7 {ish} Month Photos

She's done it again, folks.

Photographer.
Artist.
Friend.

Miss Ali has sincerely captured the best time of our lives.
So that I can savor these sweet moments a little longer.

And relive them over and over.
Once they are a distant memory.

I love these pictures with my whole heart.

*This was about our eighth time to reschedule the photo session due to Kansas weather. Which by the way is currently 85 degrees. And in good ol' Kansas fashion, we are looking at the potential for snow on Thursday. 

Seriously?

Week 35: Nothing but Fun

Week 35: 04/14/13 - 04/20/13

I sure wish I had a nifty little time-freezing gadget.
I would push pause right now.
Because this phase is so.much.fun.

You just love everything around you.
Sweatshirt laces.
Dad's glasses.
Your toes.
Blades of grass.
Samson's tongue.
Grandpa Tony's chin.
Your big girl cup.

And your hands.
Oh.my.word.
You love your hands.

And you love to carefully study everything around you.

GiGi peeked in at you during nap time one day.
You were carefully studying every little fray on the end of a blanket.
One.by.one.

And sometimes, you are a real go-getter.

By practically leaping out of our arms to get something you want.

Like a jar of peanut butter.

Or an iphone. 

But you really, really love to clap. 

It is your most favorite thing ever. 

Especially when the music is on. 

You are an all-around quiet baby. 

Very delicate and soft. 

But some days, you hoot, holler, and screech.
And just babble and jabber.

But then you clam right up the moment we're around a group of people.
It takes a good 30 minutes for your to warm up.
Before you even make a peep.
Or crack a smile.
It makes me want to shout out, "I PROMISE MY BABY IS HAPPY AND FUN".
But I don't.
Because you're you.
And with time, your sweet *and funny* little personality comes out.

You are exactly like your father in that regard.

Oh.
And guess what?

You rolled over this week. 
Multiple times.

Only *ahem* 3 months late.

And you were so proud.
Probably because we were cheering like you just won an Olympic medal.

The doctor still swears there is absolutely no concern for your lack of desire to...well...move.
No concern at all.
She says some babies are just not tummy babies.
Which makes sense with your colic troubles and all.

Tummy time usually consists of you laying your head down and sucking your thumb.

So we celebrate the small victories.

More victories soon to come.
I see a lot more clapping in our future.

8 Months

8 Months Old: 04/19/13

16 lbs. 15 oz. and 27 inches long

Eight months with you.
The best months I've ever had.
That's for sure.

It's been quite the ride, Beans.
And I keep thinking, "This is the best month yet."
But you're a one-upper.
And each passing month brings even more joy.

With you and your cuteness.
And rolls for days.

I'm basically saying I love you.
More than anything.

Milestones. Sometimes I think you're so close to crawling. You have completely lost your fear of using your arms. And while sitting, you completely bend over, put your arms out, and act like you're going to just scoot off. But you don't. Doc says she wouldn't be surprised if you're a baby who skips the crawling stage all around and just gets up and walks someday. 

You have some pretty crazy acrobatic moves these days. Bringing your toes to your mouth. Doing a full-on toe touch while on the floor. We may have a future cheerleader on our hands. Or a gymnast. After all, your dad did gymnastics until he was 12. *And you better believe I remind him of that all the time. *

And I swear you have been saying "mama". It's usually when your'e upset and really crying...you say, "mmmaaa-mmmaaa". Who knows if you're really saying mama. But I still like it. ;)

You have really started imitating us. Especially by shaking your head "no-no". You love shaking your head. Now just to get you to nod your little head for "yes-yes"...

Firsts.  You started intentionally clapping this month! It's the sweetest little thing I've ever seen. You especially like to clap to music. GiGi says you have nice rhythm. And you love when we clap for your. You immediately get so proud, you start clapping for yourself. 

You've also started waving "bye-bye". At first I thought you were just randomly waving your arms around. But then I realized, you have totally made the connection to leaving and waving. You haven't totally got it down yet, but when I leave you in the mornings, or when Pops leaves you, you wave your little arm up and down while we say, "Bye-bye, Lyla!"

Big Moments. You've been a little "off" this month. So off, that we took you to the doctor to rule out an ear infection. Turns out, you just love to rub your ear because of the sound it makes. But last week, I noticed your top left gum was quite swollen. And then GiGi and a friend mentioned something as well. So could you be teething yet again?

Sigh. 

I feel like you have teethed 50% of your life. 

But, reality check. 

