Nettie Jean: 8 Months

Seth and I have thoroughly enjoyed every stage with Nettie. We fall in love with our little gal all over again every day, relishing in all the memories we have already created, and ecstatic for what each new day brings. She changes so quickly and learns something new every day, but we honestly wouldn't want it any other way. This month has been jammed packed with so many new things, hence a VERY lengthy post. We just don't want to forget a single quirk, noise, face or development of hers!

-Very observant. Nothing gets past her. Random, everyday things that we don't even pay attention to really intrigue her. And I absolutely love that about her. It is so grounding to enjoy the world through her curious little eyes. Plus, she is an avid people watcher- much like both her father and mother. So that's pretty neat too.

-Definitely a morning person. No question about it. Which is actually perfect for me because I am not. So it makes mornings more enjoyable since she is such a delight. Plus, I would much rather have her be more energetic in the morning than at night. If she get's a little cranky later on at night, I can just put her to bed, unlike in the morning when our day has just begun.

(Typical morning-hanging out at the toy chest, 'saying hi' to mama) 

(She plays hard and then crashes)

 

-She seems to wake up every morning with more energy than the day before. If this trend continues, I am going to be one exhausted mama! The days where she only takes one nap the entire day can get pretty trying. But she is very content just hanging out and playing for long periods of time, as long as she can see someone when she pauses to look up (especially if it's Seth or I). She has started to cry if she's playing and looks up and doesn't see anyone around. 

 (I just never want to forget every single facial expression!)

She can wave 'goodbye' if I say 'bye bye.' This all started when I designated her sock monkey as her 'changing table toy.' Months ago when she started getting wiggly during changes, I came up with that solution. And it works wonders! She just lays there jabbering away to the monkey while I get all her business taken care of. Of course, her favorite part of 'monkey' is the tag (just like any other toy). So when we are done changing, I pick her up, set 'monkey' back down on the changing table, say 'bye bye, monkey' and we wave. At first I would move her arm for her, but one day I accidentally forgot to do and she started waving! Ever since, she waves on her own when I say 'bye bye monkey', and she sometimes waves at friends or family when they leave our home.

She loves to sing, especially when she hears me singing at church during worship.

-She loves to be outside. She gets so serious as she takes in all the different sounds, textures and shapes.

-Pretty sure we are going to have a walker in the next couple of months. She can walk along the couch or if she's holding onto something/someone. She can also stand all by herself for short periods.

-One of her new favorite activities is emptying out my purse or the diaper bag. Pretty sure she has perfected it so that either are completely empty in under a minute. It's quite hilarious to watch all that focus and determination in such a tiny little person. 

-She's really been into grabbing things lately. She'll grab our legs, pull herself up and 'hug' us. Simply adorable. Or she'll pull at something (her favorite is the hair on Seth's legs, ha!), and then open up her hands, looking at them to see if there's anything in them. Those tiny little hands, and the curious look on her face just melt me.

(She LOVES Grammy)

-She can give 'kisses' if I put my lips right up to hers, make a kissing noise and say, "Can I have a kiss?" She's not always consistent with this (much too busy playing), but when she does, I savor each big, wet kisses.

-Grandpa Randy taught her how to fake cough. Quite amusing to watch. She gets so much satisfaction every time she learns a new noise. Plus, all that attention is just wonderful, right? ;)

-She can squirm her way out of the bumbo. Apparently when you're more mobile, being confined is not cool.

(These two.)

(I could watch these two all day, e'r day)

-Loves snuggling in bed with us, especially when Seth tosses her on the pillows.

-Trying lots of new foods. Her current favorites are peas and guacamole. She especially loves anything off of our plates. 

-We still think she's left-handed like her mama. I know it can change numerous times before it's final, but it has definitely been her dominant hand for months now.

-She LOVES cause and effect when she's playing. It's so fun to watching her explore this.

-Even though she's not really talking, I still know what she's 'saying' with her body language, sounds and facial expressions. She gets so happy when I acknowledge that I know what she's trying to communicate.

