Is it normal to feel like this?

[HollyFP]

It goes without saying that I love my DD (9 months) more than anything in the world; but I seem to be finding it more difficult the older she gets. I get frustrated to the point of tears over the smallest things, like her spilling water down her at mealtimes, even her short fits of crying for milk or attention make me a bit cross.
I am having a few problems with bf at the mo which is undoubtedly making me more emotional than usual.
I feel like I'm letting her and myself down for reacting in these ways, I am normally so relaxed and happy with her.

Most days are not this bad but today seems particularly trying.
Does everyone go through this stage? Is it a 9 month thing? I'm not sure whether to be concerned or not.

Couldn't leave you to go unanswered.

I have an 8 month DD, who is acting up a treat. Have been reading that it's the infamous 8 month regression phase.

Taking ages to fall asleep, waking at night and wanting to play and generally being quite a fussy madame! It's trying, VERY trying indeed. And some days I just don't have it in me to be all cheerful and smiley around her, let alone get her ready for the day and make her meals, play with her, take her out and the list goes on.

Mums are not robots, we have good days and quite a few bad days. You'll pull through, but not because you have to, but because at some point your DD will do something that will melt your heart and the relentlessness of it will all be worth it - just for that one instance when she grins gummily at you.

And I'd give up on the cleanliness front - I say that whilst looking at my own DD with banana incrusted on her clothes from this morning.
Big hug x

Thank you - is good to know it IS normal, even if not desirable

I'm normally laughing at her crazy antics - makes me love her even more - but sometimes like today it feels like she's testing me. I know this is totally irrational and I don't subscribe to this viewpoint generally anyway.

This too shall pass, huh?!

Sorry - also wanted to mention that if your DD is between 42 and 46 weeks she might be going through a bit of a tumultuous time.

The world of categories. This is from the book 'The Wonder Weeks', really helpful book. Pre-warns parents about what's going to happen to your DC, so you know what to expect. And it really helps me to understand the reasons behind my DD's sudden mood changes. And that the reason she is being such a royal pain in the backside is because she's actually going through some major mental leaps that parents just can't see.

Hope this helps.

Great ta - have ordered it! DD is on the verge of either crawling or walking - I reckon that has something to do with it!

I think your instinct about it being hormonal may be right too - 9 months is when solids really start to take over and she may be taking a lot less milk without you really being aware of it - leaving you all over the place hormonally.