Saturday, July 16, 2011

9 Months!

Scarlett Grace is 9 months old today!  She is about 15 lbs. 13 oz. and 27 inches.  She's still in 3-6 month clothes, but we're moving up soon.  She has 3 teeth (all on the bottom) and another on the way.  She has made huge developmental advancements in the last few weeks, but most are subtle.  She grabs toys purposefully and inspects them.  She is eating purees twice a day.  She is bouncing on her chubby little legs whenever she gets a chance.  Her hearing aids seem to have given her a new appreciation of music (which she liked when she was very young), and any musical toys or singing gets her doing a funny bouncy baby dance.  She likes to run her fingers through Cosmo's fur and watch our cats skulk around the house.  She is constantly "talking" to us with grunts, coos, hums and howls.  She smiles all the time (except when she sees a camera!) and enjoys being passed around to different arms for a new perspective.

Her favorite toy - she hasn't quite figured out how to move, but she LOVES the musical entertainment.

Tummy time!
 We have passed a huge milestone for me:  Scarlett has more months behind her than surgeries!!!  We had almost made it to this point at 6 months, when she had 3 more that week.  Her doctors and I have been crossing our fingers that we would make it!
It has been 7 months since she was diagnosed with brain cancer.  7 months ago, sitting in a small conference room, a world-renowned doctor, who everyone told us was "the best",  told us we may have a few weeks to a few months with her, and explained in detail how our baby would die. Never has there been a more poignant example of the need for a second opinion!

20 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy 9 months sweet Scarlett!!!

tofubeast said...

She's getting big! So awesome to hear about her new milestones and achievements! I am so happy for Scarlett! My daughter will be 9 months in a little over a week too. Time flies.

Tammy said...

Happy 9 months sweet little girl!!!!!!

Beth said...

Happy 9 months Scarlett!!! That is so amazing! I remember reading your story for the first time on BBC and was in tears. I just kept thinking that that could not possibly be the final consensus as to Scarletts prognosis. She has truly showed what an amazing fighter she really is! I know it sounds corny but I am so inspired by Scarlett that on days that are tough for me I always think if Scarlett can do what she has done with that beautiful smile on her face, then I can too. I love seeing her pics, she is just beautiful!!!

Mandy Vallejo said...

Happy 9 Months, Scarlett! <3

Clint & Sheila said...

What an absolute amazing baby girl! I was following your blog back on those first surgery days and praying and hoping with many others around the world! Soooo glad she's doing so well. Despite all she's been thru and continues to go thru she's a smiling and Happy little trooper! Brandi and Chris, you're amazing as well. I know you just do what has to be done, but it's because of you guys that she's here today. Thank God for the second opinion Dr and thank God for wonderful parents.

Mama of Two said...

YAY for second opinions and for Miss Scarlett's 9 month birthday!

Amber said...

Happy 9 months baby girl, She's defiantly a fighter! :)

Lady Niblet's Mama said...

A definite YAY! for second opinions. It just proves, doctors don't always know everything and that for one thing he should not have said that to begin with. You can't predict when a person dies, nobody can.

As for your previous post, get a brightly colored container to store the hearing aids in and keep it in the same place each time you take them off when she goes to sleep and keep out of arms reach of her so she doesn't throw it and the box accidentally opens and one of them slides under something.

Jennifer said...

Thank heavens for second opinions!! And what a lucky girl Scarlett is to have parents that just wouldn't settle for that horrible first opinion! And, of course, what an amazingly strong girl she is to have taken all of the surgeries, the chemo, the side effects, and the complications in stride and with that gorgeous smile on her face! Of course we know it has never been easy (on her or you) but the end result is just beautiful. She is here. She is thriving. She is inspirational. And she is lovely. :) I just love with those beautiful blue eyes. Bless her and your whole family. I agree with a previous comment - when I'm having an difficult day with my daughter (who is about 3 weeks younger than Scarlett) I just think of all you've endured. When I'm having a difficult day with myself, I just think of that little fighting baby. If she can persevere, we all can.
<3 from the Meadows in FL

Unknown said...

I am a fellow October 2010 mommy. I too remember your post of BBC about her diagnosis. In fact I read it after returning from our LO's 2 month checkup. We live in Southern California and all I could think was how easily it could've been my baby instead of yours, just a few hours drive away. I am so happy for you and Chris and Scarlett! What amazing progress she has shown and how beautiful she is! Those gorgeous eyes!
Congrats to your family on another amazing milestone past and here's to many more in the future!

Luke's mom said...

Happy 9 months, Scarlett!! She is such an amazing baby and you and Chris are an inspiration to me as a mom! I'm so glad that she is tolerating her hearing aids well. She is in my prayers all the time!

Christa said...

Happy 9 months to your sweet girl! Love the pictures! She makes me smile! Congrats to you and your family for such strength and courage as your little sweetie has grown.
--christa, oct. 2010 mom

Heather224 said...

HAPPY 9 MONTHS TO SCARLETT!!!!

I was just released from the hospital on Friday after having my brain tumor removed.. My first thoughts after surgery were of little Scarlett. I couldn't believe what a tough road I have to face and then I thought of your precious baby and how strong she has been and that gave me so much inspiration and confidence!

GO SCARLETT! I look up to you sweetie!!!!

Jenn said...

I just love the pictures of Scarlett! She is so happy and beautiful. You are raising one very special little girl. Her one year birthday will be here faster than you know it! ENJOY every milestone - I know we are with our 10 month old DD.

Shelby said...

Happy 9 month birthday! Continuing to pray for you all!

Kate said...

Happy Birthday, Scarlett!!! Thank you for the pictures, she is so beautiful!!

gillybeancandyjar said...

i agree she's getting so big!! happy 9 month!!! :) amazing

DiJe said...

♥ Happy 9 months!!! ♥

M said...

This is amazing. I have been following Scarlett since December. My daughter is only a few weeks older than her- it is amazing to watch them grow and I'm so happy to see Scarlett is doing so well. Thank God in heaven!