Half-Birthday

Dear Birdie,

Six months ago, before I met you, that's what I called you.  You were my little birdie, fluttering away in mama's belly, the biggest and best surprise of all.  On April 9 you were born on a beautifully sunny day, and the best surprise I ever heard came from your papa's mouth that day- "It's Emery"- my next words, and I'll never forget how I felt when saying them, were "My baby girl!"

Emery Grae.  My beautiful baby girl.  You are six months old today.  How this time has passed so quickly (or so it seems), I'll never be able to figure that out.  Every parent I have ever met has told me that "the time passes quickly", and to "cherish every moment."  Those words never sunk in fully until you came along.  It seems you were born, I blinked, and now here we are today, six months later.  You have already come so far, changed so much- you truly leave me shaking my head in amazement every day.

About two months ago, we went to your 4-month well baby check-up and you received your second round of vaccinations.  Later that night, you were unusually fussy, and we figurred it was a side effect of having two shots that day, though we were surprised because you did so well after your first round.  The next morning, your papa and I were going along with our day, when I heard him say from the bedroom, "Heather, you should come here and check this out..."  After ensuring me that everything was OK, I discovered that what he wanted to show me was that you had a tooth!  A month later, you cut tooth #2.  You did so well with both of them- a little extra fussiness, but nothing we couldn't handle.  Now they are growing along, and they are so stinkin' cute.

You have the strongest legs!  You love for us to hold your hands so you can stand up.  You've recently started bending your legs a lot, so sort of standing/crouching/standing/crouching.  I think it's a result of your love of bouncing (in your bouncy seat) that is manifesting in other aspects of your day!

You have found your voice- some days you babble lots, and some days you are more of a silent observer with only an occasional "two cents".  You try out lots of new sounds- I hear lots of 'g's' and 'm's' especially.  It seems that when you are fussy, the consonant sounds come out even more!

Speaking of being fussy- you hardly ever are!!!!  Don't get me wrong, you have your moments, but you are one happy baby.  Your papa and I regularly observe how lucky we are to have such a happy baby.  You're quick to give smiles, giggles, and are usually content to entertain yourself for short periods of time (up to 20 minutes or so if necessary- not that we just leave you there and walk away, but we can be doing something else while talking to you, and you're happy to bounce and play!).  I've heard from everyone who has watched you before that you are the easiest baby- you don't cry when we leave, you acclimate to almost any situation.  This summer and fall you have gone with me to so many places- outdoor music festivals, restaurants, The Bywater, etc., and you take it all as it comes.  You love to be outside, love dancing with your papa and me.  You're simply amazing.

You can sit up now on your own- sort of.  We can't leave you sitting because you inevitably topple over, but you can do it, and you're getting better every day.  You haven't quite rolled over yet, but that's OK- you try every once in a while.  I'm sure you'll get there eventually.

Everyone seems to have a different opinion about who you look more like- me or your papa.  Some people say you look exactly like me, and some swear you look a lot like your papa.  I see both sides.  Which is how it should be!  I figure either way, you're lucky!! ;)

You've just recently started really sucking your thumb. You've always put it in your mouth, but only in the last few days have you started curling your other fingers over you nose and really used it as a soothing method.  It's adorable.

Food!  You are eating some solids.  You have tried sweet potatoes, squash, peas, avacado, bananas, and apple.  So far, peas seem to be your favorite.  I might have snuck a tiny taste of Plant's strawberry ice cream (made with coconut milk) the other night when we went to visit your papa at work.  It was a tiny, tiny bit, though!  I used to give you rice cereal, but not as often anymore.  The majority of your meals is still, and will continue to be, mama's milk (still pumping after 6 months!) for the remainder of your first year, and hopefully beyond.  

At your 6-month well baby check-up yesterday, you were 15 pounds, and 25.25 inches long.  My big girl!!

All in all, you are just the joy of my life.  Am I tired?  Yes.  Has my life changed?  Yes.  Is it all so worth it?  Wholeheartedly YES.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are grey, you'll never know dear, how much I love you, my sweet baby Emery Grae.

I love you, baby girl-

Stay tuned for 6-month photos and videos later this week!!!