Gwyneth Month 8

I'm sorry this blog is so late, but better late than never I suppose. I apologize because my memories of this month are already a bit rusty since we're well into her 9th month.

We have a full blown cruiser, now. She has really taken to pulling up on anything and everything she can. She is so proud of herself when she does it, too. I can't believe we're already at this point in the first year of her life! Time is really starting to speed up, and I want it to slow down!

One of her new favorite skills is blowing raspberries. If you add all the slobber from teething, we get a nice shower of saliva with it. My favorite is when she does it while she's eating. It makes clean up after a meal so much more enjoyable... especially, when the meal gets splattered on me in the process!

She has also started to clap and wave her hand hi/bye. One of my favorite things about watching her grow (and this goes for every baby/child as they grow) is the amazement at their ability to do new things. Everything they discover or do is brand new, and I don't look forward to the day that everything is "old news." I want my kids to always thing everything is amazing.

HI!

We took a nice hike to a lake early in the month, and I was able to wear her on my back in the ergo. She seemed to really enjoy it, and it certainly took a lot of pressure off my back since I wasn't carrying an extra 20lbs up in front of me. She loved watching Millie run towards the edge of the lake, and the cool water splashing on us was nice in the hot sun.

We had family photos taken at the Deception Pass beach with the view of the bridge. Our neighbor and friend Liz took the photos and we had a great time. She did a wonderful job and I'm so glad we have been able to keep up our tradition of getting pictures taken every year. I'll only share the ones of Gwen since this is her blog, but they all turned out beautifully.

Daddy's Girl

                                          

We've gotten Gwyneth to take her naps and begin the evening in her crib, which is wonderful as it frees up my hands to get things done around the house. The time she stays in there varies, but again, we're making progress, and that is honestly most important to me. I don't want to rush things and end up losing more sleep overall. Mama needs her rest to be able to care for her and her brother, so I'll do whatever necessary to get sleep.

I'm awaaaaake

The final thing that happened this month, is the blossoming of Gwyneth's personality. I wish I could say it was all sunshine and roses, but she really has a little temper. It is interesting to contrast her personality with Lucas', because while he was an incredibly difficult newborn, he really had a laid back personality once he got past 6 months. Gwyneth was a little more manageable as a newborn, but is proving to be very stubborn as a pre-toddler. When she wants something and you tell her 'no' or re-direct her, she throws a full on tantrum. She can be happy one minute, and angry the next. Mischievous, but then an angel in the blink of an eye. It definitely keeps us on our toes, but we're loving it!

That about wraps it up! Next month's update will *hopefully* be posted on time. It's difficult to keep my mind focused on one thing for more than a few minutes, but now that she's starting to sleep more on her own at night, I'm hoping I can get the necessary time to sit down and write everything in one night :) I'll be back soon!

8 Months Old!