7 months

Dear Gwenivere,

Today you are seven months, and I'll admit, this one really snuck up on me. Its not that I can't believe you are this age, but that the past month was so busy and full that I really didn't realize another 31 days had gone. Earlier this week people were asking how old you were and I was saying, 6 and a half. But nope, its the 16th already, and another month has flown by.

And what a month, I can't believe all the things you are doing now. Lets see... you easily crawl all over, and can put yourself into a sitting position. You pull up on all sorts of things, and love to practice standing. You say "mama" and are starting to enjoy this eating thing a bit more. You are smiley and happy, sociable and sweet... though you do definitely prefer your mama at the moment. You also have the cutest giggle. And you're our growing girl... we just had to raise the straps on your carseat!

As for that eating thing, you've now tried a handful of flavors: green beans, peaches, sweet potato, roasted carrots, banana, and avocado. I definitely think carrots are your favorite at the moment, but you seem to like them all in varying amounts depending on the day! I think we'll be trying some squash soon, and I've been told that squash was my favorite growing up, so we'll see what you think.

You had some special occasions this month, getting to spend big chunks of quality time with both of your grams (your Nana and your Nonnie). Nana was in town from Arizona for a wedding, and she watched you for a whole afternoon while your daddy and I worked. You guys took walks together and played on the floor. Your Nonnie came over to watch you all day one weekend, while I went to a friend's bridal shower and your daddy went to a meeting and a football game. You guys played with every toy in the house, and days later your Nonnie called me just to say again what a great time she had with you!

Besides that, we took a trip to the orchards the other weekend, and went for a long walk in the state park... both fun things anyway, but made even more fun by the impending Autumn. Summer was nice, but this month its officially over! Oh how I love Autumn, Gwenivere, and I can't wait to share all of the best parts of it with you. We'll play in fallen leaves, carve pumpkins, and hopefully you'll enjoy some of the wonderful smells and tastes associated with fall (apples, leaves, pumpkin, cinnamon, etc). I can't wait to share all of the things I love with you, but this especially.

You also got to spend some quality one-on-one time with your daddy this month. Four days of it when your daycare was closed. You guys went visiting with people together (your Pappy and my workmates), played together, and napped together. I think it was really good for both of you. A chance to bond a bit, and learn to rely on each other without Mama around to take over (which I do sometimes, without even meaning to).

Gwenie, my love, sometimes my days at work are so hectic and its hard to catch my breath. Even the evenings can get so full. But none of that matters when you and your daddy get home, and you give me that first golden smile. You are my beautiful ending to whatever kind of day.

I love you.
Mama