6 months old

It has been six amazing months since our sweet Madeline came to live with us.  One half of an entire year.  I can't even begin to explain how fast these past months have gone by.  So bittersweet.  I'm beyond proud of our beautiful girl.  She's sitting up unassisted (for at least 10-20 seconds before she wobbles, anyway) and loves to do it.  If we put her in her Boppy "lounger" or carseat, she desperately tries to sit up instead.  She also likes to bounce and stand up. Anytime she's in our laps, or in her bouncer or exersaucer, she's standing on those little baby chunk legs (that I often squeeze and want to bite).  She has strong little gams, which is apparent when we...well, when we do anything.  She's roundhouse kicked me hundreds of times.   Brings me back to the days of the womb.  Except instead of in the ribs, I'm getting kicked in the chest and throat.  Eat your heart out, Chuck Norris.

She's still sleeping well and eating like a champ.  Her favorite vegetable so far seems to be squash.  Opens that little mouth like a bird!  So far, we've tried green beans, carrots, green peas, sweet potato and squash.  I've discovered that she liked the green peas and sweet potatoes that I make...but the green beans and carrots - Gerber organic trumps mom.  Maybe the consistency is too much for her right now.  Hey, I'll take what I can get.  At least she's loving her veggies.  On to fruits next week!

Miss Madeline has also started to detest her nasal aspirator, which sucks for us because she had another cold last week.  Every time she sees that blue bulb coming towards her, she flails her head and starts the "uggghhhh" of protest.  She also protests if she's in her carseat too long.  These are generally "fake" cries that consist of a bunch of noise and then silence to wait for my reaction.  Repeat.  You can't help but laugh.    Especially when you get to your destination and open the back door and she's all smiles.  Bless.  She has her mama's number.

These occasions of protest are few and far between and Madeline is overall, one of the happiest babies I've ever known.  Loves to cuddle, loves to smile, loves to laugh.  She knows how much she's loved, and in return, she loves back.  We feel beyond blessed and honored that God sent her to live with us. She's our blessing and the love of our lives.  Happy 6 months, sweet pea.  Having you as our daughter has been the greatest joy.