That's what babies do. ;)

Oh! And mama started sitting you in the grocery cart seat. We no longer take your car seat in anywhere we go. You LOVE grocery shopping and eating out at restaurants now. Big girl. 

Eating. You started eating 5 ounce bottles this month. And you eat solids twice a day - usually 1-2 ounces. We introduced you to carrots and bananas this month. And you have gotten SO good at your pincher grasp. You are able to feed yourself Puffs and bananas. Although, the bananas are quite slippery...so they usually slide out of your little fingers. 

I'm still nursing. Which you've been kinda funny about lately. You get so distracted, and you even started biting again. Overall, you haven't been the greatest nurser this month. Which led to another clogged duct. Hoping it's just teething...or just a phase. 

And still nursing means still pumping. Just the thought of the sound of my pump makes me cringe. BUT. I actually made the decision to take out one pumping session. I no longer pump before I go to bed. Because I realized I have milk saved from DECEMBER. And I only get about an ounce during that session anyway. It's amazing how eliminating one pumping session seems to have changed my life. I no longer get into bed for the night, only to realize, "UGH, I have to pump." Plus, I only have one and a half months to make it to summer...where I can exclusively nurse again. Woot-woot!

Sleep. On a typical night, you go to bed at 6:30 and don't make a peep until I wake you at 6:30. But you have surprisingly had 3 or 4 nights this month where you suddenly wake (usually before we go to bed). Each time you've been quite distraught and I've had to nurse you. It was kind of nice. Because I miss you so much during the day. (Again, you've been a bit off this month). 

Loves. You LOVE your feet. It's like you've discovered them for the first time. In fact, you don't fall asleep for quite some time because you're so enamored by your tootsies. You love sounds that you make. Like when you rub your right ear or scratch the chair while I nurse you. Some other major obsessions this month: playing "Where's Lyla", your new wooden blocks, shaking your head no-no, fake coughing, discovering you can make a gasping sound, hiccups, and the wind.

Oh my word. You love the wind. You laugh hysterically when it's windy out. *This also includes when Dad replicates the wind by blowing on your face. 

Dislikes. Little boys. You think they are too rough. We're working on this. And you really dislike hats. Especially Pop's and Grandpa Tony's hats. 

Personality. Overall, you're very laid back, chill, and quiet. Like your dad. But then you surprise us and squeal, sing, and yell...loudly. 

Favorite Playthings. Wooden blocks, your Kitty Tails book, the pups, and any jewelry mama wears. 

Week 34: Bad Habits

Week 34: 04/07/13 - 04/13/13

Oh, my little Stinker.

You've picked up quite the habit.

A not-so-good-we-better-stop-this-right-now habit. 

You have picked up biting.  

Now, I get it.

You could be teething. 

You could be exploring new things.

Or it could be that you and Gigi started playing a "game" when you finished your bottle.

*This game has since come to an immediate halt*

But this habit is not good news. 

Because you like to experiment on Mom. 

And I have one thing to say about that.

Ouch.

!!!

In addition to forming this new habit,  you've also learned a new word:
NO.

You're not quite sure what it means yet. 

But by the tone of my voice, you're pretty sure you don't like it.

You grimace.

Then bat your eyelashes. 

And stare at me with those Jasmine eyes. 

At least you're not laughing anymore. 

And you've actually gone on a bit of an eating strike. 

Not just with nursing. 

But your bottle makes you pretty mad.

I think you're just rebelling.

Hopefully this is just a phase. 

Something tells me it is. 

Because you are Chunkin. 

And you love your eats.

But I do have to say.

Bad habit or not, 

you're still pretty cute. 

And steal the show wherever you are. 

Like this weekend.

You had a quick visit with your Auntie Ab and Uncle Brad.

They sure love you. 

And you sure love them.

And the warm weather.

When it decides to make an appearance.

You have become quite the outdoor chic.

Which Dad is pretty excited about it. 

But Mom is seriously starting to panic. 

Because it's supposed to snow tomorrow. 

Yes. Snow.

In April.

And you have outgrown your six month clothes.

And all that fits is your summer wardrobe. 

I'm pretty sure your cute bathing suits won't be much help the next few days.

We'll just have to make-do with a hodgepodge of things I can scrounge up. 

So I guess what I'm trying to say is,

Stop growing. 

And while you're at it?

Stop biting.

Thanks. 

Week 33: Spring Fever

Week 33: 03/31/13 - 04/06/13

You made an exciting new friend last week. 

His name is Spring. 

We played with him for hours and hours.

Unfortunately, he was a major tease.

Introduced himself.

