A year and a half already?

Dear Sweet Daughter,

The past couple months have flown by like you can't imagine. You are a year and a half now. How has a whole six months already flown by since your birthday? I don't understand it.

Leg warmers: Happy Crawlers, Shoes: Monkey Toes

The biggest change I've seen in you when I look at your past photos is your hair. You can see it's growing and growing as you get older. It's so adorable too and I can't bare to cut it... Ever!

You are just learning so fast. You'll repeat almost anything we say to you, or at least try to. On your own you'll ask up "please" and say "thank you" you'll also say hi and bye... Milk, water, cracker, juice, banana, our names, baby, and other random little things you pick up here and there.

Speaking of babies, you LOVE them. You love your baby dolls, and when we pass one at the store you say "baby" and point. You love the babies at your school and your teachers say you're so kind and gentle--even protective-- of them. This makes me think you are going to be a fabulous big sister. Just like your mommy was of course *wink wink*.

You know almost all of your body parts and point to them when we call them out. Your favorite is belly button. When daddy would call out "toes" you'd point to your nose, so he taught you the difference within minutes and he was totally blown away at your new trick. I tell him all the time you are so smart.

For your year and a half birthday you and I went downtown to Hey Cupcake. We shared a giant strawberry cupcake, but I gave you first dibs.

I'm hoping over the next month to experiment with your hair styles more. We've already been experimenting with homemade clothes and that's been so much fun. You are seriously like my little life-sized doll and I love it. You're a dream come true.

Seriously, I don't know how I got so lucky, and every day I love you more and more! I pick you up and give you hugs and never want to let go. When I ask for a hug you squeeze tightly around my next, and you'll kiss me quickly on my cheek. It feels great knowing you love me back, and seeing you show it. I know you think we are the two coolest people on earth and we appreciate that.

This year is going to be a year of many changes for us. We'll be moving and you'll be starting a new school. Your daddy and I will have new schedules, and we'll have to make you up in a brand new room (hopefully with a bigger closet). It'll be a lot to take in for all of us, but together, we'll make it through.

I thank God every day for blessing us with you. You're so fantastic it's hard to believe you're real. That probably would sound silly to a lot of people but I have a feeling a lot of moms know what I'm talking about. Thank you for brightening my world.

Love,

Mommy

***

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16 months old and no longer seeming like a baby to me

Dear Daughter:

Can I even call you that? I look at you and your long wet curls dangling past your shoulders in the bath tub and wonder who this big girl is in front of me.

Who is this big girl, who on her own, pointed up to a tree she heard a bird singing from and said "Bir... Bir"?

I know you're my little girl but I can't believe you're already a little girl.

The way you maneuver around the house knowing where everything is, deciding which toys you feel like playing with, and where things go, puts me in awe.

Dress from Adelaide's Boutique; Bow from Lil' Hiccups Boutique

The way you grab Snoop's food scoop, trying to feed him yourself the way we do--And the way you grab the play oven mitt to take food out of the play oven at school (as your teachers tell me) amazes me.

The way you took it upon yourself to turn, lean in, and kiss me goodnight while I swayed you back and forth before bed blew my mind. It's as if you had turned and said "I love you mom" but didn't have a way of really showing me before.

My heart melted to bits, as I'm sure it will again when those words finally come from your mouth.

You are so inquisitive. Who knew how much you were absorbing from just watching your daddy and I. Who knew how smart you'd turn out to be already? You copy little tasks I do and repeat words after me.

Speaking of your daddy, you are so well behaved around him. If he asks you to hand him something you don't want to give me, you do it. If he tries to feed you an unfamiliar food, you'll eat it. With me, you stomp your foot, throw yourself to the ground, or shake your head in my direction. I didn't think this attitude was suppose to start for another year or so but I guess your strong personality is just shining through.

You sometimes get jealous of me giving attention to other children. I'm not sure how much you'll like someday not being the only child. But don't worry, you won't need to worry about that for a while.

I've never been more excited for holidays in my life... Or at least not since I was a little girl myself. It's so fun seeing things through your eyes now, and I'm sure it will only get more fun as you get older. Every day spent with you gets more and more entertaining. Part of me wishes I could freeze time and preserve you as you are, but every new development seems to get better.

