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August 24, 2018

9 Month Baby Update

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Can you guys believe Riese is 9 months old today?! As I always say, time FLIES. Suddenly she is looking and acting a lot more like a little girl than a baby! I love it (this stage is so fun!) and hate it (this is all going by too quickly!) at the same time.

It has been awhile since I’ve done a baby check in, so I thought it would be fun to share one today!

The biggest update is that we are officially on the move – Riese just started crawling this week! She has been SO CLOSE (lots of rocking on all fours, and then getting frustrated and crying) for the past month so I knew it was only a matter of time. She took her first legit crawling movements on Tuesday, and just in the past few days she’s gotten a lot faster and able to crawl farther. Crazy how rapidly they get better at something once they figure it out! She’s happy – she used to get pretty frustrated trying to crawl and not being able to.

So, bring on the baby proofing! We already put covers on the electrical outlets, and we bought some cabinet locks but need to get those on. Baby gates need to happen ASAP too – there’s a flight of steep, scary, narrow stairs literally right outside the door to the nursery. Yikes. If you have any baby-proofing tips, I’m all ears!

Feeding

In terms of feeding, we are still going strong with breastfeeding, although we supplement a few times a week with a little formula because I can’t always keep up with the demand (and the very small freezer stash I once had is long gone). Riese is typically nursing 4 to 5 times per day right now – around 6/7 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. Before bed (around 6/6:30), we always give her a bottle (I sometimes nurse her first, but only if I feel like I still have any milk left – I don’t usually have much at this time of day). I am still pumping before I go to bed (around 9 or 10) so that milk goes towards the next evening’s bottle, although it’s not always quite enough… depends on the day!

We’ve also had a fun (and VERY messy – omg) time with baby led weaning! (More on baby led weaning and how we got started with it in this post: our experience with baby led weaning.) Generally, we offer Riese food in between nursing sessions because that’s when she seems most into it. (I know some people do combined feeds with milk/formula + real food at the same time, but she seems to prefer one or the other.) Usually she gets breakfast around 9, and lunch around 12. When we first started giving her real food, we did just breakfast, and have since added in lunch as it felt more manageable/she got more interested in food. Sometimes she also gets a mid-afternoon snack around 3… depends on the day/if it makes sense logistically. We haven’t been doing a real food “dinner” because she gets a big bottle right before bed and is usually not interested in taking the time to play around with food in the evening.

Riese’s favorite foods so far are nut butter (we stir it into something else like yogurt/cottage cheese, or give it to her on toast or as a sauce coating little pieces of sweet potato), yogurt, blueberries, strawberries, bread, applesauce (especially if PB is mixed in) and my banana egg pancake. She also likes shredded chicken, salmon, peas, broccoli, beets, squash, and my banana oatmeal! We give her most of her food straight on her tray as finger food, but for things like yogurt or oatmeal we still pre-load her bendy spoon for her to feed herself. It’s a total mess but oh well!

Still no teeth, although I didn’t have teeth until I was well over a year old apparently so I don’t think she’ll get any anytime soon… but you never know!

Currently, she loves: bouncing (either in a bouncer or in your lap – my arms are getting quite strong!), going for walks, standing with assistance, pulling herself up and down using you as a prop, and our dog and cat. She is REALLY obsessed with the animals now and loves trying to pet them! We are working on “gentle”… not quite there yet, but she’ll figure it out. 🙂 So far Freyja (the dog) is obsessed with licking her (hands + feet + face if she can do it before we stop her) but doesn’t love to be pet by her (she’ll just walk away). Zara (the cat) has actually been a lot more interested in Riese, too, and loves comes over and letting her pet her – she has even been okay in the few instances Riese has gotten a little too grabby – she didn’t run away or anything, which surprised me. Riese also loves watching big kids at the playground, going upside down (with our assistance), being tickled, and the swings! I definitely think she’s going to be a daredevil!

She doesn’t like: sitting still. 🙂 If the stroller stops, she immediately wants out! And eating meals out with her is challenging because she is so grabby right now. Everything immediately goes into the mouth so we have to be careful what’s within arm’s reach (I swear her arms double in length anytime we try to go to a restaurant…) She also loves dropping toys/food/utensils/etc. on the floor, and then letting us pick them up for her. Ha! Smart girl. 😉

Sleep

We lucked out with a great nighttime sleeper (knock on wood). I’m sure it’s probably absolutely nothing that we did and more just that she happens to be a good sleeper – I think some kids are just better sleepers than others naturally. She usually conks out by 6:30 and sleeps until anywhere between 5 and 7 depending. We know we are lucky!