Played with you for a few days. 

Then turned right around and left. 

His replacement?

Icicle-laden trees and 20 degree weather.

Boo. 

But hopefully he will return. 

Because you L.O.V.E. pulling grass.

And studying it.

With your mouth.

Some other fun things you've been doing lately?

Waving your hands in the air.
Like you just don't care. 

It's like you're yelling, "TOUCHDOWN" or "Let's get this party started!"

So cute.

And quite hilarious.

And you're still rubbing your ear a lot.

Don't worry though.

We ruled out an ear infection.

Doc says it's probably just a comfort thing.

Or you just like the sound it makes.

Something else Doc said to make me feel better?

That there's no need to worry about your...lack-of-desire to be mobile.

She said you are an amazing sitter.

And have quite impressive balance.

Who knew someone could be "skilled" in sitting?

But she says you are.

Like how she can push you from side to side by the shoulders, and you push yourself back up.

Or how you bend all the way forward to pick something up.

And how you multi-task with different toys.

Some babes are just perfectly content sitting.

Why work when you're content? 

I should be soaking this stage up while it lasts. 

And good news. 

Your bumpers came in!

And you love them.

You talk to them for an hour before you fall asleep at night.

Plus, no more getting Chunkin thighs stuck between the bars. 

It only took 7 months for mama to finally get on the ball.

I clearly deserve Mother-of-the-Decade award. 

And Dad's been playing a fun new game with you. 

He puts a blanket over your face.

Then says, "Wheeerrrre's Lyla?"

And you slowly start to pull the blanket off.

When you make eye contact, you burst out laughing.

Melt.my.heart.

Well, Beans. 

Countdown to summer break continues.

Until then, let's just cross our fingers.
And hope Spring makes his appearance again soon.

Because let's be honest.
Your thighs don't fit in any of your winter pants.

Week 32: A Spring Tease

Week 32: 03/24/13 - 03/30/13

Well, I'm fighting off a case of the mid-week blues. 

Not sure if it's this gloomy weather. 

Or the fact that Lyla has been a grumpy bean for the past week. 

Nah.

I'm pretty sure it's just the weather. 

It's rather painful to go from practically-smiling sunshine-filled skies on a beautiful Easter Sunday.

To waking up at 4:30 a.m. to a pitch-black, sleet-shooting Monday morning. 

Kansas, you are such a tease.

And speaking of the weather, Miss Beans' schedule is a bit thrown.

Still trying to figure it all out from Daylight Savings Time.

Ly pretty much begs me to go to bed by 6:30. 

Then she realizes it's still light outside.

So, she lies in her bed giggling and playing with her feet for a good hour. 

It's cute and all. 

But I wish she'd rather be spending that precious time with me.

Not her toes. 

And all that playing around gets dangerous in there. 

Because I'm a terrible mother. 

And still haven't gotten bumpers for the crib. 

Seriously.

I should be scoping out Amazon.

But instead I'm blogging. 

I'm pretty sure Chunkin's thigh is stuck as we speak... 

And she's adopted another sweet little quirk. 

She's started rubbing and patting her right ear...a lot. 

At first I thought it might be an ear infection. 

But she showed absolutely no other symptoms. 

And she's been doing it for 3 weeks now. 

Mostly while nursing. 

So of course I referenced the almighty Google.

Lots of people said it's a comfort thing for some babies.

Still keeping my eye on it. 

But it's pretty cute.

In other Bean news, we've got a clapper.

All thanks to GiGi. 

Because GiGi and Bean love to play pat-a-cake. 

Ly even "marks it with a b". 

It's the sweetest thing I've ever seen. 

Other fun happenings this week?

A play date with the always-dapper Henry.

The babes got to go on a neighborhood "easter egg hunt" together. 

*Which resulted in Lyla and Henry being given two courtesy-eggs because we missed the actual hunt due to oversleeping babies (ahem...Lyla). 

And Lyla's first Easter with the fam.

Woke up and went to church for the first time since Ly was born. 

Yes. 

We are officially those people.

The ones who go to church only on Easter. 

*In our defense, Gabe worked Sundays when Lyla was first born...and now service is smack-dab in the middle of Lyla's nap time. excuses, excuses. *

But Jesus Loves Me, this I know. 

And after church, we went to Gabe's parents. 

Soaked up some sunshine.

Dined al fresco. 

Chatted and laughed with family.

Enjoyed Easter basket goodies.

Took an obnoxious amount of pictures. 

All in all?

A ball.

Now, spring.

Come back.

Immediately.

Thanks.