Your Seventh Month

You are seven months old now and you just get cuter and more fun and loving everyday. I think this month has been my most favorite month with you because your little unique personality is starting to reveal itself. 

Your disposition is laid back most of the time, but you have a tendency to display strong determination when you're really passionate about something. For example, when we ask you not to do something or if you're reaching for something you can't have. We have "baby proofed" the house because you're really moving quickly with your army crawl and are quick to reach for electrical outlets or try to chew on cords! 

Hanging Christmas lights on the house with daddy.

You are especially adamant with me. You've learned to scream and you have "let me have it" a few times. We are being cognizant to take the time to explain things to you with each circumstance that results in you being unhappy with me because we know that it's very important that you understand why we tell you "no". Even though you're yelling at me right now -- just know I'll never yell at you, and you'll learn to communicate appropriately, too...because mommy and daddy are modeling for you. You'll someday learn that our ultimate goal is to protect and care for you, not ruin your fun; even though it seems that way right now.

You've started sitting up in a highchair when we go out to eat and we have to fully rearrange the table once we sit down. We move all of the eating utensils, drinks, salt and pepper, etc., because if it is within your reach -- you think you just HAVE to have it. You are typically happy going out to eat because I think you feel independent with your own tray, chair, and puffs! You love eating puffs! I also think it's funny how much you love eating French toast at Sunday morning breakfast because that's what I craved the most when I was pregnant with you.

We elves like to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn and SYRUP!

You went a to baby shower for Greyson, Kyle and Paige's son, who will be a new member of our family. Aunt Kristen, Gavin and Brody visited that day, too! We had such a fun day!

This month was full of excitement as we were anticipating your first Thanksgiving! We spent the day in Granbury and you had such a fun time! You ate some stuffing and mashed potatoes for your first Thanksgiving feast. I also loved your outfit that you wore this day. My favorite thing to wear is an denim shirt, too! You wear it better than me, I must say. 

Daddy and I went on our first date this month. We went to the Gaylord and hung out at Gigi's and Grandpa's holiday party. We also had dinner at Old Hickory Steakhouse. It was hard to leave you. You were already asleep when we left, and you stayed with Lea (Larissa's daughter), but most of our dinner conversation was about you. I know it's healthy for us to get out every once in a while, and we will occasionally. But honestly, there is literally no where else on Earth we would rather be than with you. You are the center of our world and we're genuinely happiest when we're together with you, as a family. 

The morning after our date, we went back to the Gaylord and had breakfast with Gigi and Grandpa Barad. You loved seeing all of the holiday decor at the hotel and I bet you'll be even more interested next year! 

On the drive home, you fell asleep. You had too much fun with Gigi + Grandpa!

In other news - your hair starting to really grow in. You have countless fly-aways and some crazy texture, but boy...you're cute. You give the BEST kisses, even though they're open mouthed and pretty sloppy. Oh, you're kind of OBSESSED with your Gigi. Really, the bond I had with my memaw seems to be as prevalent between the two of you.   

We're looking forward to watching you learn to stand with more stability. You like to stand, and you're starting to act like you're ready to pull up in preparation for walking. We lowered your mattress in your crib. 

I also can't wait for your first Christmas. You had your first visit with Santa. We will make Christmas cookies soon and we will participate in Advent actions next year. We want to ensure that you understand the reason for the season and we are planning some awesome service centered activities we can complete as a family. This year, we'll stick to making cookies and a donation to a worthy cause. I don't think you can wait for Christmas either. You've been caught more than once gnawing on your Christmas gifts!

You did quite a bit of damage considering you only have two teeth.

Also, as I have been typing this post, you have become very interested in our computer. We pulled yours out so you could be like mommy, but not before you made your "mark" on this post. 

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(Brier's contribution to her blog is above.)

Love you more...

Your Sixth Month

It's difficult to wrap my mind around the fact that you've already been around for six months. It feels like just yesterday, we met for the first time. I can't believe I was ever worried about us feeling like strangers. You have given new meaning to my life and our bond is so strong - even though you're so tiny and new. We are so close, you're my best friend.