Happy 15 months my little diva child!

My Sweet Daughter,

I wondered what all the hype was about being a mom. I wondered if mothers exaggerated how fun it was and if I'd feel the same way. Now I know for myself they weren't kidding.

Shirt Number via Sticky Bellies; Boots: Target via Ebay, Embellished tutu: Cutie Pa Tutu

Another month has gone by and you've grown bigger, smarter, and more beautiful.

You are totally adjusted to your school now. You no longer cry when I drop you off and it's a huge relief. I know you love it there. But you're still overly excited when I pick you up. I'm loving all of your art projects but need to find a way to store them, or keep my favorites.

Lately I've been trying to take you to fun things I know you'd enjoy, but it's not too difficult. You pretty much like doing anything outdoors.

You love to dance, and talk. On the way to school you like to play with your Talking Tom app and it's so cute.

One thing that's really cool is that you're picking up on so many things. When we say quiet down you put your finger up to your mouth and say "shhhh." You also do that when you hear the wind outside.

Today, when you were trying to eat flowers I told you how to put them to your nose and smell them and you copied me. Speaking of nose, when we ask you where yours it you point to it. It's so cute! I'm trying to teach you other body parts now.

I'm trying to remember what words you're saying now. You say "cracker" "Mama" "Daddy" and you pretty much will try to repeat small words we tell you. Oh, your teachers told me you're also saying "baby" and a couple of other words.

You're getting to be more interested in toys and things, which makes me realize I need to start getting you more. I'm planning a trip to the Salvation Army with you soon to see what deals we can find on things you like.

I'm having so much fun, and every month with you seems to be more exciting and go by even faster.

I love you and am so proud of you. So excied about our good times ahead.

Love,

Mommy

What? It's been a month already?

Dear Baby Girl,

I was just getting used to saying you're 13 months and I just realized today that you're now 14 months. Holy cow that last month flew by! Probably the quickest one yet, it feels.

This month was a doozy for us. You started a new school. It's been really hard for both of us. You cried and cried the first few days I dropped you off, and so did I. Now you only cry sometimes, or for a moment, before I go. I can't wait for the day you tell me bye and run off to play with your friends.

White Ruffle Dress: Old Navy via Ebay; Coral Bow: Little Star Sweeper

Speaking of running, you're beginning to. You took off walking this last month, and you love being on your two feet. You're loving being able to carry things while you move around, and you laugh so hard when I say I'm going to get you or ask you where you're going.

Your new words are "bye bye" and "bubbles." Your teacher also told me you try to say your friend's names at school. You also sometimes call Snoop "Ba" I think short for "bad" but we're trying to change that. Poor Snoop. You also say "tin too" Which means thank you and it's so stinking cute!

Your favorite foods are Spanish rice and chicken, pizza, grapes, strawberries, and steak fries. You also love sandwiches. These are all our favorite foods too so you fit right in. You're still nursing. I thought you'd stop by now but you don't seem to be weaning yourself at all. The good thing is when you're teething like you are now, it's one way to make you feel better. You also haven't been sick yet. But I guess we're lucky. It could be the nursing or the fact that I let you eat off the floor, I haven't sterilized things immediately after you drop them, and I only sporadically wipe the shopping cart down for you. I guess it's built you up some nice immunities.

One of your new favorite things to do is brush your teeth. When I do the sign for it and ask you if you want to brush them you stick your tongue out and get excited. You have seven teeth, and I think you're about to get another.

Leg warmers, pearls, ruffle butt and bow: Belle Dezigns; Romper: Borrowed

Dancing and humming are also some new things you love to do. If I hum a song you wiggle your butt and start humming too. I think it's so adorable. Oh, and another funny thing you're doing is climbing on your rocking horse and rocking like crazy! You think it's so much fun. We're glad you like it.

You also like the "Art Show" episode of Yo Babba Gabba and you've watched it about two thousand times. We get the songs stuck in our heads too. I try to turn on a different episode or show but you aren't having it. I am trying to convert you to watching Disney movies instead because those will never get old to me.

