Having finally solved all our computer virus problems (thanks Jai), I can post a decent blog – hooray! I had envisaged posting a new video of Kaitlyn each day of the week, last week; however our computer had other ideas… So I apologise for only getting to Tuesday!
In all the busyness, our little one has learnt a couple of new tricks – all very impressive (and scary too – well for me anyway, I find myself being the mother of a little toddler all too soon). 
While the traditional crawl appears out of the question, she is very good at pulling herself along in the commando position – pulling her legs behind the rest of her body. And while that’s nothing new, she did discover this week how to sit herself back into a sitting position from her tummy. I must say this new ability is one much to be enjoyed by everyone around her, as we have been at the mercy of her crying when she became frustrated lying down. The perplexing thing is, she has to move her body into the traditional crawl position to sit back up – why she doesn’t make the connection to move her arms and legs while she is there, is beyond me.
Also being added to the trick bag is pulling herself up into standing. She is still very wobbly on her feet, but has begun working out how to use the furniture (and just about anything else she can find) to stand up. You only have to watch her face to see just how proud she is of herself with this one – she has a look around to see who is watching and then gives them a big grin. 
Grandma boasts to be the first one to see it in action, as she walked into the living room last Wednesday to see Kaitlyn holding onto her nappy box and pushing it along like a trolley – walking and everything! While I do believe Nanna wasn’t seeing things, I have yet to witness the feat, perhaps the tricks are being saved for Wednesdays??
So what else has characterised Kaitlyn at nine months?
Lot’s activity in the bath – she is moving all around the bath seat checking things out, and then leaning over for the occasional drink of bath water – yes very disgusting, but also rather funny. 
Putting her hands to her head has become a favourite thing to do – not sure if she is imitating someone, or just a little unbelieving of the recent excellent form from the Eels. 
Squealing is another past time – in particular when out in public, she seems to think it the best way to say hello to those around her. At the moment everyone seems to find it adorable – just not sure how much longer that will last?? 
Not content to enjoy her alphabet floor for the colourful fun it is, she has worked out how to pull out the letters and give them a good old chew – those two little teeth are getting one hell of a workout! 
Speaking of teeth, I have bought Kaitlyn her first little toothbrush, just to get her familiar with the idea. She just loves watching Ash brush his teeth for work in the morning – now she can join in. 
“Look Mum – no hands!” 
As I prepare to go back to work in a matter of weeks, I have begun my farewell tour – one final visit to my girlfriends and their babies before all the fun ends. Kaitlyn and I caught up with Daniela and Enrique just before his big first birthday, and he showed us just what a big boy he is by taking little steps without holding on! 
And finally, here are some family shots taken at the local park – enjoying the winter sunshine…
