Halfway to ONE

Lauren Elizabeth - 6 months old

Well, I had high hopes of documenting your every month in great detail , but as you can see, your Mommy is just now getting started and you are halfway to ONE already!

You are no longer an infant, but have grown into an active and happy baby possessing the ability to entertain us all and bring even more joy to our lives.

You have your first tooth now - bottom front - and bring everything directly to your mouth...toys, unsuspecting fingers and more. Since last month you've been sticking your tongue out to feel that little nubbin' of a tooth. Not occasionally, not just when it is bothering you - but CONSTANTLY. Cute at first - but now I'd like it if you would please stop that. I'd much rather have pictures of you smiling. A Mommy has enough to feel guilty about, so I'd like it if you would kindly put your tongue back in your mouth and blow me sweet baby kisses instead. Understood?

You are exploring the new world of baby food. You love rice cereal carrots and squash, but could do without the sweet potatoes and pears. You haven't tried green vegetables yet and have just begun with fruits. Your appetite seems to be the only identifiable trait you've inherited from your mother. You are a delicate and beautifully feminine version of your Daddy. But seriously, could you look MORE like him? geesh.

Your ability to sit up has opened up a whole new world for you - the world of PLAY! Toys are now fun for you, and thanks to Mommy's friend Kathy Anderson who has kids older than you, we have a TON. You also love to play in your exersaucer - but not as much as you love to be held. Good thing you have a Mommy who loves doing that!

You are babbling up a storm these days too. Baa bah is your trademark. Happy? Bah Bah. Sad? Bah Bah. Hungry, Tired, Mad, Curious? Bah Bah. I love you, Mommy? Bah Bah. We love hearing your sweet voice and imagining what it will sound like when you are talking in phrases and sentences. When you wake in the mornings, we can hear you Bah bahing away on the monitor. Such a happy baby!

Let's see - what else are you up to at 6 months...hmmm. I'm so afraid I'll forget something important. You LOVE to sleep. It is common for you to sleep 12 hours at night and take 2-3 naps during the day. Sometimes I feel guilty for not playing with you more - like I should wake you so we can have some fun! But, as my friends and Dr. Jon remind me, you'll be sleeping less and less as the months go on and I should enjoy the free time while I have it. Especially since you have figured out how to get up on all fours. It won't be long now before you figure out how to move in a crawl-like fashion and then Mommy will be in trouble!!!

You love Sadie - that goofy hyperactive doggie sure makes you smile. Glad someone likes her. Sometimes I think your first words will be "Sadie, shut up!" or "Sadie, CORNER!"

Your sister, Bailey lights up your life and you hers. You think she is so funny and I can already see in your eyes that you can't wait to tag along, worshipping the ground she walks on. Right now, she thinks that will be fun too.

Oh - and you've started opening your arms to reach for us! Daddy, Bailey and I just LOVE that. It doesn't take much for you to melt our hearts. That sweet look of sad puppy eyes combined with the open outstretched arms. Yes, Lauren -- you can have WHATEVER you want.

You also have a temper that rears its ugly head every now and then. But what's worse is the sadness that follows. If we ignore your temper tantrum, soon you are broken-hearted. Here's what THAT looks like.

And then to comfort yourself, you find that thumb - that thank you God she knows how to soothe herself thumb. And here's what THAT looks like.
When we lie you down for naps or for bedtime - you might fuss for, oh...MAYBE three seconds - then in goes the thumb and the other hand wraps around the back of your head and you sweetly caress your head. I imagine when you have more hair you'll be twirling it - but for now you just caress. You are such a sweetie!

Well, my little 6-month-old....I love you so much. I thank God for you every day. You brighten my days and give me my greatest purpose.

Love,
Mommy