9 months old

Our little baby is growing up so fast.  Today she is 9 months old, and full of tricks.  We love her!

Ruthy's list of tricks:

1. She plays catch, rolling a ball back and forth between legs
2. She points to Daddy's nose or ear, on command
3. She can say: Ma-ma, Da-da, No-no, Ba-ba (ball), Num-num (when she likes the food)
4. She clicks her tongue 
5. She plays "1, 2, 3..." for anything fun, like tickle her, throw her up in the air, or have her stand on her own
6. She can stand on her own against a wall or holding onto something
7. She sings, often while playing the piano
8. She gives high fives
9. She plays peek-a-boo, covering her own eyes with a blanket until you say, "Where's Ruthy?"
10. She claps when you say, "Good job, Ruthy!" or "Clap your hands!"
11. She waves hello and goodbye
12. She is very ticklish 
13. She sticks out her tongue if she sees yours
14. She feeds herself, and can eat a whole banana
15. She eats whatever we are eating - including spicy red beans and cheese grits
16. She loves to climb over things, like parents or siblings lying on the sheepskin rug
17. She joyfully brushes and flosses her teeth 
18. She causes strangers, even those who look like hardened criminals, to pause and say, "That is an adorable baby!"
19. She drinks from a straw
20. She always looks you in the eye and smiles back
21. She gives mommy and daddy hugs, and kisses on the cheek
22. She is happiest in large groups where she can socialize with, flirt and charm her many admirer