7 Months

7 Months Old: 03/19/13

Everyone warned me.

Told me to soak in every moment because once you blink, it's over.

Part of me rejoices with every new phase that your sweet little age brings.
The other part of me panics and pleads with time, begging it to hang on for just a few more minutes.

Seven months, Chunkin.

You are now closer to your one year birthday than the first day you came into the world.
That is pure insanity, I tell you.

And everyone was right.
It has gone so fast.
Too fast.

I'd say this month went the quickest.
Probably because we had so much fun.
You are just so much fun.

Milestones. Well. How do I put this? You're not much of a mover. Many of your little friends move all over the place while you sit there perfectly content batting your eyes and gently playing with one toy. You are tolerating your tummy much more than the early days...but not for long. You seem to be nervous to put your hands and arms out in front of you to support you. Lucky for us, Auntie/Dr. Laura came in for a visit and gave us some tips for how we could work with you. She said it looks like you're a perfectionist who gets nervous to try something new for fear of failure. Who in the world did you get that from? ;) But you're already making progress and using your arms for support on your tummy and while you cross over to reach for toys. Yay! 

Starting to understanding cause and effect these days. Like if you throw something, it falls on the floor. So you do it over and over...until mommy catches on and puts a stop to it. And if you bang something, it makes noise.

You started your stranger-danger phase last month. Doc said it's actually a healthy emotional milestone, it's just that you reached it early. She said most babes experience this around 9 months. Luckily, you've already pretty much outgrown this phase. Now, you go straight to Grams and Gramps without crying first AND you were even passed around for an hour while Mom got her teeth cleaned at the dentist. Go, Chunkin!

Firsts.  You are reaching and grabbing anything and everything in front of you. You even used your pincher grasp for the first time. You picked up a puff with your finger and thumb, carefully examined it, then put it in your mouth. You go, girl.

You started drinking from an open cup. It started because GiGi and Pops like to have their morning coffee with you. But, you were starting to get frustrated because you didn't have your own coffee cup too. So, GiGi gave you Dad's old cup - it's literally a mini coffee cup. You hold onto the little handle and drink water straight from your cup - with help from GiGi of course.

Big Moments. We've *finally* sprouted tooth # 2! It took about two weeks for this little guy to bust through. This one definitely gave you more trouble than the last one, but still not too bad. You were overly needy and a bit fussy for a few days, and I kept thinking that it would cut through. And it finally did this morning!

GiGi has had a blast taking you out for quick errands and to lunch with friends. And you have become quite good at napping in public with Mom and Dad and are even able to make it out past your bedtime. We just don't like to make a habit of it. ;)
Clothes.  You can still wear a few 3-6 month things, but you fit perfectly in 6 month clothing. We're in between seasons right now, and Kansas weather is making picking-out-outfits incredibly difficult. All your spring clothes are 9 months, but some days we need sweaters and pants because it's been so cold. Ready.for.spring.

Eating. You're still eating two 4.5 ounce bottles and two 1 oz. cubes of solids mixed with prune juice at GiGi's every day. When we upped your solids to two cubes, you started having major bowel troubles. So, we slowed things down a bit. *Plus mom's trying to keep up her supply (which is slowly starting to dwindle). Bottom line - You LOVE food and are such a good eater. You start kicking your legs and squealing while I get it ready. Your palette was introduced to some new foods including: butternut squash, pears, green beans, peaches, and puffs. 

Sleep. One word: Champion. You still sleep 12-13 hours a night completely uninterrupted. And two really good naps around 9:00 and 1:30 every day. You did have a few days where you didn't nap well at all, thanks to your pesky little tooth. But of course you got right back on track. 

P.S. Can't hold it in anymore. Pet peeve is when people say how "lucky" we are to have such a good sleeper on our hands and to be prepared for next baby because he or she will likely never sleep. Yes, you are an angel sleeper...but with a strict schedule, consistency, and lot of torturous-at-times work. Didn't just come naturally. The end. 

Loves. Everyone who cares for you, but particularly Pops and your Dad. I can't even nurse you when Dad is in the room. You continue to adore Samson and laugh hysterically when Sam and Sienna play. You love anything that crinkles, including your crinkly "Kitty Tails" book, and you are especially loving on your feet these days. Oh, and drinking from a cup and eating while adults eat. 

Dislikes. When other babies are rough with you. You have several boyfriends. And to prove their manliness, they tend to pull you down, poke your eye, or hit you. You do not think this is fun. Therefore you do not like boys yet. And I'm ok with that. 

Personality. The perfect way to describe you is a delicate flower. You are so soft, gentle, quiet, and shy. When you are in a room full of people you don't know, you just observe quietly until you are comfortable. Then, you are all giggles. Overall, you're just plain sweet. Even the way you talk is so soft and delicate. I seriously think I might eat you. 

Favorite Playthings. All books, Samson, anything squishy or cloth, Sophie (still going strong), teethers, and mirrors. 

Happy Seven Months.
Please slow down. 
Thanks.