I didn't think I could love you any more than I already do but I do! Every night after you go to bed I look at your pictures and get so excited to see you the next morning. You're my little buddy and I have such a blast hanging out with you. I thought I'd be sad about you getting bigger, especially since month after month is just flying by now! But I'm not sad. I'm enjoying seeing you learn and grow.

Your daddy says he loves how "cool" you're getting. He likes that he can chase you around and make you laugh, and get you to throw things. You two don't get to hang out as much these days but the time spent together I can tell, is much more cherished.

We love you so much. I hope you remember that always.

Love,

Mommy

 ***

Lil' J won a contest and as promised, I'm doing a giveaway for a $30 gift card on my Facebook Page to your store/restaurant/place of choice. If you don't have facebook, or would prefer not to comment there, leave a comment on this post instead. Only comment on one or the other please, not both. I'll combine entries to draw the winner. Giveaway ends Monday at 8pm CST.

13 months and I keep loving you more

Dear Daughter,

You are 13 months old today but I prefer to call you one. You're just one year old. I imagine it will be hard to keep up with the number of months you are when people ask. Can't I just say one and one-and-a-half until you're two? I never know what number people want to know though when they question your age.

Gnomeville Dress from Dapple Gray Designs

Anyway, this last month you've  sorta started getting the hang of communicating. You know that your whiny growl will get you whatever you want so you usually do that first, then I try to get you to use sign language to tell me if you want milk, to be picked up, to go outside, or whatnot. You know how to sign new words like "book" and "picture" now. It's so cute to watch you do it.

You can totally take steps on your own but you still prefer to crawl. I'm not rushing the walking. I will probably miss this cute crawling stage some day so I'm just enjoying it. You'll probably be running from me when I'm taking picture of you too, which may or may not be so fun.

MudPie dress from BNB Boutique

We went to a candy store yesterday and I let you have a taste of my float. You loved it. You also got to taste a little big of a sucker and some cotton candy. After a little while you were yelling and laughing so loud throughout the store. I think you were on a sugar high.

I normally don't like to let you eat sweets. Unless you count fruit. But your favorite foods aren't too great for you either. You LOVE pizza. Whenever you make it you get excited at the smell and beg for some. You also love french fries. It's horrible that I even let you eat some but I understand your fascination. They are my favorite food too. Coincidentally, your dad's favorite food is pizza. Maybe it's just in your genes to like these things.

Flower headband from Chic N Unique

When you finally had your one year checkup I thought you were going to be of the charts big. Or at least still in the 90th percentile for weight and height as you have been, but you were only 20lbs 1oz but you were 30in long. So you are tall, but strangely only in the 45th percentile for weight. You don't look tall and thin to me.

Your favorite things to do are dance, go outside and play, or take pictures, and your absolute favorite is to play in water. From Snoop's water bowl to the pool you can't stay away. We need to get you in swimming lessons stat!

Shirt from MoRiginal Designs

I love you so much little girl. More than you will ever know. Well, maybe until you have your own child some day. I think that's when you'll really get it. I'm not sure if my mom loved me as much as I love you but if she did, I have a new respect for what she went through.

Thank you for being my little friend, my bragging rights and my new reason for loving life.

I love you baby girl.

Love,

Mommy

*Happy 13 months to Lil' J! Everyone who comments on this post will be entered to win $25 to Dapple Gray Designs (first photo dress from there). If you "like" Dapple Gray Designs on Facebook, and tell them I sent you to get an extra entry, just leave an extra comment letting me know.

Giveaway Ends August 13th*

I remember when...

My Dear Little Spawnie, My Journey, Little LadyBug, My Sweet Lil' J,

I remember when I planned your existence, or tried to at least.
I remember when your daddy said "ok, let's do this," or something to that effect.
I remember when I saw two lines on the pregnancy test, and I couldn't believe it. My arms were shaking, and I took another test.
I remember when the word "pregnant" lit up across the screen. Your daddy still didn't get it. I had to spell it out.
I remember wondering if you'd stick around, almost every day of my pregnancy.
I remember the first time I knew it was you kicking inside me, and the way your daddy's eyes lit up when he felt it too.
I remember stressing about how you would come into the world, even though I kept telling myself not to.
I remember the blessing your daddy gave me before you were born, and feeling relief.

