The Pavelka Family: 9 Months Old!

It's hard to believe, but our little Madelyn is 9 months old already! She is growing up so fast, and accomplishing new tasks on a daily basis. Her personality is really shining through lately; she is so happy and easygoing. She's had a rough couple of months: 2 surgeries, a UTI, unexplained fevers, sleep troubles, traveling to different time zones, and teething, but she still has such a wonderful smile and a sunny disposition.
She is babbling and using her voice all of the time. She shrieks in delight frequently, and she has a contagious belly-laugh when something funny happens, like mama swatting at a fly or Taylor dancing in front of her!
She is right on track with all of her cognitive and fine motor milestones. She can play peek-a-boo, knows her own name, picks up small items, and can feed herself foods like pieces of fruit or rice puffs. She is also very clingy to mommy lately, and cries every time I leave the room!
She is slightly behind with her gross motor skills. She can't pull herself up, crawl, get on her knees, or stand holding on to furniture. She is working hard on it though! She loves having someone pull her up, and hold on to her while she stands. She has another appointment with her pediatrician in 4 weeks to check up on her progress.
She is eating a lot of table food now. She loves all fruits and vegetables, and has tried yogurt, cheese, bread, eggs, rice, juice, and whole wheat noodles.

Madelyn likes...
Being social, dancing (while sitting) to music, cuddling, playing with her toys, car rides, playing "so big!", jumping in her jumperoo, eating, bath time, sucking her thumb, car rides, playing with her sister, watching her sister do anything (especially dancing!), standing up with assistance, teething rings, screaming, babbling, playing peek-a-boo
Madelyn dislikes...
When mommy leaves the room, getting her nails clipped, being overtired, getting dressed, trying to get toys that are out of her reach

Madelyn's Latest Stats:
Weight: 17lbs (28%)
Height: 28 inches (76%)
Shoe Size: 2
Diaper Size: 3
Clothing Size: 9 Months

On July 1st, Maddy had surgery again to remove the stent put into place during her first surgery. She is officially on the road to recovery from her hydronephrosis! We will go in 4 weeks to visit Dr. Smith, her urologist, to have an ultrasound done on her kidneys and bladder.