She’s not a great napper (usually just takes 2 really short cat naps of about 30 minutes), but that’s totally fine with us because she sleeps so well at night. We moved her to her crib about a month ago, and she has done well in there. I miss having her right by us all night but it’s really nice to have our room to ourselves again! We do some of her naps in the crib and some are on the go (either in the car, or carrier, or stroller). I’m sure if we had more of a set routine during the day she might nap better, but… that’s just not really our style/I’m not that organized and that’s okay. 🙂 She seems fine with it so we are too! I love when she falls asleep on me in the carrier because I don’t usually get to hold her for naps anymore and I miss it! Anytime that happens while we are out walking, I come home and veeeeery carefully take off the carrier, then hold her for the rest of her nap. <3

So there you have it – Riese at 9 months in a nutshell! She’s a very busy bee right now and I’m always exhausted after my days at home with her, but I cherish our full days together and it’s such a joy to see her become so energetic and engaging. We have her 9 month pediatrician appointment today – I’m curious to see how much she weighs! Hopefully everything looks good.

One last question for those of you with little ones – at what age did you start putting shoes on them? Meaning, functional shoes vs. just super cute looking ones (although those are fun too!). Since it’s still hot out, I don’t have her in any sort of shoes or anything because we haven’t needed them for warmth, but I’m wondering if some flexible/grippy shoes might be good relatively soon as she starts attempting to walk and stand more with our help? Thoughts?

Have a nice weekend guys!

