Hi Everyone,
Thought I would update this post and let you know the following (thanks again for your help).
I just returned to the US after 9 months and 28 days outside. I came prepared with my Tax filings since I became a PR (2009-present, including the one that I just filed for last year - 2012), rental lease agreement, car insurance, rental insurance, US bank account & Credit Card details, Social Security Card & current Drivers License and current address.
I landed in LAX and the CBP officer only had 4 questions:
1. How was I today? - I said Good.
2. My final destination? (Colorado)- I said it was snowing in Colorado and I should have worn better footware (I was in flip flops) - the CBP officer laughed.
3. If I had returned to Australia (my home country) for vacation? - I said yes.
4. If my surname on my passport was my maiden name - I said yes. I asked if he wanted to see my marriage certificate to verify my married name/greencard and he said no.
He made no mention of the time I had spent out of the US (I was nervous about this) or anything else. He took my fingerprints, photo and I was through in under 10 mins including waiting in line.
I didn't have to show him any of my documentation and I barely said a word, apart from the bolded words above.
Thanks again to everyone for their help - much appreciated