7 months and counting

Dear Ella,

This has been a big month for you. You started “scooting” around on your belly – Watch out, Katy! And watch out dog hair – anyone know where we can buy a Swiffer sleepsuit? (AKA sweepsuit?) You started eating “solid” food – although it’s really more like mushy food. Sweet potatoes and avocado are your favorites so far. While peas were not so well-liked -- but I don’t blame you, I don’t like peas either.

Your other big accomplishment this month was your first “word”! Now, you may notice that word is in quotes. I didn’t say spoken word… We’ve been doing baby sign language since you were about four months old and two weeks ago you signed “milk.” You were sitting on my lap facing away from me and when I didn’t get your first attempt at communicating your needs – arching your back and pushing your head back into me -- so you turned around, looked at me, and then squeezed your hand open and closed. (Yes, the sign for milk is like milking a cow). It was such a cool moment – I know babies eventually do learn to communicate in ways other than crying, but our only experience so far is with raising Katy and she hasn’t spoken yet…

Speaking of speaking, you say “ma-ma-ma” and “rah-rah-rah” a lot. (Your dad thinks you’re going to be a cheerleader when you grow up.) And your latest is “da-da-da” -- which pleases your father to no end.

This month also marked my first Mother’s Day as a mom. Thank you, Ella, for all the joy and happiness that you bring to me. (And for sleeping 8 hours in a row last night! Woo-hoo!)

I love you!
Mama


P.S. I just realized that I forgot to post your latest stats from your six-month well-baby check-up:

Height: 29" (95%)
Weight: 16 lbs. (30%)
Head: 90%