Well, it was back to the doctor’s office today for the nine month checkup. Avery’s doing great. She’s 21 lbs., 7 oz. and stands 28 inches tall. This puts her in the 86th and 54th percentiles, respectively. Her head circumference is in the 50th percentile.

All her activity and motor skills are right where they should be. The doctor commented at how bright-eyed and alert she was. In the coming months we need to increase the solid food a bit and decrease the amount of formula she has – including the freebie bottle she gets in the middle of the night when she wakes up crying. Going forward, we need to let her cry it out and make her sleep through the night. Neither Mom or I were terribly upset to hear this. Avery’s sure to be another story.

Avery’s got a little residual fluid in her ears from a recent ear infection, but that will clear up soon. And, since she’s up on her shots and looking good, we shouldn’t be returning to the doctor until her first birthday in a few months. Can’t wait to see what we learn then.

The doctor was late for our appointment, so we had plenty of time for examination room exploration. I took some video of Avery crawling and a handful of photos once the exam started. She finally got her arms and shoulders to cooperate when she wants to go somewhere, so she’s a speed demon now. Mom, Dad, Kelsey, and the pets are all on high alert when Avery decides she’s taking off. The top item on this weekend’s agenda is childproofing the house.

Click any photo to view large…

Heart beat? Check.

Exploring

On the move

Ear check

Abdomen exam

Staring contest. (Avery won)