I remember the moment you were placed in my arms, and saying "Hi baby!" You were so chunky and big, yet so tiny at the same time.
I remember the first time I nursed you, and wondering how long we'd last.
I remember taking you home from the hospital decked out from head to toe, and dressing you up every day since then.

I remember your first smile. Your first laugh in your sleep.

I remember when you first met Snoop. You were best friends instantly. And he rarely leaves your side today.

I remember our first trip together. You slept on the flight and the first 7 after that.
I remember people holding you as a newborn and wondering what they meant by you making their uterus ache. Now I get it.
I remember how calm you were when you were passed around all day. But how extra happy you were by my side.

 

I remember the first time you said "dada" even though I had been saying "mama" to you every day from day one.
And the time you said "dada" on command when your daddy was recording it. I was in disbelief.
When you said "mama" my heart melted. Even though you were whining to be picked up. I remember that.

I remember when your first tooth came in.
And the your first taste of food. You licked the bowl afterward.

 

I remember when you used to cry at night when we'd lay you down to sleep. Now you fall asleep on your own without a hitch.
I remember when you would wake up in the middle of the night, before I went to bed, and I'd bring you downstairs for 2am photoshoots with my phone.
I remember tickle fights, and your belly laughs, they are music to my ears.

I remember agonizing over raising you right, wondering if I was doing it the right way. I still do, but now I'm more confidant.

I remember when you first sat up, rolled over, cruised across the floor--backwards first, and now, your first steps.

I remember these things like it was yesterday, yet it all began a year ago. A year ago today.

You changed my life forever.

I love you.

Happy Birthday

Forever Bliss Photography

One more month as a baby

Dear Daughter,

I can not believe that in less than a month you will be one. I can't believe it. I really can't. In fact, yesterday I was looking to sign us up for a class and it asked for your age group and naturally I chose the "0-6 months" group. I can't believe you are 11 months old. Did I mention I can't believe it?

Boots from Ebay; Owl hat from Mary Sue

You are becoming my new best friend. I know it may seem weird because you are so small, but you're my little buddy. I love bringing you around with me, and showing you off. And I love finding activities we can do together.

What we do the most is take pictures. After I get home from work and feed you, it's like you know it's time to go outside and take pictures. You're not as content inside. You are the best little model and I love showing off the outfits I get for you to family and friends on facebook. In no time you may be picked up by Baby Gap. Who knows.

Dress from Lollipop Moon; bow from London Blue Designs

As far as firsts and developments go, you are starting to speak more. You're like me in that you love to yap away. You can say "dog" which is more like "doh" but sometimes you say "doggie." You also say "Ka ka" when you see a "kitty cat." You are picking up more sign language now so I'm trying to teach you things like "berry" "more" "light" and other things, but mostly you say "milk." If I ever say the word you start signing it. I think it's your favorite word.

You aren't walking yet but you walk along furniture, and you're getting brave and letting go sometimes to test your balance. I've been selfish in not wanting you to walk because I want you to stay my little baby, but at least pictures will be even more fun once you start walking... Unless you start running away from me, which you probably will. You laugh and laugh when you stand up for a few seconds. You know you're growing up and achieving new things.

Tutu from La Bella Creations; Leg warmers from Happy Crawlers; Bow from Chloe and Maude

You have four teeth and more coming in. You love water. I mean LOVE water. We went swimming for the first time this month several times and you never want to get out of the pool. Fittingly, we're having a pool party for your first birthday in a few weeks. I know you'll be so happy to be in the water.

Another thing you love are books. You bring them to me when you want me to read to you, and you'll sit content while I read aloud. Book are definitely still your favorite toy. I'm glad and I hope you keep this hobby and enjoy reading as you grow up.

