8 Months Old

Dear Laura,

If I were to describe you in one word at this age it would be enthusiastic.  You love people and  you love life and your whole body exudes joy and excitement.

Sitting up and playing happens a lot, side by side with your siblings.  You are okay playing with whatever is in front of you and aren’t worried about joining in their games yet.  Laura you absolutely love it when we talk with you or play peek-a-boo.  You squeal and screech with delight with most social interaction and give a huge smile with outstretched arms.

Large motor skills are increasing and you are super mobile. You move around the room with all sorts of rolling and wiggling. Laura you push yourself really high on your arms and have great control over your upper body.

You love holding out your right hand and watching it wave and move around.  You don’t have any meaning assigned with the waving yet, but it you are doing it intentionally.  When you sit in front of the mirror you watch your reflection move with great interest.  We all love seeing you “conduct” when music is playing.  You are also soooo close to clapping and have figured out the joys of drumming.

Your fine motor skills are developing rapidly.  I’m amazed at all the little things you find to pick up in the carpet.  You love feeling different material and are a pro at putting things into your mouth.

New experiences get you excited.  You loved being biked around in the cargo bike and hiking in Zions.  You laughed hysterically with lots of shrieking at the Snow Family talent show.  On the airplane you had a bunch of men and women flashing you big smiles because you were having so much fun.

Sleeping is off again thanks to our recent travels to Utah and you getting a cold, but you still prefer a longer morning nap and a shorter afternoon nap.  Sometimes you only take two naps but lately you’ve been going to bed around 5:30-6:00 and waking up 30 minutes later for a few hours.  You’ve slept through the night a few times but usually you are waking up a few times still.

You have one little bud of a tooth that might pop all the way through, but it might not. Your teeth don’t seem in any hurry to arrive.  Eating solid foods has been slow going because of it.  You’ve had plenty of baby foods and smoothies and aren’t a picky eater.  You have started sticking your tongue out to the right and running it along that little tooth bud.

Laura you are a happy little girl who has brought smiles and joy to so many people already.  You only are grumpy when you are tired or hungry and you are quick to fall asleep for naps now and wake up refreshed and ready to go.  I love watching your adventurous spirit and seeing you grow and become more engaged with us.

Love you!

Playing peek-a-boo with Dad behind me.  You were laughing so hard!