Claire at 8 Months

Happy 8 Months Claire!  Everyday I thank God for another day with you.  I think about all the days my heart longed for you and all the years I wondered if we would ever have you in our lives and sometimes I still can't believe this is our life and you are here.  My heart could burst with all the love it holds for you.  The joy you bring your Dad and I is truly beyond words.  You have such a beautiful and gentle spirit and we love seeing you grow and change everyday.

You are very determined, so incredibly loving, and I think you're silly too.  Peek-a-boo has been your favorite game this month and your laugh could put a smile on anyone's face.  This picture is from today when we were playing peek-a-boo while you were in your jumper!  You had soooo much fun!

You are still in a size 3 diaper and you're just starting to wear your 9 month clothes!  I took you shopping for your first pair of shoes at Payless and the nice man working there fitted your little feet!  It was so cute!  You are a size 1!  You seem to enjoy shopping and especially shoes, so I think your Dad and I might have our hands full when you're a teenager! =)

Naps are going so much better now!  You nap at 9:00 and 1:00.  Your nap routine of diaper change, story in my lap with paci and then a few minutes of cuddling followed up by me telling you, "It's time to go night-night and take a nap.  Sweet dreams Claire." has really been working.  You will cruise around your crib for 10-20 minutes before you finally rest your head and tuck your knees under with your little tush in the air and fall asleep.  It is just the cutest thing.

We lowered your crib, and then we lowered it again about 5 days later.  You have learned how to pull up on it and you think it's pretty fun.  You aren't able to fully stand yet, but you are trying....update...you are standing now!  Not pulling all the way up on your own yet, but you can stand if we put you in standing!

We are still following the same bedtime routine as last month.  It's working really well and sometimes you sleep until 7:00, although most mornings you're up around 6:30.

You are eating 3 meals a day now and still nursing 6 times a day.  You nurse when you wake up, 9:00am, noon, 3:00, 6:00 and before bed.  I thought you would be nursing only 5 times a day now, but you let me know that you are still hungry and want to eat, so we'll see how that goes over the next month or so.  You tried apples recently and you love them!  You are not such a fan of vegetables.  I have been mixing in some carrots into your sweet potatoes and you've been eating them without knowing it, so I just might have to get a little more creative! = )

You think your Daddy is just the BEST thing in the world!  He lights up your eyes and brings a smile to your face like no one else.  You still say Dada a lot and we love to hear it.   I wonder what your next word will be?

You enjoy playing with your little telephone now and I can see you outgrowing your soft baby toys and taking interest in "more big girl" type toys.  Seriously- how does it go this fast?

I thought this expression was worth posting on here...I don't think I've ever seen you make it before- but you definitely look so grown up- more like a little toddler and less like a little baby. 

Everyday there are moments where I stop and cherish how much I am enjoying this stage with you.  I really do want to see you grow and learn new things (of course), but the thought of never being able to hold you again at this size with your little chunky thighs (which I LOVE) and your precious baby hands is enough to bring tears to my eyes.  You are reaching for me now and crawling into my lap and it just melts my heart.  You are the love of our lives.  Everyday  I fall in love with you again and again.  I thank God so much for letting us be your parents and for trusting us with you. It is a big job and one that we pray we will do right.  

I love you so much big girl!  xoxo