8 months!

Eight months as of Dec. 8!

Analisa is the best baby. (I think I type that every month!)  But I actually feel for her as of the past week or so -- a little bit of constipation, a lot of teething; MAN, she hasn't really been herself. I mean, she has ... but she's had some sad moments, too. And those make me oh-so sad.

Still -- she's the #goat. I love being her mom. Every day is filled with joy.

So here's what up!

Ahhhhhh I love this. 

Analisa ...

--Cut her first tooth! Bottom center. I can't get a great look in there, as she's very protective with her mouth these days, but it's definitely out and about. I think more are coming soon, as well. HURRY.

--Is pointing at everything with her finger. Which is super funny. She's pointing at people, things, herself in the mirror, my mom on Facetime, etc.

--Loves to wave and clap! She's great at clapping for herself, too. She's still very smiley and loves to make eye contact.

We got family pics back, as you can see!

--You guys ... EVERYONE told me Ana's first word would be da-da. And I know she doesn't like, KNOW what she's saying just yet, but she's definitely getting closer. And she's also definitely more of a ma-ma-ma girl  : )   Not to say she doesn't get on her da-da-da streaks! Buttttttt if we had to pick, she does the mama thing more.

--Is crawling really well! Fast and hard. I swear, she's out of breath sometimes from chasing (my cellphone) across the apartment. I think last month she was getting there ... now she's definitely arrived. It's funny; she'll crawl, but sometimes she gets distracted and just wants to use her back legs to push into a standing position. She's really into pulling up on the furniture and playing "sit down/stand up!" with me on the floor. Ana is so strong.

--So, speaking of that ... a little too strong for her own good? You will not believe what she did the other day while I was showering. Usually, I put her in her Bumbo seat kind of where the hallway meets the bathroom, and leave her some toys, which she shakes around and throws while I take a quick rinse. So, last week, I'd just gotten back from yoga, and NEEDED this shower. I left her in the seat, hopped in, and was just getting my hair all sudsy when SHE WAS SUDDENLY ON HER KNEES OUTSIDE THE SHOWER DOOR, banging on it and trying to get my attention. Like, what? Maybe I still had yoga brain, but I was like, "is this a dream? I just left her in the Bumbo, which is already tight on her Beyonce thighs! How in God's name ...?" But yeah, I opened the shower door and found toys URRWHERE and the Bumbo flipped in her wake. I wish I had a camera set up so I could've watched the escape. She blows my mind.

This face kills me.

--Is very adventurous. We had to lower the crib because she kept looking like she was about to throw herself over the side. She can officially pull up in there, too -- which is so cute, when you go in there in the mornings ... she's just standing up, waiting on us, smiling. Delighted to see us, actually! What a sweet boo.

--Has an obsession with the following items: cellphones, remote controls, papers she can crinkle up and eat, magazines, books. Although, mostly just to tear apart. Is it OK that we're not reading as much? During book time, she mostly just wants to stand up, escape, or tear up whatever we're reading. "More More More" and "Jamberry" are destroyed. I suddenly understand the appeal of board books.

--Is a traveling bear! We had SO much fun at Liz and Ryan's wedding outside Rochester. Ana was a hit, sitting in the grass and playing, while James and I (owned at) cornhole. She also danced with us till 10 p.m. We also went up north with my extended family the weekend before that, and I went to Nashville (without her!) after NY. I was nervous about leaving her for the first time, but we did really well. And I knew she was in good hands, with James and my mom. You'd think James would just stay in and play with her once my mom did the handoff ... nope, they were out and about that Saturday! They even went on a little dinner date. My heart overflows with love, imagining that scene!

Ana and cousin Maddie up north

Ana at the Walters wedding

--Loves patty cake and peekaboo. Lately, Ana even initiates, and hides from ME. I die. She is the cutest! People always tell me that, like, "she is SO SWEET HOW DO YOU EVEN HANDLE IT!" And I should be like, "thank you!" Instead, it's like, "I KNOW, RIGHT!"

--Eats like a champion. We're still on that baby-led weaning, and I highly recommend it to anyone about to introduce solids! It's been suggested by several people that I do a blog post solely on the topic. I'm certainly no expert, but could totally tell you what's been working for us. Thanks for all the reassurance, bt-dubs, when Ana was hating on rice cereal. I'm over it! Fairly certain she is, too : )

--More adventures await! Counting down the days until Candace's wedding and already considering what Ana should wear. (Does the hair get better soon? Send help).

See you at 9 months! (Maybe we'll discuss how I'd like to be a doula).

Ana and Grandbob! I really have to start putting her in this bathing suit more often. jkjkjkjk