1/2 a Year? Seriously?

April 28 of this year I welcomed a little girl into my arms and my life forever. Yes, one of the happiest days of my life. But could somebody please explain how she goes from this tiny 7 pound bundle of cuteness....

to...

this 15 pound bundle of cuteness in what feels like no more than 2 months?

Excuse the soul patch-- we'd just had our first bite of solid food! More on that to come!

Look at this collage and you can see how much she's changed over the months-- one thing I sure notice is that wild hair. Do you agree that her hair gets crazier with each month? Because I'm so in love with her locks, I use a clip to hold her bangs back instead of just trimming them--yeah, I know, I told ya I was crazy!

Mini Me's stats:

-You weigh somewhere around 15#, maybe slightly under!

-You've been in several diaper sizes, but 2's fit you best as of now!

-You hair is crazy long--in fact some people think you're petite for your age because your hair makes you look older!

-You stayed healthy during our H1N1 outbreak!

-You still nurse every 2-3 hours--except at night-- you're still snoozin' from 8ish to 5ish.

-You did move into your own bedroom about 2 weeks ago. I thought it was going to be so tough to see you go (down the hall), but you made the transition very easily!

-On your 6 month birthday you had your first nibbles of food--organic brown rice cereal. I plan on making all of your baby food (I have a few store-bought jars for emergencies) and I have some pureed sweet potatoes waiting for you in the freezer!

-You love to grab toys with both hands--is that advanced for your age? I'll go ahead and say it is! HA!

-You are still the laziest tummy-time gal there ever was. You are totally capable of lifting up your head and looking around or rolling over--but most of the time you prefer to lay there and relax or fall asleep.

-You really enjoy being in the midst of all the action. So much so, that I know it cuts into your sleep. In fact, if no one is in your face talking or singing to you, then you pretty much throw a fit. As soon as somebody comes to your rescue with their rendition of the ABC's or Twinkle Twinkle you are happy and squealing!

-You're still in 3-6 month clothing. I know some of the 6-9 month stuff fits, but remember, I'm crazy-- I hold on to every inch of keeping you little as long as I can!

-You went to your first pumpkin patch (outside of my belly). You rode around in the snugglie on daddy.

-You've been outside to play in the leaves--this would be more fun, honey, if you could sit up. Let's work on that one!

Thank you Mini Me, for loving me like only a baby can love her mama. My precious moments with you are stored in my mind forever. You have changed so much in such little time--I feel like it's all flying by me while I stand still, just watching, afraid of forgetting.

I treasure little things with you, my fourth girl, things that most parents do but don't discuss much-- like holding you while I type even though it makes it slow and tiring for my hands; but I do it just to smell your head and feel your breath as you snore. Or learn the quietest path from crib to door--the path that avoids all the funny floor noises--just in case I accidentally watch you fall asleep and linger a bit more just to watch you dream away.

You are such a go-getter, yes I can already tell-- a friendly little gal who always has a smile, squeal, or giggle to share. You fit right in with this big, obnoxious, crazy, loud, loving family! We all adore you and delight in your excitement for life. Thank you, M&M, for adding so much love :)

-Love,

Mama