-Grammy Barb taught her how to say 'ba' (ball). She loves to experiment with sounds. I think she picks up a new noise every day.

-She flaps her arms like crazy when she's super excited. So cute.

-She is SO social-just like Seth. She absolutely LOVES playing with other babies and watching kids. So all you moms, we would love love love having a play date with you and your babes. Seriously, come on over! Not only would Nettie love it, but I would also be overjoyed. I cherish any time I get with the gals, and I definitely don't get enough!

Nettie Jean: 7 Months

Nettie turned 7 months over 2 weeks ago, but we've been busy over here.

7 month happenings:

-She laughs. all. the. time. She is so ticklish, and that little giggle is the best. Oh, and she now has a fake laugh. If she sees us laughing, she can make herself laugh. Adorable. And don't get me started on her smile. She grins from ear-to-ear all the time, showing off her two little teeth. And we love her favorite face: sucking her bottom lip. She does it constantly, and it is the best thing ever.

-She loves giving high-fives.

-She REALLY wants to walk. She can pull herself up, and get back down. She is constantly trying to stand on her own and take steps. She loves walking around our ottoman or along the couch. That's her little hangout area. It's like she can do it in her mind, but forgets that her little body isn't ready yet. Soon, little babe! She has even started reaching out to us, like she's saying 'hi', or that she wants us to pick her up and take her somewhere. It's fun figuring out what she wants based off of body language.

-We finally gave in and lowered her mattress. Took her about 6 seconds to stand up, but at least we know she's not getting out anytime soon.

-Nap time is going a little smoother than last month. She is learning to lay still while she falls asleep. Sometimes she will accidentally toss her paci out of the crib, and I'll find her calmly laying on her tummy, with her face smooshed up against the crib, peering out in longing for the paci on the ground. so. cute. Also, she has officially mastered the best baby sleeping position ever: on her tummy with her little bum in the air. Seth and I sneak into her room so many times every night, we can't get enough. It's gotta be one of the cutest things a baby does.

(caught her making raspberries)

 -She is constantly making noise. Making raspberries. Talking to herself. Squeals of delight. Even louder squeals to get our attention. Little murmurs while she tries so hard to tell us something. Sometimes she'll even surprise us with a noise that sounds like something we would make. Cannot wait for her to talk!

-She is really good at independent play-time. She gets really into it and has little conversations with herself. Her new thing is picking up a toy and tossing it. Seth and Nettie have a favorite activity where Seth sets up towers of blocks and Nettie crawls around knocking them down. She is so eager and exploratory, and quite the observer- she notices everything. I think this is why she enjoys entertaining herself for so long.

-She definitely recognizes 'no touch' and 'be still.' She obeys them most of the time, but sometimes she will test me. We have had a couple battles of the wills when it comes to nap time and being still. She can get a little rebellious and feisty at times.

-She got her first ear infection this month. It was awful seeing my daughter writhe in pain. Once we figured out what it was, I decided it was time to boost her immunity. My mom suggested Flax seed Oil (she gave it to us daily growing up). If you have ever tried it, you know it does not have a pleasant taste. It is very hard to disguise, in fact. But to our shock, Nettie LOVES it, plain, by the spoonful! So strange, but I can already tell it's helping. So a spoonful a day it is!

-We are currently looking for more educational toys for her growing little body and brain. We have our eye on a couple walkers and little drums, but would love any suggestions on interactive toys that stimulate those creative juices!

-I say it over and over, but she truly is such a joy to have around. She is non-stop with quite the high-energy levels, but I couldn't imagine life any other way. We are thrilled to see the spunky little gal she is growing up to be.

 

Nettie Jean: 6 Months

I thought every month before this was awesome, but 6 months is the bee's knees. This little gal is simply a blast. She's becoming more of a little girl and less of a baby, and we love it!

Things she's been up to:

-Crawling! Like the legit hands and knees crawling...with some army crawls thrown in here and there. And lots of standing! She literally cannot stay still or be silent. She has even started 'dancing' in her high chair when we play music.

-She loves to get into anything and everything. She always wants to be involved with what's going on.

