Friday Randoms: Doctors, Standing, and Decorations.

Yesterday, Ellie went to the doctor for her nine month well child appointment.  Her development was in the "monitor" range in most areas, which we already knew.  (We've been monitoring and receiving early intervention since she got home from the NICU.)  In one area, however, Ellie was quite advanced.  Care to guess?

Yep, social.  I can't pretend to be surprised.  The doctor asked if she's gesturing yet, adding that it would be a bit early.  I told him that she puts her arms up when she wants to be picked up.  Ellie was staring intently at the doctor as I demonstrated by asking, "Ellie, up?"  She looked at me, looked back at the doctor, and kept her arms firmly down.  He laughed, because she clearly did NOT want up.

We also received the stats you've all been waiting for...

25.5 inches tall, weighing in at 15 pounds, 3 ounces, and still hanging on by a thread to the typical growth chart.

We received a baby hiking backpack as a great hand-me-down from some friends.  The requirements are "able to sit independently" and "weigh a minimum of 16 lbs."  We were fairly certain that the sitting portion would be the hold up, but we were quite mistaken.  So close, little one! 

Ellie has been doing a better job of sleeping through the night, but is still waking up around five.  Yep, that would be five o'clock in the morning.  She's happy, it's working for her, but wow, I wish she could share some of that endless baby energy with the grown ups.

(Working on standing with her rear up against the couch.  This exercise evokes intense emotions.)

We've been getting ready for Christmas during this Advent season.  Last year was full of so much anticipation as we waited for little miss "is likely to be a preemie" "full term plus a day" Ellie, and this year is more fun and parties and watching Ellie enjoy the lights and wrapping paper.

(Baby Santa has bad hair days sometimes.)

(New tradition: Displaying previous years' Christmas cards.  We got a few cheap frames, and every few years, we'll do a collage frame of them all.)

(The stockings hung on the banister with care, and a Pintrest-inspired wreath of cards.)

Speaking of wrapping paper... Just because Ellie isn't crawling doesn't mean she can't cause trouble.  She got into the gifts yesterday.  I snatched a package just before the tissue paper went into her mouth.  Seriously, she is a baby on a mission.  I thought she was sitting far enough away from the goodies stacked under the tree, but her super flexibility allows her to bend in half from a sitting position, grab whatever she's not supposed to be touching, and sit back up triumphantly.  This little one needs to teach yoga.  Or be a gymnast.  Or a contortionist. 

(Interjection: As I write this, Ellie is playing on the floor.  I just witnessed a total crawling fail, because she was trying to crawl with one thumb in her mouth.  Crash.  Boom.  But she's totally fine.)

We'll attend our first Christmas party of the season this weekend, and I am going to try to get out and run, too.  A sore throat and some intense rain have kept me from running for a few days, and I need to pick out a goal race for the spring.  Locals, I'll take suggestions.... anywhere from 10K to full marathon, clearly, I am early in my decision making process.

And because today is Friday, here's my weekly-ish Instagram dump.

(We wish you a Merry Christmas!)

Have a great weekend!

P.S.  Ellie fed herself a few puffs this morning.  If you have a child with Down syndrome, you know this is a very big deal.  I put them in a teacup and held the cup - made the "picking up" step easy.  The "put puff in mouth step" is still a work in progress!  At least it's motivation to keep the carpets clean, now that she can pick dirt up and feed it to herself... Gross. 

I am sharing my holiday home decor and cleaning tips for the chance to win prizes from The SITS Girls and Great Cleaners.