10 Months, That was Quick - Baltimore, MD - March 2011

Okay, so maybe it's that February was so short, but it feels like there has been no time since this month and last, but alas, our baby girl is already 10 months.

Monkey Brand New

Monkey 1 Month

Monkey 2 Months

Monkey 3 Months

Monkey 4 Months

Monkey 5 Months

***6 month picture MIA***

Monkey 7 Months

Monkey 8 Months

Monkey 9 Months

Monkey 10 Months

Here are her new stats:

Weight: 16 lbs (5th %)

Length: 26 1/2 inches (25th %)

Head Circumference: 42 centimeters (5th %)

She has 6 Teeth and the whole house is feeling it! We've taken a step back in the sleeping department. She is much more aware of the world around her these days, and we think that that combined with significant developmental milestones are the contributing factors to the fact that our sweet little girl has stopped sleeping through the night. We thought a couple of nights ago that we were on the road to recovery, but after last night, I'm not so sure.

She is pretty much moble through a combination of rolling, butt scooting, backwards crawling, and laying on her back and scooting which is her preferred method as it's the fastest, but it's my least favorite because she's now bald again on the back of her head... So SAD! She pulls up to standing and thinks she's big stuff when she does it. She growls and grunts with excitement and of course we cheer like she's won a 5K or something which only makes her more excited. She's also at a point where she enjoys playing for long stretches on her own which is nice for me with respect to keeping the house clean and laundry folded.

Swim class is going really well and we've signed up for the next session which will carry us pretty much all the way to when our pool opens for the summer. She loves to watch other kids and lately she's been a lot more interactive with them. Splashing in the pool with other babies, as well as sharing toys at play group.

Eating has gotten to be a lot more pleasant of a time at our house. Her diet is expanding and her apatite is getting bigger. She still has her favorites like yogurt and fruits, but with the addition of cheerios she's become much more open to eating a bite of something she's not too crazy about if there's a Cheerio close behind it. Also she's starting to partake in our big Sunday morning breakfast. She LOVES French toast and pancakes!

She is a joy to be around and her little personality is growing by leaps and bounds. It's amazing to me that in less than 2 months she will be a year old. I'm not sure I'm ready for that. but ready or not, here it comes!

Till next time,

Bon Voyage!

Swimming - Baltimore, MD - March 2011

The Monkey's swim classes are going great but much to my disappointment, I hadn't been able to capture it via camera to share it because aside from hiring a full time photographer to follow us, which believe me has crossed my mind because she's so stinking cute and does the cutest stinking stuff ALL THE TIME! I couldn't figure out how I could wield a camera and also participate in the class.

This week, our sweet friend Katie came to snap a few pics of El and I during the class. I knew she was a talented photographer, but I continue to be impressed with her madd picture taking skills.

Although they were all SO good, here are a few of my favorites...

Thanks Katie! Hope I get to return the favor someday!

Till next time,

Bon Voyage!

9 Months - Baltimore, MD - February 2011

NOTE TO READER: It is getting more and more difficult to take this little lady's monthly picture!

"Mom stop taking my picture!"

"No for real, I'm not looking at the camera anymore!"

"If I could just crawl..."

"I'm out of here!"

"...oooh this blanket is soft..."

"Wait... What was I doing?"

I can't believe our little girl is already 9 months old.

Monkey Brand New

Monkey 1 Month

Monkey 2 Months

Monkey 3 Months

Monkey 4 Months

Monkey 5 Months

***6 month picture MIA***

Monkey 7 Months

Monkey 8 Months

Monkey 9 Months

Here are her new stats:

Weight: 15lbs 3 ozs (3rd %)

Length: 26 1/2 inches (23rd %)

Head Circumference: 42 centimeters (2nd %)

Her advances this month are more mental rather than motor skills although she's becoming increasingly more confident in her strength with regard to standing and moving around on her belly. Still not crawling, but she is doing this really funny butt scooting that makes us think that she just might skip crawling all together. She has 5 teeth and it looks like the next one or two are going to arrive any day now.

She's starting to develop a bit of stranger anxiety when we go places like play group, but once we've been there a little while she warms up and is a little more social. She has also started crying when you leave her room at night. She only cries for a little while before she falls asleep, but it still breaks my heart.

She's starting to grasp object permanence and cause and effect which is really fun. If she drops a cherio rather than just picking up the next one on her tray, she actually looks for the one she dropped. She also has figured out that she can use objects as tools. For example if she can't reach something she'll pick up a book or toy in order to move what she wants within reach. She's a pretty smart cookie!

She is truly a gift from God and we continue to me amazed at how our love for her grows each day.

Till next time,

Bon Voyage!