Baby’s Development at Nine Months
Watching our first grandchild grow and develop is an exciting and joyous adventure! She loves her grandfather whose heart she captured when she grabbed his finger minutes after she was born. Recently because of her increased mobility we have had to constantly check our home for safety particularly in areas where she spends time when she stays with us.
She has two teeth and tries to “taste” everything.. We cannot be distracted when eating out at a restaurant or at other enticing places where there could be some safety and health issues.
At nine months our granddaughter recognizes the voices of her family members even on the speaker phone, loves familiar songs, nursery rhymes and games such as peek-a-boo. She says “da-da” and several other sounds and has begun to reach out when she wants to be picked up. She will tentatively allow herself to be held briefly by someone she has just met, as long as her family is nearby.
She is beginning to learn to wave bye-bye, can nod her head, and understands that “no” is a word that she isn’t very fond of. She recently responded to a “no” from her dad as she was getting ready to put something in her mouth with a loud, babbling that sounded very much like she was talking back to him. Oh my! Could we possibly have a strong-willed grandchild?
The other day she was rubbing her eyes indicating that she needed a nap, and as I lifted her out of the play yard I heard her say a sound that resembled “night-night” which I say to her before leaving her room after turning on her napping music CD and settling her into her crib. Was it a coincidence? Time will tell, I suppose
She enjoys stuffed animals and a few of finger plays, games and songs in three languages. She knows when a favorite part is coming in the chant Five Little Monkeys Jumping On the Bed and will focus on me expectantly as I say “Mama called the doctor and the doctor said, “No More Monkeys Jumping On The Bed” She smiles with recognition and pleasure upon hearing her favorite part.
Like most babies her age, she enjoys books with a picture and one word per page, books with pictures of animals and their sounds, as well as books with songs that play when the cover is opened and the book is sung or read. She likes to turn the pages randomly at this time. I am hoping that this big interest in books will continue to grow as she develops.
.
When I talk to her and look intently into her eyes and say, “I love you so much” she will sometimes touch my face gently as if to say, “I know Grandma”. This is a most wonderful and delightful stage in her life and ours! Grandchildren are such blessings to their parents and grandparents! They are a picture of God’s goodness and loving kindness towards those who are His children!
Category: Uncategorized
