Your Eighth Month

Baby Mine...

Baby Mine - Bette Midler

Happy 8 months to my pride and joy. This song came on the other night as I rocked you to sleep and even though I've heard it many times, it resonated with me more than ever. 

This month was full of FUN. We had our first Christmas as a family and we spent lots of quality time together because I was off of work for two whole weeks. Your biggest milestone this month was your mastery of the art of pulling up. You are a busybody to say the least. We can't take our eyes off of you. You literally climb the walls. 

You love "driving" and practicing standing.

Those plug-ins on the wall are no longer an option. We are in full-fledged "Brier mode" around here now.

It is your first time to experience mine and daddy's favorite time of year - Christmas! I am eager to start our own traditions as our own small family unit, but it was wonderful to go to Burkburnett this year. Before we left for Burkburnett, we spent a couple of days at home because Daddy was off work as well. We opened gifts together at our house and you were more interested in the paper and boxes this year, as we expected, so you got a few toys that light up and make noise - nothing too big.

You took your first trip to Babe's Chicken House in Carrollton.

We walked around downtown after lunch.

We sent out our first Christmas card this year. 

We arrived in Burkburnett on Christmas Eve. We went to Poppy Steve and Grandma Carolyn's house for dinner and presents. While we were there, we decorated cookies for Santa. When we got back to Gigi and Grandpa's in time for bed, we read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.

On Christmas morning, we woke up and opened more presents at Gigi and Grandpa's while listening to Christmas jazz music. Then, we attended mass and went lunch at Great Grandma and Grandpa Barad's house.

Your Patagonia vest from Gigi and Grandpa. So CUTE!

While in Burkburnett, you met my friend from school, Lee. It was great to spend time with him! You also visited Beth and Derek and spent time with Grandma and Grandpa Barad and the rest of the family. Finally, you took a trip to visit with Great Grandma Lois.

It is very evident that you are loved and cared for by many people. We loved our quality time with family. You also sent your first thank you cards as a sign of appreciation for your Christmas gifts. Since you can't write, mommy wrote them for you and you "signed" them with your handprint. 

We welcomed the year 2015, together as a family, at home. On New Years Day, we ate black eyed peas and cabbage.

Your toothbrush is new, too. You kinda dig it.

We went to visit Neena and Poppy Kirk in Granbury this month, too. You loved playing the drums with Neena. 

I had such a hard time leaving you to go back to work. In fact, I cried. Harder than I did the first time I left you. But Ms. Larissa sent me this picture to assure me that you were having a good time and adjusting well to being back in her wonderful care. I just get so spoiled to spending every second with you - it is such fun!

This is my favorite photo from this month. I treasure you. I adore you. I am so thankful God chose me to be your mommy. 

Love you more...

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. 

-\\\\\\
\
"
≥....
(Brier's contribution to her blog is above.)

Love you more...