Abigail has always pushed herself.  Her independent streak is very pronounced these days as she tries to feed herself and walk.  At her nine month check up, Dr. McGehee said to be prepared for picky-eating issues and to let her eat what she likes.  I never realized this would be, I only want to eat finger foods.  She does not want to eat foods unless she can feed herself (well other than her bottle).  Now she will eat peas, carrots, blueberries, avacado, cantelope, etc as long as she can pick it up and eat it.  She is also really pushing herself to walk.  Her big trick is to balance herself by holding objects in her hands of varying weights to compensate.