This month has been one of the most exciting yet! Your personality is starting to reveal itself and you truly are hilarious, kind and gentle. When you look at me or daddy, you smile instantly - your face lights up, and my heart MELTS. 

You reach for my face and play with my hair to soothe yourself to sleep. I have become content with the fact that my hair will always carry remnants of you. I always have one (or all) of the following things in my hair - oatmeal, tears or saliva, and that's ok with me. You laugh at the silly faces I make and try to make the same faces yourself. 

This month began with the second photo shoot of your life. You had your photos made with your cousins in Burkburnett. You looked pretty adorable! 

Gavin, Brody, Brier, Mattison, Landreigh

 

We also went to Brody's birthday party in Burkburnett. 

You with Grammaw Sally, Grandma Lois + Neena

You with Aunt May + Landreigh

You have started army crawling this month. You are so determined to get where you "need to be". You can clear a room in about 2 minutes flat. In fact, daddy and I are getting ready to baby proof this house in order to keep you safe. You are attracted most to what you shouldn't be. You're fascinated with our phone chargers, any electrical cords and Air Wicks plugged into the wall. 

Over the past couple of days, you've started what daddy and I call "shaking it". You're trying to move from the army crawl to the real thing. You get up on your knees and start wobbling. You haven't taken off yet, but oh my goodness! You are SO cute trying. 

You had your first Halloween, too! We dressed you up in a precious costume, but we stayed at home this year and passed out candy. Daddy and I were okay with you staying up past your bedtime, but you weren't going for that. You made it to about ten minutes after 7 and were crying for your bath. Cutest bird I've ever seen. 

Tweet, Tweet! You're so sweet!

Miss Larissa took you to the pumpkin patch, too. 

You have TWO teeth now! I have tried getting a picture of them, but every time we pull down your bottom lip, you stick out your tongue. With your new teeth has come an appreciation for new food. We have deemed you the "Green Bean Machine", as they are your favorite! I still make all of your food for you so that it's fresh and you can be as healthy as possible. You have had green beans, sweet potatoes, sugar snap peas, carrots, butternut squash, apples, pears and bananas so far! You like it ALL! 

You had your 6 month appointment with Dr. Leung yesterday. You were 16 pounds, 9 ounces and 26 3/4" long! You got FOUR shots yesterday. I always try so hard to be strong for you, but yesterday I cried with you. Poor baby, you were distraught and even screamed. I felt so badly for putting you through that, but I know at the end of the day - it's what's best for you. We both cried for a few minutes and I hugged you hard. Overall, you took these shots much better than the last round of shots.

Six months with you have been so fun! I can't wait for our next adventures. 

Always all smiles with your daddy.

Before church + breakfast, our favorite Sunday ritual.

Love you more...

Your Fifth Month

I am well aware that I will sound like a broken record. But, you must know, there is no place else I would rather be than with you. I pause often and wonder what I did before you. You have given me purpose.

You're a growing girl. This month began with another trip to see Dr. Leung. You had to get two more shots to keep you healthy. This time, you took the shots like a champ, not crying much in the office, but the aftermath really hit you hard. You got sick for the first time this month and we think your illness was related to your shots. You had a stuffy nose and a fever. Your stuffy nose was the most difficult to deal with, because you can't blow your nose yet. Daddy and I had to use a suction tube and you fought us like crazy every time we used it. You can see from this picture that you're sick because you usually sleep with your mouth closed, but it was open here so you could breathe. 

You were sick for about a week, but after you got well, Daddy and I were so excited to take you on your first trip to the Fort Worth zoo! You fell asleep for most of the time, but you did really enjoy looking at the fish, alligators and penguins that were swimming around at your eye level. 

We also took you to Bishop Arts District for the first time and we tried Emporium Pies! I can't wait to take you back there when you're old enough because it's quaint, unique and the pies are nothing short of incredible. We can share some coffee and a (couple pieces of) pie. 

Our family at Emporium Pies

My favorites = Coffee + Pie
Your favorite = Your blue, crinkly, elephant

This month, Larissa went on vacation for a week. Guess who came to stay with you? Neena, Grammaw Sally and Gigi! You had such a wonderful time staying home, playing, and bonding with your favorite ladies! 

You and your Great Grammaw Sally

Playing outside! You LOVE your bouncer.

