8 Months, baby!

Dear Brooke,

We can hardly believe you're already 8 months old! It's been such a fun month - but so exhausting. You are crawling like a madwoman and getting into everything (especially things you aren't supposed to.) For example, just yesterday Mommy found you on the 2nd step going upstairs (when did you learn how to climb stairs?!) You are such a curious little lady, always wanting to touch things and figure out how they work - just like your Daddy! Your personality is hilarious. You make us laugh all day long with your crazy antics and silly faces. You think you're just as funny as we do, too. This month has been so delightful - here are the things you're into (and not) right now:

Favorites

Standing - You pull yourself up to a standing position any chance you get. We always find you standing when we come get you out of bed in the morning. Pretty soon you'll start cruising around the furniture you pull yourself up to and, then, next stop: walking!

Elmo - You are in love with this furry red friend. Oh how you adore watching your Elmo on TV! You are mesmerized by Elmo and the whole Sesame Street gang. We're not sure how it started, but every time we mention Elmo's name to you, you start waving to him. It's too cute!

Table Food - You love food as much as the next guy. Most specifically, you love "grown-up food", as Mommy calls it. While you'll eat the pureed fruits and veggies without complaint, you prefer to chew things with those 2 little teeth. Your favorites include celery & carrots, crackers, peaches & pears, bread/rolls, and anything frozen (popsicles, smoothies, etc.)

Waving - It warms our hearts when you wave "hello" and "goodbye" to us. You wave to anyone and anything you can. Our friends, family, and even strangers love it! You typically use the arm-flailing wave, but just learned how to do the open-and-close-your-hand wave. Both are too precious for words.

Doing Tricks - You're the biggest ham we know! You'll put on a show to get the attention of just about anyone. Waving is your favorite and most frequently used. But you also love to make your fishy face and talk to us. You just learned how to do "sooo big!" so we can add that to your list of tricks.

Not-So-Favorites

Being told "No" - Even at 8 months, you already understand what "No" means - and boy do you dislike hearing it! Mommy & Daddy firmly say "No!" when you get into something you're not allowed to be into. You quickly stop what you're doing and turn in our direction, but then half the time you go right back to doing it. When we remove you from that situation, you sometimes get angry. We know how much you love to explore, but it's our job to keep you safe and away from things that might hurt you!

Amusement Park Rides - You wanted no part of the amusement park rides we introduced you to. You were all smiles until they started to move and then you lost it! We're surprised you were afraid of them; you're such a daredevil when it comes to other things. Hopefully you'll grow out of this by next summer!

Diaper Changes - We hope you potty-train as early as you've done everything else because you hate diaper changes! You hate sitting still, so it's no surprise that you try to wiggle your way out of this every time. We used to be able to distract you by letting you play with something strange while we did it (like a comb or sunglasses,) but even this no longer makes you happy. Mommy reminds you every time that she is stronger than you and will always win, but you still fight her anyway!

You're growing up so fast, so we're trying to soak in each and every moment we have with you. Like this morning, when Mommy nursed you for the very last time. You were so happy and relaxed that you closed your eyes while you ate. It's as if you knew it was the last time you would bond with Mommy that way. She just stared down at you, cherishing every last second of it. And like this evening, when you looked at Daddy and said "Dada". His face lit up as much as yours did, just as it does every time you say it (Did I forget to mention you said your very first word this month?) You'll always be our baby girl, even as you grow up and become our Big Girl. We promise to keep cherishing these moments with you forever. Love you babe!

Love,

Mommy & Daddy