We've enjoyed snow-free days and warmer weather these last few weeks. We've managed to spend a little time outdoors and we are hopeful that Spring is on the way!
Here is a photo taken today (on Allie's 8-month birthday). The MOM's group I'm involved with had a Spring party. An egg hunt, sack races and a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny. What better way to celebrate turning 8-months? As you can see, Allie was very intrigued by the bunny.
And here is another (what I'm sure is very dull for most of you, but the easiest way for me to track things for the baby book) developmental update:
- As we hear very frequently, Allie is "so little". She is 25 inches long and weighs 14 pounds 9 ounces. We are still waiting for her to have another growth spurt! In the meantime, we are getting lots of life out of her 0-3 and 3-6 month clothing!
- She has become a chatterbox. Her newest sound is "GA" which she uses all the time. No sounds that could be interpreted as words...oh, like "mama" or "dada".
- A few weeks ago Alex and I were in the car with Allie. We were listening to one of Allie's cd's and heard her talking in the back seat. We turned down the music and she stopped talking. We turned up the music and she started talking again. That's when we realized she was "singing" along. She does it quite a bit - it's so cute!
- Another really cute thing Allie has started doing is patting me on the back. I do it with her a lot - when I put her down or pick her up from nap/bedtime or to try and comfort her when she is upset. The other day I went to pick her up after nap-time and I was patting her back and chatting with her. All of a sudden she started patting my back too. She doesn't do it all the time, but quite a bit. And when she does, it melts my heart!
- No crawling yet, but Allie has realized that she can get to her toys by rolling over and over. This is an amazing development, as it decreases Allie's frustrated yells and tears.
- She is beginning to take little walking steps while holding on to objects. Allie will walk good distances while we stand behind her and hold her hands. She also likes to surprise us a few times a day by walking from one side of her activity table to another. She is becoming much bolder with her movements. We've had a few wipe-outs after she's tried to venture AWAY from her activity station in order to play with some toys lying nearby.
- Allie loves bath-time. She is becoming much bolder in the water as well. She's gone "diving" for toys and has a fascination for standing while holding onto the ledge....I have visions of her requiring stitches before she's even one! The kids from her playgroup are going swimming on Monday, which will be a first for Allie. If all goes well, we are planning to start swimming lessons at the end of the month!
