Though this is a bit late, thought I would update you all on our 9 month life. Many of you that do not get to be around Abby Kate often have asked about her personality. Though she is attacking several developmental milestones (like crawling, pulling up, crusing, talking, feeding herself, standing without help) I thought I would focus this post on who Abby Kate is. We are enrolled in a program called Parents as Teachers that is a free program offered through our school system. We were put on a waiting list (it is in high demand) and are now officially enrolled until she turns 3. They have a specialist come into your home and bring developmental appropriate toys and observe and can help in getting your child ready for school. Our first visit was yesterday and after her assessment was complete, I was told many things. First, I was told Abby Kate is very developementally advanced. Fine and gross motor skills and language are all observed and she is ahead of the curve for her age. Now onto the funny stuff....our specialist is VERY nice...spoke in very affirming, kind words (a woman after my heart) and in her nice way, she said "Abby Kate is VERY assertive. She knows what she wants and will not stop until she gets it. She will more than likely be a high acheiveing adult. She will likely be a leader. The aspects of her personality that will be hard for you will be the parts that make her an extraordinary adult. However, there are going to be some hard parts in parenting her. You will have to set definite boundaries. I hate to label children as strong-willed but..."
Ummmm HUH? Yes....finally it has been said out loud and I was forced to see it. I know you all know me and I am as authentic as they come (a bit too transparent at times) so there is nothing in me that is that parent that thinks her child is perfect. I just couldn't put a finger on why things had been hard these past few months. Then it all became clear....the fits, the boredom, the persistance. Yep, thats our baby.
So, she went on to share that part of why she is so advanced is likely because she is not content to just sit and wait to get what she wants. She just crawled early in order to get it (instant gratifier just like me:)) Now I was a child development major so I know this personality can change (I have a brother that was the strong willed poster child but is now as pleasing and compliant as can be), but as a result of the current behavior, I am learning a dear lesson in patience.
So in a nutshell, our Abby Kate is persistant, serious, curious, funny, smart and aware. These are the parts of her that are standing out most right now. She gets bored quickly so I scouring the internet for developmentally appropriate acivities (if you have any, PLEASE share). I was advised to keep her challenged which is a bit hard for me but I can talk to a wall so at least we know her language will keep developing.
Above all, I rock and feed her before bed and DAILY thank the Lord for entrusting her to us. I pray He parents her through us, because He knows we will never get it right. I thank Him for her health, her beauty and her sweet spirit. And above all, I pray she comes to know Him and lives a life worthy of the calling He has placed on her. What a gift she is and I am amazed daily at how much she is changing me.
of Abby Kate and her buddy Adi. We have had SO much fun playing with her! They are peas in a pod! Just like her Mommy and I were (my sweet childhood friend Rachel). We were cracking up b/c Abby Kate climbed on the back of the walker and was basically riding it, as Rachel said, like a sleigh. So funny! Thanks to Adi's Dad Rob for the smiles (his vocal stylings got these girls to smiling). 
She LOVED it. I think she definitely has her Daddy's love of all things thrilling (aka fast!). 
This was just a fun pic taken outside. Don't look to closely....she has had a REALLY runny nose and will not let me near it (I think it about raw). She has 4 teeth coming in so I guess it is to be expected. Please pray she feels better soon though! It breaks my heart to see her have to take breaths as she eats. 
This is one of Abby Kate's new favorite skills. She LOVES to clap. She expects you to say "YEA!" when she does. So fun! 