You love to eat but you are beginning to show interest in certain things. I feel like a horrible mother for letting you consume things like goldfish and pizza crust, but it happens. You love chicken, ham, and your favorite food is berries. I let you try eggs for the first time yesterday and you got sick. I was so sad. You threw up all over me a bunch. But you weren't upset at all, which was good.

Glasses from Clairs; Bow and tutu from London Blue Designs

One thing you're starting to show is a crazy mood swing. I think you get it from your daddy. You will make this crazy growling noise (you've always made one but this is a deeper noise) you sound like you're trying to poop and you arch your back. Your daddy and I were so worried thinking you were sick. I handed you a berry to see if you'd stop and sure enough you did. So it's confirmed. You are pretty much a drama queen. You must get it from your dad. It makes me a little scared to find out what's ahead.

It's fun watching you grow and see you try new things and develop a personality. I like seeing me and your daddy in the things you do, and I can't wait to see what's next.

Eleven months down. I wish we could wrap this up and start all over because these have been the best, and most exciting 11 months of my life. I had no idea having a child could be this fun. People make it sound so scary and hard. While it can be exhausting at times, it's better than I ever could have imagined it being. Now as I sit and watch you I wonder when I can start over and you can have a younger sibling to play with, but I also don't want to rush, and just enjoy this one on one time we get. I stress about the spacing of you and your sibling(s) but keep reminding myself not to worry about it. At least I have you, and everything is going to work out. We are lucky to have each other. And no matter how big you get, in the words of Mariah Carey, you will always be my baby.

I love you,

Mommy

Only two months 'til you're 1

My Little Journey,

You are growing so fast now. You have four teeth. Two on the top and two on the bottom. And two more teeth coming in on the top near your front two teeth. These seem to be hurting you the most which makes me so sad because you are such a happy girl, and it's so sad when you're feeling down.

When you're happy you laugh, and smile, and crawl around with your mouth hanging open. You could catch flies with that pie hole. You'll dance when you hear music. You'll bounce up and down bobbing your knees. Every morning you look bigger to me, and are heavier when I pull you out of your crib. Then I look down at my stomach and remember when you were living in there. It's crazy thinking about that. And it's crazy that you are my daughter. It's still mind boggling.

Red, green, orange crochet dress and bow $27 from CrochetPlay

There are a few things I've trained you to do. One, you like to wear hair accessories. People always ask me how I get you to keep things in your hair. I think part of it is because I've put hair bows on you since birth, and partly because you just like to be prissy. Hats aren't as easy but if I hold them on your head for a few seconds as you try to pull them off you give up and forget they're there.

You still love books, and we love reading to you. You like to clap and you're starting to give high fives too.


You don't say a ton yet but you have "mama" and "dada" down. Sometimes you'll even say "mommy" and "daddy."

Eating is one of your favorite things to do. You love to eat what I'm eating, and you especially love celery, berries and more berries. Your favorites are strawberries and blackberries. We haven't tried blueberries yet but I think that'll be next. The only problem is remembering to put a bib on you so you don't stain your pretty dresses. I need to learn how to wash the stains out.

You're still nursing like a champ, but our freezer stash of milk is running low. We started with 220oz when I went back to work and we're down to about 30 I think. I need to continue to be diligent about pumping so we can get through these last couple of months. I worry a little that you may have a dairy intolerance because sometimes your face breaks out when you have a little cheese. I hope whole milk sits well with you in a few months. I'll stop pumping but I'll keep nursing you as long as you want--Or until you're two or something, I dunno. I haven't thought that far.

Bubble dress and headband $17 Sumos Sweet Stuff

I miss you all day every day when I have to leave you for work. I hate when you cry when I walk out the door, and I hate that I'm missing so much time with you, seeing the funny new things you do everyday, and just hanging out as the two of us. We get time on my days off and at night but it just doesn't seem like enough sometimes. I think that's one reason I want to keep nursing you, I love how close it brings us.

You are already 10 months old. I'm already planning your first birthday party, and I'm hoping it'll be fabulous! That's only two months away and it makes me excited and sad at the same time. I can't believe you're already almost one. Almost a toddler. I just want you to stay my baby forever and to stop growing. That's one reason I'm in no hurry for you to walk. But I'm sure you'll learn on your own anyway. You're already cruising around furniture and I never taught you that. I imagine you'll learn some of these things on your own.

