First [crawling] steps

Today, you took your first "steps" crawling. The look of pure determination, focus, and joy on your face when you reached your target (the fish game) was priceless.

I said from day one you were going to be a mover and a shaker, and I know that's still true.

Let the baby proofing begin!

Love,
Mom

A little trouble

"Whatever you choose, however many roads you travel, I hope that you choose not to be a lady. I hope you will find some way to break the rules and make a little trouble out there."
-Nora Ephron

Love,
Mom

The eye color lottery

Remi girl, how two dark brown eyed parents created this gorgeous blue, I'll never know.

You certainly won the eye color lottery.

Love,
Mom

You and Finley

Finely just adores you. I don't remember her being quite so interested or enamored with Jameson. Maybe it's because she lived (and survived) through Jameson, or maybe it's just because of who you are. Either way, as soon as you are on the floor, or even sitting on our laps, she is right there kissing you and smelling you. And the feeling is completely mutual. I'm pretty sure you prefer her to anyone in our family. As soon as you are on the floor, you are trying to scoot at fast as you can to her. You will pull or pet her hair, and she barely flinches.

Finley is just the sweetest dog, but you have to earn her love and trust. Besides me and Daddy, no one has done it as quickly as you.

Love,
Mom

{Army} Crawling

You have been scooting and TRYING to crawl for a couple of weeks now.

You will go on all fours and rock back and forth, but will not move. Then, you will flop on your belly and kick like a wild woman.

Now, finally, you are army crawling like a maniac.

What is your preferred object to reach? Finley's bone. :)

Love,
Mom

First teeth!

Your first tooth came in right at the 6.5 month mark. The bottom left one came through first, followed by the bottom right a few weeks later.

It's proved to be a challenging time. I don't think you are really happy about it because for the last week, you have not really napped. Maybe it's for another reason, but I think these chompers are making you quite uncomfortable.

Love,
Mom

The younger

Last weekend, I held you as you fell asleep for your afternoon nap. Usually we are all about getting you to nap quickly and easily, as in no rocking you to sleep. That day, I just felt like you needed some snuggling. Your teeth were coming in, you had a big day, and were fighting the nap. So I rocked you a bit and you feel asleep in my arms almost immediately. As I looked down at you, I had this overwhelming feeling of not wanting to leave. I love you very much, but I'm not really one to sit and hold you for hours, so this feeling kind of surprised me. I didn't have much to do, so I just sat there with you for about 15 minutes.

I don't long for more children - you and Jameson give me everything that I need. I don't want to experience another baby's early days, but sometimes I ache to go back to your baby days. I know this time is going to fly by and one day soon you will be standing in front of me with your hand on your hip, rolling your eyes, and telling me I'm lame. But today, you are content sleeping in my arms and that is all I need.

Love,
Mom