NINE MONTHS!!!

Yesterday, Reese had her nine month appointment. I cannot believe we are almost through her first year already! Everyone was right - it's going fast. Too fast. :( John and I are amazed at how she seems to be changing and growing everyday. The last time we posted she was just learning to crawl. Now, our little chilibean races all over the house and is climbing on everything. She loves to pull herself up on anything and everything - her highchair, the dishwasher, Mommy's dresser, Daddy's shoulders, Mommy's legs, Lucy's back, the living room windows, her crib the minute we lay her down for nap or bed...the girl likes to be vertical!!! All of this new movement hasn't come without lots of bumps and falls. Sometimes she gets right up and goes, but then there are the moments where she cries - the type of cry that takes a few seconds before it actually comes out. Don't worry - Mommy and Daddy are quick to kiss and make it better. Then we're off again!!! She has learned to wave and clap. She's eating all kinds of food now - although like her Mom, she loves her breads!

We took our first family vacation this month to visit Aunt Sarah in D.C. Reese swam in the hotel pool and visited President Lincoln! Well, his memorial anyway. We drove around looking at all the beautiful old houses in Georgetown and Old Alexandria. Walking though the American History Museum was really neat. There's so much to look at! Definitely felt pride for the good old U.S.A. On vacation, John and I learned the difficulty of travelling with a baby still on the two-naps-a-day schedule. We also discovered the difficulty of trying to put the baby back on the previously mentioned schedule once vacation is over. Not so fun.

All in all, we are doing well. Spring has definitely arrived in Ohio, and the Chilis are finding ourselves outside as much as possible. We are growing a garden for the first time ever! John did a great job building the box it is contained in. It's Lucy-proofed and everything. We'll post a picture later! Reese plays in the grass while we work in the yard. Yes, I'm sure she has swallowed a blade of grass or two, but I think she'll make it. We also are taking walks over to the neighborhood playground where Reese is enjoying the baby swing. God has been so good to us, and our little family is very thankful to Him for the blessings each day brings. That sounds a little cheezy, but it is true. Simple but true.