Sometimes we go to the store and you don't want me to set you in the shopping cart, you want me to hold you as we walk around and shop together. It annoys me slightly but at the same time I know one of these days you're going to want to get down and walk on your own and I'll be standing there wishing you wanted me to hold you.

You are beautiful, and I love you and your father so much. I got lucky with a perfect husband and a perfect baby. When things get hard at work or with life in general I just think about how blessed I am to have you two and things seem to feel a little bit better.

Keep growing little one. I love you!

Love,

Mommy

What can I tell you that you don't already know?

My Little Journey,

You definitely have more letters than any other 9 month old I know. What are you going to do with all of these? You have over 95 daily letters from me this year so far, plus 8 letters for each month birthday, about 75 from when you were in my tummy, and another few from before you were even there. You are quite loved. I'm already worried about keeping this up for your future siblings. I'd better get started now so they can have as fun of a collection.

Ralph Lauren Polo Dress via Ebay; Headband c/o Elle Belle's Boutique

I'm already to the point where I am worried I'm going to tell you everything I know before you're a year old. Hopefully I'll keep learning and remember to tell you everything else I know. I'll keep this short to make sure I don't run out of things to say.

We went to your nine month checkup and you didn't need any shots. It was such a relief for me. I was panicking all day looking at your smiling face and worried about you having to be in pain, even though it's only momentary. You came in at 19 pounds 8 ounces, and 28 inches long. Your no longer in the 95th percentile, which makes me a little sad, but I knew this day would eventually come. You're still in the 70th.

You are such a happy, but serious child. You watch everyone so intently like you're figuring them out. Everyone notices that about you when you meet them. People often call you "serious." Once you warm up to them you show off your big beautiful smile though, and will usually try to start a conversation. None of it is in English of course. Well, noting besides "Mama" and "Dada". At least you've learned how to say my name now--Though it's much less commonly spoken.

How are you sleeping? Well, you've got us whipped, let's just say that. You can go down to sleep just fine when we put you in your bed, and sleep in your room by yourself, but when you wake us up in the middle of the night, somehow you end up  in our room. I know this won't last forever though so I'm taking it in strides.

Oilily Spring Dress c/o Jilly Bo Billy; Curled goose feather headband c/o Elle Belle's Boutique

You love to pull up on everything, and crawl everywhere. You're very courageous, and love hanging upside down and swinging high in swings.

It's funny how much I love you. I often wonder if this strong emotion near obsession will go away someday. I hope not. It's kinda fun.

I love you baby girl.

Love,

Mommy

***

Everyone who comments on this post before the 16th will be entered to win a headband from Elle Belle's Boutique. You can "like" her on facebook and thank her for the giveaway for an extra entry. Can't wait to win? Use code "FACEBOOK10" to save 10%. One winner will be selected using Random.org and announced on my Facebook Page.

To My Beautiful 8-Month-Old

Darling Daughter,

You are eight months old today, and to celebrate, on the eve of your eight-month birthday you said "Mama" in front of me and your dad. I've heard you say it before but only when you're really tired, or getting angry. I wish you said it when you are happy like you do when you say "Dada."

Rosa Tile Ruffle Twirl Dress c/o Tea Collection; Homemade bow

Your personality is booming. You seem to be smiling most of the time, you are so curious and wanting to get into everything. You don't have any problem with strangers, and enjoy meeting new people.

You love to laugh, and love to play. You would be happiest if we sang and danced all day long.

You started to crawl last week and you are starting to enjoy being put down more than ever. You still like Mommy to hold you, but you don't mind being set down and playing with your toys too. You are also starting to pull yourself up from a sitting position. You aren't real good at it yet but you try.

When I clap and say "Yaaaay!" you clap, smile and yell too. And you are so proud of yourself for doing that. You just started doing that this last week. It's amazing watching you learn.