Another special thing that happened this month introducing you to "real food". Since you've been born, you've eaten only soy formula and rice cereal. I just knew you'd be elated to try something else and add to your diet, but to my surprise, you're coming around to it slowly. I make you homemade, baby food so that it's healthy and fresh for you. So far you've tried apples. We are practically force feeding you right now, but every night gets better. Dr. Leung says not to give up on a particular food after just one time of trying it because your palette is getting used to new flavors. I'm surprised you don't love them since your daddy and I love food, but I'm not surprised that you're being a little stubborn about accepting the food.

You also LOVE your sippy cup. Watching you drink from your sippy cup is kind of hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time. All is well with the cup unless you can't get the spout situated in your mouth properly. You get REALLY frustrated with it sometimes and will bang it on the ground instead of trying again. We are having lots of conversations with you already about not giving up and about how facing challenges is a great way to learn. 

Finally, pickles are your "thang". You can TEAR UP a pickle! We gave you one because we thought you'd make that cute face that babies make the first time they taste something sour, but you LOVED it. It's so cute to watch you gnaw on it. We think it feels good on your tender gums and you like the flavor, obviously, so it's a win-win.

You still love your story time more than anything. You're cuter than ever and I just love you more than I can even say.

You and your friend, Kolbe

You and Father Richard

Love you more...

Your Fourth Month

Each day with you is better and better. You make our lives richer, fuller, complete. You are my absolute greatest accomplishment and the most valuable contribution I have made to this world. You leave everyone you encounter a happier person. 

I'm so proud of you.

The theme of this fourth month is change.

I started a new job this school year, one I am so excited about! I still work for Coppell ISD, but my role has changed. I am an Integration Specialist which means I support teachers as they incorporate technology into their lessons. 

When I started my new job on August 4, you started going to daycare. I don't think any mom can ever be prepared for the feelings she will experience when leaving her baby in the care of another person. Even though daddy and I were very confident about Larissa, your caregiver, I cried for days and days before I even had to leave you. I felt like a part of me would be missing - I mean, we had been together all day, every day, for the past 13 months (including my pregnancy). Daddy takes you to daycare each morning, which is probably a good thing, because I'm fairly confident that I would have never left you the first time. He was very courageous for both of us.

The night before I had to "let you go" to daycare.

You love going to Larissa's. She has three daughters who are home, all day, everyday because she homeschools them. Leah, Leslie, and Lauren have become your good friends! Larissa tells me everyday how much you love to be read to. You also love to let Lauren teach you about various things. Lauren has taught you about Christopher Columbus and listened to Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream with you. Larissa says you coo and seem to have a real interest in the fine arts, even at a young age. I did laugh out loud when she told me about the day you screamed in response to hearing Aerosmith for the first time. You really do appreciate "the quiet".  

You have another friend at Larissa's. Mommy's friend, Lindsay, brings her baby to your daycare as well. You and Emma Grace seem to be taking a liking to each other! It makes me happy that you have a friend to play with during the day.

Emma Grace isn't your only friend, though. We also love to hang out with Kolbe! Mommy and Kolbe's mom, Kristen, are great friends. One day this month, we made you girls pretty bows! You're so adorable.

Your daddy turned 31 this month. You made him very happy with these cute presents! We put your handprint on a baseball for him and took some cute pictures that we framed for his office.

Another change that happened this month was your diet! You have started eating rice cereal. We mix it in your bottle and you eat so much better now. You also seem to be sleeping longer. Gigi says it's because your tummy is nice and full. 

We think you have started teething. You drool a lot, you put everything in your mouth, and you love to suck your thumb.

You have also learned to roll over. At first, you were very sneaky about it. Daddy found you rolled over in your crib one day and it wasn't until about a week later that you actually showed us how strong you are and rolled over in front of us. We even caught it on camera. 

My FAVORITE thing about this month is hearing your LAUGHTER! You belly laugh. It's loud. And it warms my heart.

We traveled to Burkburnett on Labor Day weekend and had lots of fun! We watched Gavin play football and hung out with Gigi and Grandpa. 

You are getting so big. You are unique and precious and beautiful. Because of you I know what true love is.

  Love you more...