DICKSON FAMILY: 9 months

Month nine (according to my recollection and loads of pictures) marked for Harlow the beginning of what I now recognize as Harlow's adventurous and independent personality. She still doesn't make a big fuss over much, but she is also not likely to sit by the sidelines and watch for too long either. I guess with three older siblings it's natural to want to be in the action, but it's the way she gets involved without big demands on anyone else's help that makes it very Harlow-esq.

When she sees something she wants, she just goes right after it. "Oooh..clementines, I like those, I think I'll have one." I went ahead and let her have at this clementine and she loved being able to get to the delicious juices all on her own. Not even the bitter skin proved to be a deterrent or frustration. She must get that from her grandmother.

Juicy fruit is nice, but Harlow's most favorite thing this month was discovering she could climb up the stairs. I must have chased her up the stairs a hundred times, with the highlight of course, being on the chase.

Nothing cuter than her mischievous happy squeal when she realizes she's been caught.

This month also marked the true start of Harlow's role as lifelong playmate to Ruby. The two of them spend all day together and have loved figuring out how much more fun life is with a sister.

This picture cracks me up. Ruby still has her moments when she'd like to get all of the "baby attention." It looks like Harlow is fairly accommodating to those wishes when they surface.

Enjoying Harlow's Christmas present together.

Ruby was thrilled when she discovered Harlow could play their own version of tag. (chase the scarf might be a more accurate title.)

It think it was a "win" for everyone.

All the snow this winter brought Harlow plenty of opportunities to discover the cold wet wonder first hand. She mostly stayed inside on snow days, but on the few occasions I took her out, she seemed to just endure more than enjoy her few minutes in the cold. I don't think even our tandem ride down the hill impressed her much.

She had much more fun this month she really showed off her balancing prowess, walking confidently with her walker.

Harlow has certainly brought out Ruby's mothering side.

Harlow is no shorty, so I don't think it will be be too long before Harlow is more than Ruby's arms can hold.

Harlow couldn't have been happier in this moment.

...but even the happiest moments must end.

Harlow is a big dishwasher fan. When I need a minute with both my hands I often set her down in front of the silverware and I know she'll play happily for a while. I love watching her hastily pulling out the spoons and forks and tossing them behind her with the deliberateness a "to-do list" task. Our silverware ends up taking a few extra trips through the wash cycle for her, but watching her "work" makes it totally worth it.

Following in Ruby's footsteps Harlow has become very interested in clothes and has started to "put them on." It's usually things around her neck and they usually don't make sense, but it's adorable to see her try.

I think she is also beginning to become more aware that she has a paparazzi-style mother because she got pretty good at telling me when she was done taking pictures.