This is a day that a mom would normally be happy, excited... a day that she would normally celebrate. ...And even though I feel happy for my boy, I find that I am also quite sad. I sit here with thoughts of everything I'm missing, every milestone that (developmentally) we as parents are supposed to experience with him during this next month as he grows. Yes, I know that all babies develop at their own rate, but be it 2 weeks early or 3 weeks late... these are still things that I will only read about in a WBC report. ....and that makes me just a little sad.
The "Creepy-Crawler" 9 Month Old
The 9-month-old child continues making major gains in development and begins displaying a little independence. The youngster of this age is always on the move and will begin to get opinionated about such things as what foods to eat and when to go to sleep. Occasionally, these opinions turn into protests, so now is the time to begin setting some limits and saying "no".
Keep up a constant chatter with your 9-month-old child. Talking to your child while dressing, bathing, feeding, playing, walking and driving encourages speech development.
Encourage play with age-appropriate toys. Babies like to bounce, swing, reach for you, pick up and drop objects, and bang things together. Unbreakable household objects such as plastic measuring cups, large wooden spoons, pots, pans and plastic containers make great toys. A foam rubber ball helps the child develop his or her small motor skills.
Provide opportunities for safe exploration: Begin to set limits by using verbal "no's" and removing the object from the baby's sight or removing the baby from the object. Consistence of discipline is very important - adhering to the limits you set keeps your child safe.
Shoes are not necessary at this age (except for "show"...lol) or protection from the cold.
Stranger anxiety may limit some parent's ability to leave their 9-month-old with grandparents or a baby sitter. It is important for parents to get out from time to time without their little one. You get a breather, and your son or daughter learns that sometimes you do go away, but you always come back.
Development
During this period your baby will probably learn to creep, crawl and otherwise get around the room. He or she may even pull up in the bed or on furniture and begin "cruising" around the room.
Begin comprehending a few words, such as "no-no" and "bye-bye."
Begins developing certain concepts - for example, your child will retrieve a toy after he or she watched you put it under a blanket.
Sits well independently.
Bangs two toys together.
Plays interactive games well such as peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake.
Perhaps the most striking developmental achievement is the use of fingers and thumb to poke, pry, probe and pick up smaller and smaller objects.
Your baby will learn to responds to his or her own name.
Awwww.....he will be home soon hon.
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