Sippy Cup Queen

I just introduced this to you yesterday. You didn't exactly use it appropriately but it was not aversive to you at all. I just put it on your tray during meal times in hopes you would want to drink some water. You fumbled around with it a little but you really didn't drink from it. Today....totally different story!

Not only did you pick it up the right way and put the spout directly in your mouth but you were so proud of yourself. I cheered so loud and clapped my hands when you did it right which caused you to get so excited. You would then put the cup down and open your mouth real wide as if you wanted me to put the cup back into your mouth. Once I helped a little and was able to tilt it the right way you began to suck!! I was so shocked....but not as much as you were when you realized water came out.

This is just another testament to how fast you are growing up. I am so proud of you and I love you so much. Nothing was better then seeing your eyes light up when you made the connection that you were using the cup correctly. You are such a good little baby and pretty soon you are going to be crawling, walking, and talking!

Our bond.

This past week or so you have been doing something that is so out of character for you. I have been trying so hard to implement some sort of schedule for you and it has been working out really well. Each night I have planned out your naps, bottles, and baths so perfectly that you are ready for bed at your perfectly suited bedtime. Each night...after your bath and after you get dressed I give you a nice warm bottle. While drinking that bottle you can hardly keep your eyes open. As soon as you have finished I throw you over my shoulder in an attempt to get a burp out of you and with that the miracle happens. You fall asleep on my shoulder. Your pudgy little blue eyed face just passes out right next to mine. I can feel your breath on my neck and you are so close that I feel the need to kiss you over and over. You have never been the calmest of babies and certainly never at ease enough to just fall asleep like this. You take your puny little left arm and wrap it so tight around my neck. The first time you did this I had absolutely no desire to put you in your cribby. I just wanted to hold you like this and absorb this moment for fear I would never again know this feeling. I have never felt so close to you and so in love. I remember thinking "No wonder the other moms I know talk about their babies in such a way that made me jealous". I wished that I had that sort of bond with you. But when you laid your perfect little beautiful head down on my shoulder and wrapped your arm around me and just fell asleep it all just fell into place for me. The feeling that I had been longing for had suddenly taken over me. I love you so much. You have done this several nights now and I am at a loss for words. When telling the story to Daddy I tear up and tell him that he should be jealous too. It is a feeling unlike any other and I just can not get enough. Despite your crazy little crab attitude you really and truly are the most amazing little woman and I could not imagine my life with out you. Although I know it's better when I lay you down in your cribby awake I still secretly cross my fingers each day that your chubby little cheeks will lay themselves down on my shoulder and just pass out. Your limp little body in my arms and your hand in my hair is the most amazing and irreplaceable feeling in the whole world! I love you Reese.

Going to The O'Hara's

On January 23, 2010 I took you on your first outing to Mom Mom and Pop Pop O'Hara's house. You were about 4 weeks old and at that point I was starting to go mad being trapped in this house. It was winter, and probably one of the worst winters we had in a LOOOONG time. For this reason I was always apprehensive to take you out for I was afraid of you getting sick. After some serious consideration I finally decided it was better for both of us to branch out. I bundled you up in your car seat and gathered everything I could think of...including Jack and Toby, and we headed off.

Look how tiny you were. Sometimes I forget just what a little peanut you really were. It makes me sad to think how fast you are growing. Mom Mom was happy that we were there and Mommy had to capture every moment on film!

Everyone loves you so much and is always so excited to see you. Even the Reilly's came over! Your cousin Morgan loves you more then anything and she always makes you laugh!

Here you are with your body guard. Now I know I haven't written much about the boys, but Toby truly does love you. He is so respectful of you and knows his boundaries 100%. Jack is another story!

Pop Pop always made sure you were bundled nice and warm. You look like a little cacoon!

This was one of my favorite pictures of you when you were that small. Your eyes look so big and you are just beautiful. It's bitter sweet to me that you are growing so fast. I can hardly remember this day and it was only 5 months ago. I feel as though this should be a vivid and unforgettable moment that has just slipped from my mind. This is a reminder to me just how precious these moments are and how desperate I am to try and savor every single second! I love you so stinkin much woman!

This is another one of my most favorite photos. You two are going to grow up to be so close and I am sure that you love her just as much as she already loves you.

The day went much better than I had anticipated. It was a learning experience for me in regards to driving with you and what to pack when I leave and what time is best to head home and much more. This was the start of our many journeys away from home!

Sweet Potatos

Tonight was an especially fun night at the Barber house. For the very first time Daddy and I gave you sweet potatoes for dinner! Today you had your sixth month check up and the Dr. told us that we were clear to start you on foods other than cereal and formula. It was a great check up! You are 16.5 pounds and 26 inches long.You behaved yourself for the most part but got upset when he looked in your ears and your mouth. He said that all of Daddy's bazaar food allergies were related to the pesticides, not the food themselves and that we were free to give you whatever we wanted (with some exceptions of course). I ran right to the grocery store and bought one Organic sweet potato. I came home...boiled it in some water, and threw it into the food processor. As soon as it was nice and smooth Daddy propped you in your high chair and you were immediately served fresh hot homemade organic sweet potato!

This was your very first taste. By the look of this shot you don't seem to sure...but you came around.

See what I mean! Look at that adorable grin!

This really is one of the most exciting times for Daddy and I. Most of the people we know (including all of your Aunts) have given their babies food well before six months. Because of Daddy having so many allergies we were extremely apprehensive to give you anything without having a conversation with the doctor. It is so amazing to me that you are now able to explore the world around you with food. To think of all the fun and tasty things your will be trying is just crazy! I cant wait to see your face each time a new flavor hits your tiny palate. Not only are you entering a new phase of your young life, but Mommy is trying something new also; Making my own baby food! So far so good! I just hope and pray that you continue to enjoy extraordinary foods and remain as allergy free as your Momma!