The First 6 Months

Where does the time go?  When I think back on my life, I cannot remember any period of 6 months that quite compare to these last ones.  My daughter was born on the first day of summer and it was the most painful and most joyous day of my life.  (It seems almost silly to take ibuprofen for a headache or back pain after pushing a child out of me without any paid medicine.)
Every day with her is an adventure.  Watching her grow, change, and discover her world is incredible.  Her smile lights up my world and the fact that she's a mini me of my husband doesn't hurt either.  

Everyone tells you when you're pregnant that you will never love someone as much as the child that is growing inside of you.  And they're right.  They're also right when they say that their personality is forming already in your womb.  It's something I didn't understand until months later when I connected the dots.  The way she kicked in my belly at all times of the day made me feel like I was growing an octopus and that is the way she moves today.  Awake or asleep, playing or nursing, her little legs are constantly going.  I also remember telling people that it felt like she was testing her limits in my belly; exploring every possible space she could.  My father's response to this was that she would continue doing that for at least 18 more years and oh how I wish he was kidding.  The way she looked at me the other day when I told her not to put my phone in her mouth made me worry that I'm not ready for my authority to be challenged, for the lines to be drawn.  Better practice my mom stare.

She's not a great sleeper and she has her daddy's short attention span, (or to put it in a more positive light, she is interested in EVERYTHING!). She eats all the time, but she isn't picky.  We started her on oatmeal at about 4 months and since then she's tried and loved avocado, sweet potato, green beans, carrots, and bananas.  (Nothing like solid food poops to make us question why we chose the cloth diaper route).  She rolls over to get to things and is much more interested in learning to walk than to crawl.  She blows raspberries like a champ and shrieks like a banshie, especially at the most awkward times- like sitting in a quiet restaurant.  She loves being outside and looking at trees just like we do and we can't wait to do lots of hiking and camping when it warms up around here. We're going to have fun.

This is my daughter and I'm going to do my best to keep up with her monthly pictures and hopefully blog about our adventures even more frequently.  Consider it one of my New Year's resolutions to debrief, if you will, and not let too many special moments be forgotten.