Nine Months Old!

Peyton is nine months old today! In addition to practicing her crawling, standing up, and eating, she is learning all sorts of new tricks, like laughing back at us, pulling Gizmo's tail, and banging her high chair tray while waiting for dinner.

She is now 27 3/4 inches tall (58%), 18 pounds, 14 ounces (52%) and her head measures 17 1/4 inches (46%).

Here is this month's winning portrait:


And because I couldn't decide on which outfit I liked better, here's another contender:

And this month I'm bringing back a fan favorite - the outtakes.

"As Tyra would say, I'm fierce!"


"Oh, hello, Gizmo!"


"Picture taking is fun!"


"Mom, I'm getting kinda hungry, how much longer?"


"Ok, I gotta find a way outta here. This is boring now."


"Seriously, mom. If you take one more picture I'm going to die."

Grandparents Rule

Peyton is blessed. She has four amazing grandparents. My parents were generous enough to fly all the way from Phoenix to DC to babysit Peyton while we were on vacation. Not only did they take care of a sick, cranky baby, but in doing so, they allowed Martin and me to spend a great weekend away together. I hate that we are so far away, but Peyton feels the love from afar. She's one lucky girl.

Wine Weekend Getaway

Martin and I were incredibly lucky to take an extended weekend trip to Sonoma, California with some great friends. My best bud Rebecca (who introduced me to Martin) had an adorable daughter, Emma, a year ago, and we specifically planned this trip so the four of us could get away for a little relaxation post-baby.

I can't say it was easy to leave Peyton. Not only was this the first time we'd be away, but she was seriously sick with a horrible cold and an ear infection. But, Grandma and Grandpa Richardson stepped up big time and made sure she was taken care of, spoiled rotten, and all healed up by the time we got back.

Here are a few pictures from our trip - an extra special shout out to Scott Fawcett, who despite his hatred of wine, was such a good sport and humored all of us at multiple tastings!

Guess Who Is A Big Girl?

Peyton can stand up all by herself! Coffee tables, couches, arms, legs, and even Gizmo have all become Peyton's personal boosters. I guess it's time to take the bumper down.

Six Month Professional Pictures

If nothing else, I'm timely. On Peyton's nine month birthday I am finally putting up some professional pictures we had taken in July. These were taken by Emily Hayes in Virginia...she was great to work with, and we are looking forward to our next session later this month!

Sleeping Dislexia

Peyton's a pretty good sleeper. Monday thru Friday she wakes up between six and seven. Sometimes, she even sleeps past eight, which causes one of us to be late for work (NEVER wake a sleeping baby!) But without fail, Peyton is bright eyed and bushy tailed at FIVE AM on Saturday and Sunday. I have no idea how she knows the difference, or if she even does. But somehow she has to learn that weekends are for sleeping in! Here she is last Saturday morning, watching cartoons in her pj's at about 5:30am.

Our Little Fish

Peyton has completed three of her eight weeks of swim class - and she loves it. She's learning to float on her back (she loves when the water touches the back of her head), and she splashes like crazy. The only downside is the indoor pool temperature is freezing, and poor little Peyton's lower lip quivers the entire time.