People weren’t kidding when they said, “Don’t blink because before you know it, she’ll be all grown up.” Well she is far from adulthood but if the first 9 months passed by this quickly, I can only imagine how fast the years will fly by. These last nine months have been so amazing. I’ve lost count how many times I have looked at Giuliana and almost burst into tears thinking about the love and appreciation I have for her. I’ve told her that I would go through it all over again knowing she was at the end of it all.

She is my angel on earth. I could stare at her all day and night. She beams with happiness from the time she wakes in the morning, until the moment she closes her eyes for bedtime. She has become quite the cuddle bug. In the mornings, we spend 10-15 minutes laying next to one another smiling as we look into each others eyes. It’s the most special time I spend with her–just she and I. She melts my heart.

Just this week (March 3rd to be exact) she began to crawl. I was so excited to witness her first crawl. What a thrilling moment it is to see your child reach such a major milestone. No longer is she this wee little baby–she is growing up right before my very eyes. If I thought I was paranoid before, it’s really kicked in now. Making sure I have baby proofed the house, small objects are picked up off the floor, breakable items are removed from end tables and nights stands, cords are not dangling from whatever we have plugged in on the counter etc. So much more to think about now, it’s crazy!

What else…oh she is eating a good amount of pureed foods now. Spinach, peas, green beans, squash, sweet potatoes, bananas, avocado, oatmeal, pears, plums, and carrots. She loves it all too! Fingers crossed she isn’t a picky eater like her father. What if she is the ultimate foodie like her mama? Oh how great that would be! I’m still going strong and offering her breast milk. Can’t believe I made it this far. My original plan was to commit for 6 months and fast forward, we are at 9. New goal, to make it to one year. No doubt I can do it. As long as my body can keep up with her appetite.

There is so much to be thankful for. So much to appreciate about this life I have been granted. I must have done so much right to deserve a baby like her. The personality she has is sure to leave a sparkle in everyone’s eye. I like to describe her as sweet and sassy, the perfect combo. She has her attitude but I think it will serve it’s purpose in more ways than one later in life. I can’t wait to grow with her, see the world through her eyes, and be right by her side to experience more milestones. What a great ride it’s been so far and what an amazing adventure this will be.