Claps, steps and Touchdown...Oh MY!

I know that I have said before that Elliana is truly amazing to us...but this week she has outdone herself. So...how do I begin to describe this week's accomplishments?!

On Sunday, Elliana quickly learned that during the football game that we got excited when a touchdown was scored. Within a few practices, Elliana began throwing both arms in the air when we called touchdown and is now officially a Bengals fan. At the doctor today, he was more than impressed to see Elliana strut her stuff and called in a nurse to witness Elliana's touchdown excitement.

On Monday, Elliana took her first four unassisted steps! She is practicing daily and seems to really enjoy the learning to walk process. As I write this, I am witnessing her stand up and walk toward her kitchen...all of her own! I think I may be chasing her in the very near future.

Tuesday...well, Elliana began clapping. Now, when we clap in excitement over an accomplishment she has made, she claps for herself, which I LOVE! I love encouraging a good self-esteem...even if she doesn't know it just yet. At storytime on Wednesday, Elliana even clapped along to the songs at the correct time. I was such a proud mama!

Wednesday, well...no major accomplishments (relatively speaking), but she continued to practice all skills above.

Today was Elliana's 9 month doctor appointment, and as I referenced above Dr. Brokaw was quite pleased with her development. Weighing in at 18.7 lbs (40%) and measuring in at 29.5" (95%), we have a very tall and lean little girl on our hands! Perhaps she is staying so thin because on numerous occassions throughout the day today, I saw her "dancing" to her music. Watching her shake her little butt is perhaps one of the cutest things I have ever seen!

Okay, I know...I am gushing. But, I really can't help myself. This week Elliana has surprised us again and reached more than one milestone. We are so incredibly blessed to have such an amazing daughter. Thank you Lord!