8 months (almost).

The main reason for "blogging" is to keep you up-to-date on my Hallie Beth. So, let me do that. My little bug is growing soo fast. In just four months we'll be celebrating her 1st birthday (and welcoming her little brother into this world). Although she's "a big girl now" and not the tiny, helpless infant that we brought home-- i love it. This stage is my favorite thus far. She has SUCH a personality and soo playful. About that personality-- wow! My prayers are that she will have her daddy's. But, the little "temper" that's beginning to emerge is nothing like her daddy's. I DON'T KNOW WHO SHE GET'S IT FROM! She's started whining and throwing her head back when she's not happy. Mainly, when I change her clothes. She's NOT a big fan of changing outfits, which is too bad because it happens at least three times every day (most of the time MORE).

When clothes aren't an issues, she's such a HAPPY, LOVING baby. When she's really excited about something, she tightens her hands and makes an "uuuuuuhhhhhhh" sound as her face turns red! It's the cutest thing. She did this every day when I picked her up from daycare. And she does it when daddy comes home from work. It makes us smile every time.

Since I've been home with her (only two weeks now) she's become quite a momma's baby. And I can't say I don't enjoy every second of it. She gives these quick, couple second hugs where she wraps her arms around my neck and it melts my heart EVERY TIME. Occasionally, she'll hug me then open her mouth wide and "kiss" me right on the lips. So slobbery and sweet! I've noticed instances when someone else is holding her, she'll fuss if she sees me or reach for me to hold her. I hope this is just a stage she's going through. Although, I know it's probably due to being together every day. As far as development goes, she's starting to pull up on things. Just today, she pulled up to her knees while holding onto the coffee table. She was soo close to standing up completely, but started whining when she couldn't do it.. so, guess who came to the rescue and helped her to her feet?? I know, bad me. I know it won't be long until she's pulling up all the way. Also, she's learned to clap her hands and shake her head "no." Hopefully, it will be awhile before she realizes that this side-to-side head motion actually means "NO." As far as crawling, she's not there yet. I think she'll go straight to standing and walking. She DOES NOT like her belly. Although, she'll stay on it longer and longer every day without whining. I think it's because she can't see what's going on when she's on her belly. She's an extremely attentive and curious baby. Which she does not get from me. I'm not the least bit observant. Anyway, here are a few recent pictures of Hallie Beth:

"Momma, what is this??"
The first time she tasted a rice cracker.

Holding her bottle.
She's been doing this for a couple of months now.

She's started drinking water and juice from a sippy cup!

One morning, I let her feed herself the last few bites of cereal.

After realizing she didn't need the spoon and could use her hands!

Or better yet, lick it straight from the bowl!

She loves pickles!

Her new friend, Avery. They're 11 days apart!

Attempting to crawl.

One of her favorite things to do-- play in the bath tub.

She's fascinated by water.

She loves to look at the pictures in books!

Her favorite toy! It sings "Holly Jolly Christmas" and dances.
When it plays, she claps her hands and shakes her head from
side-to-side.

Watching Your Baby Can Read and playing.

Sound asleep.