-Lost of new noises. I swear she says 'mama'! (She even says it when I know she wants me, or when she's looking at me) And that 'farting' noise is my absolute fave. (Once again, please excuse the embarrassing commentary. Having a child really brings all the weirdness out.)

-She is starting to throw little tantrums, with the best little pouty lip. They are both hilarious and dramatic. We're are working on finding a method to address these.

-She is in love with Seth. She absolutely adores him and everything he does. She is enamored with his every move the minute he gets home from work. Their favorite activity is running around the house on his shoulders. 

-She is starting to purposely drop her toys. She will hold something to the side, look up at us and then casually drop her toy. So 'sneaky.'

-Loves being outside or looking outside. Looking forward to spring and lots of trips to the park!

-She has started preferring certain people at certain times. Mostly it's me, Seth or my mom. She lights up when she sees us, and even raises her arms or leans towards us to hold her. It makes my heart smile. 

-I often catch her making facial expressions exactly like some of Seth's. It's crazy how similar they are.

-She is still very social. Loves watching/playing with other babies/toddlers. 

-She is a very aware little gal. Most of the time I feel like I'm hanging out with a little kid. She is always watching, studying, trying to imitate, making facial expressions, etc.

-She is ticklish! I have been waiting for this day since she was born, and it is so fun to squeeze those thighs and get a giddy little response. 

-Still a great eater. We are introducing vegetables this week. She loves drinking water from her sippy cup as well as from our glasses.

-Still a good sleeper. We had a little rough patch when she first started crawling. Instead of sleeping, we would find her crawling around her crib giggling away. Super cute, but super naughty!

-Starting to learn what 'no touch' and 'stay' mean. Not necessarily following them, but we can tell she's getting the hang of what they mean. Changing clothes and diapers is becoming a bit more of a task. She is always wanting to roll over and play. 

-Still only 2 teeth on the bottom, but we think she's working on the next 2.

-I am learning more and more that while Nettie develops, so do Seth and I. I am learning how much I need and desire real, uplifting Christian friendships. I am learning how discouraging and unfulfilling it is to be in friendships with people stuck at surface-level or people who like to appear to 'have it all together.' I am learning the beauty of being vulnerable and imperfect, and how God can use me through that. I am learning how destructive it is to compare my life to others'. I am learning to take advantage of every second of my day, because this is it. My life has started and I only get one shot. I am learning to focus on aligning MY heart with God, instead of how my husband 'should' align his. And let me tell you, I LOVE learning. I really REALLY do.

6 month stats:
17.8 lbs.
27 1/2 inches long

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Nettie Jean: 5 Months

 Since 4 months:

-Still sleeping great- 9pm-8/9am with a feeding at 6am.

 -She is getting more mobile. She can sit up for short periods of time, and can really move around on the floor by either rolling over or scooting a little (she is starting to lift her body up in the crawling position!).

 -Her personality is really coming alive-and she is one feisty little gal! She is always going, going, going-I can barely keep up! I can't even imagine how energetic she is going to be once she's completely mobile!

-Started solids last week. I really wanted to wait until 6-9 months, but she had other ideas! So far she has tried homemade brown rice cereal and mashed avocado. She loves both! She is the cutest thing to feed. She makes this adorable 'mmmmm' noise with every bite.

-She is mesmerized with food. She stares every time we eat. She'll even start to salivate and move her mouth when we move ours. Too funny.

-Such a social little gal (much like her father). She loves interacting with others. When she starts getting tired/cranky we can buy more time by riling her up again! She really feeds off of others. Sometimes she will just sit there, looking at me, waiting for me to talk to her. Once I engage her, she gets really hyper.

-She loves her toes.
 

 -She had lots of fun with the family over the holidays.

-Still absolutely loves shower/bath time.

-LOVES time with daddy!

-Her first tooth poked through yesterday! She finds a way to chew on everything she can get her hands on.

My little roly poly sure keeps me on my toes. She is always talking and moving. But I cherish her spunk and wouldn't want it any other way!