Mommy and Me

One of the few (reasonably) good pics of baby AJ and me . . . and, of course, her new toy! (Please disregard the mess in the background. Perhaps it's really time to get that maid I've talked about for YEARS!)

Buddha Belly

Okay, this was after lunch, but still. Look at that belly! We have held off trying this outfit because it is for 9-12 months old babies, but it doesn't seem like baby AJ will get to wear it often. If only we could rub her belly and it would bring us good luck . . .

What do I do now?

Sorry to inundate you with video, but I couldn't resist this one too. Here is AJ standing . . . too bad she is only motivated by things that are not toys. She doesn't quite know what to do when she stands up.

Bye-bye!

AJ is learning how to wave good-bye and we practice in the mornings when AJ's Dad goes to work. Bye-bye!

Feeding Frenzy

AJ is learning how to feed herself and new favorite food is PUFFS. They are easy to eat because they dissolve in her mouth. But, she practices chewing anyways. Yummy!

ADDICTED!

Baby AJ is addicted to her new toy, a play table that plays the MOST annoying music. You know, music that sticks in your head ALL day long! She can't get enough of it! AJ's Dad is thinking about doing an intervention and enrolling her in a twelve step program. Here is a picture of AJ with her addiction.

I'm still standing . . .

AJ absolutely LOVES to stand. Here are a few precious pics of AJ in her favorite position.

School Days

As a working mom, I find myself wondering whether I made the right decision to go back to work. There are days when I am struck with guilt thinking that I am not devoting enough time to my sweet baby AJ. (I know, I know . . . I only work two days a week.) But, there are also days when I see the positive impact that daycare is having on AJ. It just fills my heart with joy! Miss Sarah, one of AJ's fabulous teachers, sends us tons of pictures of all they do at school. It is so wonderful to see AJ enjoying herself doing such fun things. Here are some pictures of AJ at school.

It's Fall . . . and the kids are playing with leaves

AJ loves the feeling of the leaves on her head

That's Miss Sarah cheering AJ and her friends on

AJ with her music teacher

Fun with a purple gorilla puppet

AJ loves the camera

8 Months Old!

Baby AJ is 8 months old! It is hard to believe. Here is what she is up to right now. She:

• smiles all the time (she's a happy baby!)
• is starting to eat finger food, she loves her PUFFS!
• wants to move/crawl, but she can't quite put it all together
• loves to stand, she can hold onto something and stand for a while (see picture above!)
• pulled herself up to standing position (just today!!!)
• loves to jump in the Jumperoo!
• reads, her favorite book is still Where's Baby's Mommy? (you'd think it would get old, but she still loves it)
• likes to bite Sophie (her giraffe teething toy)
• can sign MILK, although we're not quite sure she knows what it means, today I think she used the sign to say she wanted more PUFFS
• waved bye-bye
• still loves bathtime
• loves the evenings, right before bedtime
• likes to be outside (good thing we live in California where we can still be outside at this time of year)
• turns her head when she hears her name
• plays peek-a-boo
• loves when we sing Itsy Bitsy Spider and do the corresponding hand signs
• puts EVERYTHING in her mouth
• says DADA (but not MAMA, I know, I am devastated!)
• likes looking at herself in the mirror
• is ticklish under her arms and in the middle of her back

Uh, I could go on and on, but I think I will stop there. Baby AJ, we are so proud of all of your accomplishments and we can't wait for what's next!

Laid Back

This is how baby AJ holds her feet when she is doing just about anything . . . riding in the stroller, drinking milk from her bottle, reading stories, you name it! I took a picture because baby AJ is growing up so fast (stay tuned for her 8 month old post) and I want to remember every detail about her babyhood.

Cutest Picture . . . Ever!

Okay, I am a little biased. But, isn't it cute?

Halloween-Themed Moms' Group Lunch

Baby AJ and I met up with our Moms' Group friends for a Halloween-themed picnic in the park. (Yes, it is still warm enough to have a picnic . . . ahhh, the joys of living in California.) Here is a picture of the moms and their kids . . .

Here is one we tried to get of just the kids, but chaos quickly ensued when one baby fell backwards . . .

Amidst the chaos, one little cow is unphased . . .