Wild Child Giraffe Dress c/o Lollipop Moon; Homemade hair bow

You have two teeth and like to use it to chomp and eat whatever food you can get your hands on. I'm still making your baby food but haven't been experimenting with it as much as I should. You love sweet potatoes and bananas. I'd like to experiment more this month and give you more creative meals because I'm sure you'd like it.

I'm finally starting to accept the fact that you're growing. You have two teeth and are getting so tall. In another four months you'll be ONE. That's so insane and a little sad at the same time. It seems like just yesterday I had you and we were lounging around together during my maternity leave. I love every new stage but long for the last. It's sad to think I'll never get these moments back. Never have time alone with my one and only baby girl. So I'm relishing every single moment. Even moments at 1am when you randomly want to play. I don't mind as long as I'm off the next day. It still makes me laugh even if I have work a few hours later.

You still haven't had to use any formula yet and I'm thinking we won't have to now. Breastfeeding is going really well, and now that you're eating more real food, I don't have to pump as much at work to keep up. It's perfect. I never thought we'd be able to make it this far.

Songbird Banded Dress (left) c/o Tea Collection; Campanillas Banded Dress (top right) c/o Tea Collection; Headband:Sumos

I love dressing you up every day. I'm so glad I had you first because girls clothing is the best. It's like I gave up my sense of style and gave it all to you. Every morning I'm home with you I like to pick out your outfit, a matching bow, and if I have time, take a few photos before I go to work. It's funny because people told me not to get you too many clothes but I've realized there's no such thing for me and you. I don't care if you only wear a dress once or twice, it's still worth it to me. Sometimes I even change your outfit halfway through the day just to give you a fresh look and to play dress up.

I feel like I'm ordering you a new outfit almost every day. It's my addiction, but it doesn't feel bad because it's for you, and I am really good about finding good deals. I'm saving them all because I love them so much and someday maybe a little sister of yours can wear them.

Now your hair is also getting a lot longer. I'm having fun styling it and doing different things with it. You look so adorable in pig tails. I think you will have really long hair like your mommy.

Citron Flora Playdress c/o Tea Collection; Hair clippies from Walmart

Every day I wonder what you'll be like when you grow up. I think you are going to be very smart. As your mother it's my job to think this, but I'll humor you with my explanation anyway. You are very aware and alert and have been from day one. You learn things so quickly too. You sign milk now when you want to nurse, instead of crying, and you understand other signs I say to you. I can't wait to see what you learn next.

I just hope we can compromise on things. I can already tell you are learning how to get what you want. I'm not sure when you went from not being capable of being spoiled to being completely used to getting what you want and fussing when you don't, but we're going to work on that.

I've been doing a lot of medical stories lately and every time I see a woman scientist I think about you and wonder if you might be a scientist some day. I wonder what you'll want to be when you grow up. I want you to know you can be anything you want to be. No matter what people say to you about your looks, gender, or anything, you can accomplish whatever you set your mind and heart to, and I've got your back. Set your goals high, write them down, and visit them often. You can do anything.

I love you baby girl, thank you so much for giving me a reason to better myself, and love life even more. We've got some good times ahead.

Love,

Mommy

Advice for my seven month old

My Little Pretty Princess,

You are amazing. You brighten my day, and you always make me smile. Every day I feel like I'm noticing something new you're learning. You're starting to crawl backwards, but you like to roll to whatever you want to get. I'm sort of dreading you starting to crawl because I know you will be into everything and we just don't have our place fully baby-proofed yet. Taking your seven month photos was so hard because you just wanted to play and didn't want to sit still. I know this is just a glimpse of what's to come. I'm going to need to get my helmet and knee pads out to keep up with you.

Dress and headband $16 from Sumo's Sweet Stuff

You have an obsession with paper towels. You love to try to eat them, and napkins. I try to keep them away from you but you always seem to find one somewhere. You like to make little spit wads.

You are getting the hang of eating edible things too. I've been making your baby food and you love squash and sweet potatoes. You also love banana when I give you some. And broccoli, cucumber and Mum Mums, you'll pretty much eat anything you can get your little hands on. Sometimes I just hand you a bit of whatever I'm eating and you'll gnaw away at it for awhile. But no matter how much you love the food you still love nursing more. Now that you've started solids it's easier to keep up with pumping enough for you though, which is a big stress reliever. I'm very proud of the fact that we haven't needed to supplement.

