Letter Month Seven

Dear Sarah Graves,
This month has been a time for you to work on your skills and even perfect a few things.  From the time you were a few weeks old you have been working on sitting up.  It seems like just last week you were sitting in your bumbo chair for the first time and now you are able to go from lying down to sitting up all by yourself.  All those crunches you did to strengthen your muscles have paid off and you can sit up any time you please.

 

Eating has been something on our minds this month.  You went on a nursing strike and I was afraid that my heart might break worrying that you were giving it up for good.  Fortunately, you didn't.  Once you got over your cold you decided to nurse again and when you decide you want something, there is no stopping you!  In the last week we have had some of our longest nursing sessions ever.  You continue to enjoy eating solid foods, too.  On your menu you now have apple, avocado, banana, blueberry, carrot, peach, sweet potato, and squash (yellow and butternut).  I think your very favorite thing is carrots mixed with blueberries!  You also love the peaches.  You don't seem to like the textures of rice cereal or the puffed kamut.  We will have to keep working on that.  You enjoy taking sips of water from your cup and from your straw.  You are getting better at reaching your hands out for the cup and working to bring it to your mouth on your own. 

With each passing day we see more of your personality.  You enjoy seeing people and respond to them with a lot of interest.  Sometimes you like to check with us to make sure that we think it's okay before you start to engage with someone new, but you seem to warm up pretty quick.  You are really able to play with your toys and show so much enthusiasm for them.  Sophie the Giraffe is probably your all around favorite.  She is portable and goes pretty much everywhere with you.  You also really like books.  Sometimes you like eating them more than reading them, but you are starting to really focus on the pages and enjoy listening for longer and longer periods.  Seeing your reflection in the mirror is another favorite.  You break into a grin when you see what a cute girl you are!  You are just at such a fun age that I could go on and on describing how you enjoy playing and learning! 

I am having such a hard time believing that our first year with you is more than half over!  It seems like the more fun we have, the faster the time goes.  As much as I want to feel sad that your days as a baby are passing so quickly; I can't help but be excited for each new day to see how you interact with the world around you.  I am constantly reminded that it is such a gift to have such a sweet girl who is so healthy!  I am truly blessed to have you as my baby. 

Love,
Momma