Congrats on your new hobby <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I started shooting handguns recently too and to my surprise found that I was a lot more accurate with a larger caliber. I can't hit anything using a 9mm, but a .40 or .45 I'm pretty accurate with.

My point is that you say you feel ready for a 9mm, but don't make a decision and buy something until you've rented as many different calibers and brands as you can at your range to find what suits you best.