You got your first two little teeth last week. They are so cute, we danced and cheered when we saw your first one pop up. You second one seems to be bothering you a little more but we've been giving you a bit of medicine to help. You haven't bit me with your teeth yet. I'm hoping we nipped that bad habit in the bud while you were just gumming it. I'm afraid we'll wean once you bite with your sharp teeth.

You still love my singing, and you love taking pictures, which is good because I love taking pictures of you. You're so photogenic and you love the camera.

Chair from Pottery Barn Kids

I love bragging about you, which is funny because I didn't think I'd be "that mom" who just loves to go on and on about her baby to nice people who ask how you're doing but I do. I show off your pictures, and talk about the things you're learning.

I've been thinking a lot lately about how we're going to raise you and the type of person I hope you grow to be. Your dad and I are both the oldest children and someday you'll be an older sibling too. There's a lot of responsibility being the first born child. Younger siblings look up to you, and you're the practice run for us as your parents to see how we like to do things. Don't feel bad if we're hard on you, know it's because we love you so much. We truly just want what's best for you. It's so hard for parents to see their children do something that could hurt them, or be bad for them. Ultimately it's up to you to make your life's decisions but we're here to help you, hopefully make the best ones. Remember we're not perfect, but we're trying our best.

Every night we read a chapter of your children's scriptures together and we say a prayer together. You watch your daddy read so intently like you understand the stories, and you look at the pictures. I hope we can keep this up and that you'll feel the Spirit in your life daily and that that will help you blossom into the marvelous woman I know you'll be.

Ok, enough deep mommy talk, there will be years to lecture you. Just know I love you more than you know. More than I knew I could love, and it's the best feeling in the world. I've never worked as hard as I have these past seven months my entire life, but I've never been this happy.

I love you. And I'm so grateful for you.


Mommy

Happy half birthday baby!

Little Lady,

It's INSANE you've been alive half a year!! What the heck?

People say time flies once you have kids and I'm tellin' ya they ain't lying! I can't believe you're already six months old. I feel like just last week you were born. Now you babble all of the time. Mostly you yell, sing, scream out of excitement and say "dada" and "daddy."

You are a little busy bee. Always watching what we're doing and trying to get involved. You're on my lap as I write this to you right now just watching the words pop up on the screen. From time to time you'll try to mimic me and grab the keyboard but luckily, right now you seem to be content with just watching.

You've been good at sitting up for a few weeks now. You like to play on the floor with your toys. Last night I saw you lunge forward and scoot up on your knees and I thought you were going to start crawling. Good thing you didn't though because I was going to the bathroom and you would have crawled right off the bed. I'm not sure I'm ready for you to start moving yet. I know you are going to be getting into EVERYTHING!

You are beginning to get more independent but you are still preferably social. You'd much rather be in a conversation between your daddy and I than playing off on your own, but if we're not doing much you're happy playing with your toys.

Forever Bliss Photography

You, as I imagined you would, LOVE food. You've tried many different kinds of veggies and you love most of them. You don't like peas, but your daddy and I don't either so we understand. You do like sweet potato and squash.

We went to the doctor today and you are 18.6 pounds now and 27 inches long. 90th percentile for weight and height! Getting your shots were not nearly as bad this time. You only cried for a moment, then I nursed you and sang the alphabet song and you were fine. You LOVE that song. I can sing it any time you're crying and you'll stop and stare at me. Maybe it's because I sang it so much when you were in my belly and during diaper changes when you were small.

We've also started signing with you. Or I have. Your daddy seems to think it's silly. You know what it means when I sign "bath" and you get excited and kick your feet, just like you do when I say it.

I started a project I'm going to give to you when you're older. It's a book I hope to add something to daily this year. I hope I can keep up with it. So far so good!

It has been so fun watching you grow. I'm happy and sad at the same time. I miss you being small but I love the new things you're doing.

Thanks for rocking my world!

Love,

Mommy