- anne
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46 comments
  • Stephanie DuCharme August 24, 2018 · 10:12AM:
    Thanks for sharing this update! My daughter is a month and a half younger than yours and I have enjoyed following your pregnancy and baby updates!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2018 · 10:00AM:
      Yay, thanks for reading!
      Reply
  • Cristin August 24, 2018 · 10:25AM:
    Bare feet are best for learning to walk! She needs to feel her feet on the floor. Don’t worry about shoes until she’s a confident walker. If it’s chilly, I always recommend Zutano booties or a soft crib shoe like Robeez. Loved the update!
    Reply
  • Katie August 24, 2018 · 10:25AM:
    We didn’t really use shoes until recently, my daughter is 16 months. Last fall/winter we used Zutano booties when we went out. They have grips on the bottom and are somewhat difficult for little ones to remove!
    Reply
  • Megan August 24, 2018 · 10:25AM:
    We kept Brett in Robeez or barefoot until he got the hang of walking.
    Reply
  • Susan August 24, 2018 · 10:27AM:
    She's just precious! And I really appreciate how you acknowledge that her good night sleeping is more good luck than anything. So many moms try to take an inordinate amount of credit for something that is mostly out of their control (whether that be sleeping, eating, or whatever!). Regarding shoes, take it with a grain of salt, but our pediatrician said it was best to let them go barefoot as much as possible when learning to walk.
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2018 · 9:59AM:
      Haha yeah I have no delusions that we are magical baby whisperers in terms of sleep - just got super lucky!
      Reply
  • Katie August 24, 2018 · 10:28AM:
    We used Zutano booties last winter/fall. They have grips on the bottom and are hard for the little ones to take off! My daughter is 16 months and we only recently started having her wear shoes.
    Reply
  • Angela
    August 24, 2018 · 10:31AM:
    My baby is only 4.5 months right now, so I’m definitely not an expert, but I’m reading the book Balanced and Barefoot and [not surprisingly looking at the title] it recommends keeping little ones barefoot as much as possible for more sensory input and stronger arches!
    Reply
  • Paula August 24, 2018 · 10:39AM:
    She really is the cutest thing ever, and even I can't believe she's 9 months already! I'm pretty sure I was *just* reading your posts about her being in the wrong position and whether you should schedule a c-section or try repositioning techniques.
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2018 · 9:58AM:
      I know, time flies!!
      Reply
  • Sarah @ Bucket List Tummy
    August 24, 2018 · 10:49AM:
    I can't believe she's 9 months old! I always try to book mark your monthly posts so when Cam reaches that month I can reread. It's fun to read about babies and animals - Cam is totally infatuated with our dog and she licks her feet/hands/face all the time too. Hopefully the 9 month check up goes well today!
    Reply
  • Lauren H August 24, 2018 · 10:49AM:
    We put our little guy in shoes once he really got good at walking/moved into the 1 year old room at daycare (they take them outside to play and need their feet protected). Like true millennial parents we generally do tons of online shopping and don't go into stores very often. We originally tried ordering shoes for him on zappos and had no luck (too big, too small, not comfortable for him, too narrow etc). We found it ended up being much easier to go into a childrens shoe store and actually have him sized and have him try a bunch on. We ended up with this one. They're a bit expensive for something they wont wear for very long but so worth it for him to be safe and comfortable. https://www.striderite.com/en/soft-motion-kellen-sneaker/19487B.html?dwvar_19487B_color=BB54040#cgid=walking-101&prefn1=littleKidShoeSize&prefv1=4&prefn2=sizeType&prefv2=Boy&start=1
    Reply
  • Amy August 24, 2018 · 10:55AM:
    Too cute! My girl is just a week younger than yours. I’m LOVING this stage of moving and eating and so much alert time. We only did moccasins on our oldest for the first several months of walking. Freshly Picked are our faves, but we also have some Robeez slipper shoes. Our pediatrician said the same as above- barefoot or as close to it as possible is the best for new walkers, not super sturdy/inflexible soled shoes.
    Reply
    • Amy August 24, 2018 · 10:56AM:
      Oh, I forgot to add- for baby proofing, make sure you secure furniture to walls that she might pull up on. Dressers, side tables, bookshelves, TV stand, etc. I’ve heard too many sad stories of kids having furniture tip on them!
      Reply
      • Anne
        August 27, 2018 · 9:58AM:
        Ah, good call - thanks!
        Reply
  • Crystal August 24, 2018 · 11:23AM:
    At around 9 months (hit during fall) I got a pair of moccasins (elastic band hidden around the ankle for easy on and off) bc her socks were getting so dirty from ‘standing and walking’ (with assistance) while we were out and about. GZYIBU Bowknot Is Soft Bottom Tassel Toddler Shoes Spring and Autumn Baby Sandals https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I3XTURO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6icGBb4XEYNE8
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2018 · 9:57AM:
      Sweet, thanks for the rec!
      Reply
  • Gina August 24, 2018 · 11:25AM:
    She is just adorable!!! Thanks for sharing the update!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2018 · 9:57AM:
      Thanks Gina! :)
      Reply
  • Amy August 24, 2018 · 11:30AM:
    Barefoot is actually best without any shoes getting in the way. Once she's walking or the weather gets cooler, get some Robeez. We had a pair as "slippers" for inside and a separate dirty pair for going out. They run big so buy a size smaller than you'd think. I didn't put real shoes on my boys until they were fully mobile and walking everywhere when we went out.
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2018 · 9:56AM:
      That's smart to have an outdoor and an indoor pair!
      Reply
  • Megan B. August 24, 2018 · 11:38AM:
