With Mini B’s first birthday rapidly approaching, it’s about time I get out her monthly updates, eh?  Guess I’ve totally fallen into that group of people who can’t keep New Year’s Resolutions.  Oh well–I think we all knew that was going to happen.  So here’s what Mini B looked like at 9 months . . .

It’s getting harder and harder to get a good shot of her on the chaise since the kid literally moves non-stop.  Crazy kid.

But let’s look back at what Mini B was up to in her ninth month of life, shall we?  She tried on her first pair of shoes, which only lasted for about 5 minutes and which caused some confusion but no real concern.

As long as they didn’t impede her crawling, then she didn’t really care.

During her ninth month, she also celebrated her first Valentine’s Day with a rose from her dad (I think he was channeling Sean from the Bachelor with that gift).

She was pretty fascinated with it.  For about 8.3 seconds.  Then she broke it and moved on.  Foreshadowing much?

But she’s still giving kisses, which still might just be the best things EVER.

She also continued honing her Baby Led Weaning eating skills.  Bagels with cream cheese were one of her favorites . . .

She helped her Mom and Dad celebrate their wedding anniversary.

And then she continued her traveling ways with a trip out West.  That’s right, we braved ~6 hours on 2 planes . . .

and ended up here:

Everyone know where we went?  How about this clue:

That’s right–SEATTLE!!  We got to spend a week out in the Pacific Northwest, and Mini B fit right in . . .

The biggest challenge was keeping her on some type of schedule and on East Coast time.  But she managed pretty well.

She had a good time tackling everything in site in our hotel room.

And somehow felt she was qualified to change herself.  Hmm.

And she got to meet some new people along the way.  First–her new bestie, E:

Who gave her a tour of Seattle’s fishing locks . . .

. . . and Microsoft’s campus (they have FREE Starbucks there!  How happy was I to score a free Starbucks hot chocolate?!?!):

Being on the left coast also meant that Mini B finally got to meet her Auntie E and Uncle J for the first time!  She practically melted in Auntie E’s arms and couldn’t stop giving her kisses.  It was so so sweet.

Sadly, Uncle J didn’t get quite such a warm reception . . .

But she came around a little bit (well, at least for enough time to snap a quick pic) . . .

Not only did we get in some good friend and family time, but we also hit the sites.  The Public Market.

In case you were wondering, they have some really good donut holes there.  Just sayin’.

We also took Mini B on the Monorail to check out some of the most notable Seattle tourist traps attractions.

The Seattle Center was pretty fantastic.  If only the weather could’ve been more cooperative, but cold, misty rain is pretty much par for the course out there.

Once we checked the sites off our list, it was time for some shopping.  Oh Nordstrom–how I’ve missed you.

After a week away, we were anxious to get home.  Mini B did pretty fantastically on the plane rides.  She only lost her cool during the last half hour of our last flight, so count us as thankful.  But once we landed, she was all smiles to be back in Buffalo.

While in Seattle, Mini B became a master at pulling herself up to the standing position.  She wanted to stand constantly.  Unfortunately, the only pictures I have of that are when she was naked.  And since I’m keeping this blog G-rated, those pics will remain for our eyes only. 🙂

As if traveling wasn’t torture enough, we decided to do a Daddy-Daughter dress alike photo shoot the day after we got home.  Sometimes we just get stir crazy and do nutty things.  Deal.

Somebody wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea.

Luckily she warmed up.

So there you have it.  I can’t believe how different she looks only a few months ago.  Back then she still had her high-and-tight hairdo, only a few teeth, and lots and lots of chub.  Now, sigh.  So different.  Where does the time go?!  Anyways, Happy Belated 9th Birthday Mini B!!!  We love you.