9 months

Little A has grown up fast this month. I said in the last post that she wasn't doing a classic crawl, well - she clearly read that over my shoulder and thought "I'll show her": a 'classic crawl' was executed within 24 hours of typing the words, and she hasn't stopped since!

She's communicating loads - waves bye-bye, claps her hands and will give things to different people when asked (i.e. give it to Leo, give it to Daddy etc). We think she might even be saying her first word - "clap". She certainly says something very like it often when she is clapping. Clapping is her current hobby, and she loves clapping along to "If you're happy and you know it", and generally applauding everything.

Starting to fulfil obligatory role of pesky little sister and causes much consternation by crawling into the middle of train tracks and knocking over bridges, eating trains etc. Really wants to play trains with big bro! Always tries to get Leo's dummy especially if he is having his nappy changed - she's twigged that his defences are down at that moment. Changing one of his ripe meaty number 2s is enough of a challenge without trying to keep her hands out of it!

No sign of teeth, but seems to be managing fine without and will happily chew on pieces of toast, diced veggies, sweetcorn, peas etc. (She'll probably read this, say "I'll show her" and sprout 6 at once overnight).

Very steady on her feet, crouches and stands back up with no problem, and cruises around holding onto things. The trolley is a bit fast for her - although she gives it a go - but her vehicle of choice is a toy box on casters which she'll drive around the room.

Can't believe our beautiful little baby girl is so big and grown-up! She's wearing shoes and everything :-)

When I say she wears shoes... she does when she wants to

She always bounces with excitement when you go in to get her up from a nap.

Having a chat with Mummy

A friendly hand-hold? Or about to bend her fingers back painfully... you can never be quite sure! Check out Angharad's cot crew hanging out in the background. Bunny is the one who gets cuddled at sleeptime.

Behold: the sock is off.