    My oldest was the same way with sleep! If she ever slept for 45+ minutes we were high-fiving all over the place! But she started sleeping for 10-12 hours at night when she was about 6-7 months old, so I was fine with it. But then my second kiddo really looooves sleep - she takes 2-3 hour naps and still sleeps for, like, 10 hours at night. (And yet somehow I'm still exhausted - haha!!) And with both of my kids, we didn't start putting shoes on them until they started walking. And even then, it was only when we left the house. My kids are still mostly barefoot.
    Reply
  • Amber P. August 24, 2018 · 12:12PM:
    Speaking as a physical therapist, it is best for them to be barefoot as much as possible. When it does come time for shoes, some brands I recommend are stride rite, see kai run, and tsukihoshi. You want to look for a flat foot bed (no rise at all like you would find in a running shoe. As cute as baby Nike’s are, they aren’t good for the developing foot). Also look for a flexible sole as the stiffer soles make it more difficult for them to walk. Hope that helps!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2018 · 9:56AM:
      This is so helpful - thank you!
      Reply
    • Anne
      October 4, 2018 · 3:00PM:
      Hi Amber! I'm revisiting the comments on this post as I'm just starting to research baby shoes for Riese now that she's doing a ton of "walking" with our assistance. I'll keep her barefoot at home, but for the park and stuff it would be nice to have a shoe option. Do you recommend Robeez brand baby shoes? Seems like most people recommended that brand as a flexible/not stiff baby shoe. Would love to hear your thoughts as a PT - thank you in advance!
      Reply
      • Amber P. October 4, 2018 · 3:56PM:
        Hi Anne! My 14 month old son is wearing Robeez as we speak. They are a great, affordable moccasin. He is walking independently, and I have him in Robeez most of the time unless he is going to be in dirt/muddy park areas. Hope that helps!
        Reply
        • Anne
          October 4, 2018 · 5:50PM:
          Okay awesome - thank you! :)
          Reply
        • Anne
          October 4, 2018 · 5:51PM:
          One more question -- what shoes do you do for dirty/muddy areas? :)
          Reply
          • Amber P October 4, 2018 · 6:42PM:
            Stride rite. They have a selection of shoes called “soft motion” which are really great for new walkers. For example: https://www.striderite.com/en/soft-motion-bambi-sneaker/12682B.html?dwvar_12682B_color=BG43319#cgid=walking-101&start=1 You just want to look for a shoe with a soft, flexible bottom. Avoid shoes that have a stiff sole or have a higher part of the sole over be heel than forefoot.
            Reply
          • Amber P. October 4, 2018 · 6:58PM:
            I really like stride rite, they have a “soft motion” collection for new walkers. For example: https://www.striderite.com/en/soft-motion-bambi-sneaker/12682B.html?dwvar_12682B_color=BG43319#cgid=walking-101&start=1
            Reply
            • Anne
              October 4, 2018 · 7:13PM:
              Thanks so much!!
              Reply
  • Lara August 24, 2018 · 12:21PM:
    I love her red hair! We didn't put shoes on A until she was predictably walking. I've heard that barefoot walking is the best, so until she was walking around outside, she was barefoot!
    Reply
  • Gretchen
    August 24, 2018 · 12:26PM:
    You know I’m all about the baby shoes - Freshly Picked baby is moccasins are my fave! Penny is in all soft-soled shoes because they are better for foot development and learning to walk without depending on an outside stability source. Plus they’re sooooooooo cute duh
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2018 · 9:52AM:
      They really are cute!!
      Reply
  • Stephanie August 24, 2018 · 1:29PM:
    We did Robeeze or moccasins or just bare feet until both kids were really walking. They learn more easily with bare feet. Don’t worry about real shoes until she’s actually walking around, then get her a good pair. Nordstrom will actually still fit kids for shoes and you can find reasonably priced, good walking shoes.
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2018 · 9:52AM:
      That's really good to know about Nordstrom!
      Reply
  • Angie August 24, 2018 · 1:32PM:
    Barefoot is best but when in public definitely look for Robeez or stride rite. I went to Nordstrom for my boys first fitting and they’re so helpful. I haven’t seen a stride rite store in forever. Converse and things like that cute are cute but not supportive. My youngest didn’t nap well at first and then I realized he was just fussy as he adjusted himself in his crib and if I ha e him a minute then he’d go back to sleep. Something to consider. She’s adorable!
    Reply
  • Aimee August 24, 2018 · 1:56PM:
    What a sweet face she has! I can't believe she's already 9 months! My little guy is 5.5 months old and about to start solids. If you like Riese's high chair, would you mind sharing the brand?
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2018 · 9:52AM:
      Sure! We do like it - especially because there's no fabric or anything to get dirty... easier to clean! It's cheap, too - from IKEA: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S89228434/
      Reply
  • Nicole @ Laughing My Abs Off
    August 24, 2018 · 3:02PM:
    Wow 9 months already!! That's so crazy; they grow up so fast ;) She does sound super adventurous, just like her parents!
    Reply
  • Roadrunner August 24, 2018 · 3:55PM:
    Thanks, great to follow her progress! Exciting for you and Matt!
    Reply
  • Catie August 25, 2018 · 10:58AM:
    We just started putting shoes on our 8 month old daughter. I found a decent pair with a solid bottom at Walmart for $10. They’re cute and since they will only fit her for a short while they were a good buy.
    Reply
  • Kris S August 25, 2018 · 2:19PM:
    Can't believe she's 9 months already! Can't wait to visit you guys again sometime and see her in a much more active state :) It's fun following on the blog :) Seems like she's doing great! As a neuroscientist babies always blow my mind: it's crazy how they can go from basically a blob to doing such complex things in such a short time, and how quickly it changes from one day/week to another! Go Riese! Crawl it up girl! ;)
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2018 · 9:49AM:
      You definitely need to come see her again! :) She changes so quickly it's crazy!
      Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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