Eight and Counting

Lee came back just in time to celebrate with Amelia. He had been in Aspen, CO, for X Games meetings and returned home Sunday afternoon. On Monday (11/14), Amelia happily crossed the eight-month milestone. Eight months! It's gone by so fast. Hard to believe she's almost been "out" now as long as she was "in"!

(PHOTO: I want to go with dad. Chapel Hill, NC - 11/14/05 - JKB)

"Babers", as Lee likes to call her, can now sit up on her own, pull herself up on anything, and is one the verge of crawling. For now, she's content wiggling like a worm across the floor. She especially likes a hardwood surface - her speed greatly increases.

(PHOTO: Look at me... I'm 8 months old! Chapel Hill, NC - 11/16/05 - JKB)

We think she's added "ma-ma" to her young vocabulary, but that could just be wishful thinking on my part. Regardless, she's definitely found her voice and it's not her quiet, inside, voice. It's a loud, very happy, on the edge of screaming, voice. It's better than crying, but can be quite distracting to fellow diners when eating out.

Speaking of words, it looks like the synapses are firing at full-blast when we say "treat" to Amelia. Usually, Gus comes running for something tasty, but now Amelia knows it means something good is on the way. Cheerios, wagon-wheels, graham crackers... don't get in between Amelia and one of these snacks! Many a car ride has improved at the sight of a wagon-wheel. Thank goodness for Gerber.

(PHOTO: Who's a happy girl?! Chapel Hill, NC - 11/16/05 - JKB)

Amelia also love to clap. She thinks she's so great when she does it. Clap, clap, clap... laugh out loud in delight. On occasion, she's even been known to "high-five" Lee. (Let's be real... we're definitely stretching our interpretation of a random hand movement!)

These past 248 days with Amelia have been life changing to say the least. It's hard to imagine our world without her. Any bad day can be immediately rectified by her smile and sweet sounds. Even waking up with her twice a night is worth it... just to see that little face light up when you walk in the room. Parenthood agrees with us and we're loving every minute!

(PHOTO: I'm a waked-upper - love the bedhead! Chapel Hill, NC - 11/16/05 - JKB)