Addie had her nine-month check-up earlier this month. She’s growing like a weed (check the stats). A few of her new skills include high fives, clapping (sometimes), pulling up to a stand and sitting back down and saying bye (with a vigorous wave). She likes playing games like crawling after us, peeking around corners, dancing to music, balancing things on her head and knocking things over. Here’s a few photos of her from around the house, visiting with her Grammy and swimming at Aunt Jeanne’s and Uncle Richard’s house.

Over the past month Addie has become a bit more interested in obsessed with dogs. While she was always mildly amused by Ben and Rogan, it was our trip to Pennsylvania where she fully experienced the fun of playing with a dog, the Connors’ Chloe. Since then, she’s romped with Tula and Rita at the lake house and attempted to get up close and personal with our giants. They’re tolerant but not especially intrigued. Addie, on the other hand, pants when she sees them, points, and screams “Da!”in their general direction. I guess it’s safe to say she takes after Steve’s side of the family in regards being animal lovers.

Addie and Chloe from Ellen Strong on Vimeo.

Little Miss Adelaide, seasoned jetsetter and professional charmer, headed north a few weeks ago to visit her PA relatives. After a successful visit (no contagion, no “weather events”) with the fam, we packed the minivan (yes, the Connors still rock the Grand Caravan proudly) and headed south via Aunt Beth’s house all the way to the Outer Banks.

While the weather was a bit chilly and the beachfront was downright cold and sandblasty, the solar-heated pool and hot tub saw good use. Addie dipped her toes in the pool enough to check the “she got in the water” box.

Addie really found her sea knees on the trip. That is to say she got her crawling skillz down to an art and proudly scurried around the house, dodging family legs and hunting for any small imperfection or stray object that might prove edible.

Overall the week at the beach was great fun with the whole family. Here’s the evidence as seen from Addie eye level, mostly.

Addie has been exploring facial expressions lately. While playing today, she shared a few with me and asked to share them with you, too.

The last one seems to be her favorite face to make lately. Oh my…

Addie had another big adventure north to see her PA grandparents over the past few weeks. She got to sit/play in some antique furniture that her dad once used…

More photos of the trip soon to come!