9 months old already!

 Is it possible that our baby is 9 months old already?  That means she's been out of the womb as long as she was in it!  In some ways, it seems like we were just bringing her home from the hospital, and in other ways, it seems like she's always been with us.  I'll try to post more recent pics of the girls together here soon, but I thought I'd share Avalyn's little 9-month photo shoot.  It happened while Elliana was sleeping, which is part of the reason she's not in any photos.  Once it seemed like she'd had enough, we headed to the swing for some play time.  Mommy didn't miss that photo opp, though.  She's a joy to have in our little family.  She's crawling all over the place and would crawl right off of beds and couches if we'd let her.  She is pulling up all the time as well and taking a
couple of steps at a time while holding on.  She
can clap and just started using her clapping to sign

 for "more" at the dinner table.  She seems to love music and wants to sing along at times.  She lights up when she sees her sister. 
The other day, while Avalyn was napping, Elliana and I got on the topic of baby Moses and how his mommy protected him from a mean Pharoah.  Elliana asked questions and then wanted to play
with baby Moses in the basket.  Later, once Avalyn woke up and was ready to play, Elliana was either still playing with baby Moses or had resumed her pretending.  In all seriousness, she asked me, "Mommy, can you keep baby Moses safe from Pharoah Avalyn?"  The Pharoah Avalyn was so funny to me, I had to share.  Does this sweet little face
look like any pharoah you've read about or seen?!

Can't miss an opportunity to chew on something!

I'm loving the cocked-head pose recently.  She's been laying her head on my shoulder like that when she seems to be getting shy around others.

She has 4 more on the bottom to match.  If you don't believe me, try sticking your finger in there!

Typical Avalyn, showing no discrimination in what she puts in her mouth.