Dear Mykenzi: 7 Months

Each month I get a little sadder that you no longer resemble that teeny little girl I brought home from the hospital.  My sadness is quickly replaced with happiness when you flash me a goofy smile.  I just can't believe how much you've grown in 7 short months.  I often find myself saying, "this stage is my favorite!" but to be honest, just being your mom and witnessing you grow and discover the world is my favorite.

You don't have another well visit until 9 months so I'm having to keep track of your height and weight myself.  You are weighing in at 16 and 1/2 pounds and 27.5 inches tall.  You have just transitioned into size 3 diapers and still wearing 6 to 9 month clothing.  I pulled out all your Spring Rompers and Dresses for the season.  We are just waiting for it to get a little bit warmer so you can start wearing them.

Your eyes are still the most beautiful blue.  We were almost positive they would change to green but no signs of that.  Your hair remains light brown.  It is getting so long on top so it's starting to look a little darker.  You are looking so grown up these days it's crazy ... you're not a little baby anymore.

Sleep hasn't been the greatest this month.  You officially have your two bottom teeth which have made for rough nights in the sleep department.  Even with a few minor hiccups you are sleeping through the night.  You do tend to wake half way through about 3-4am but quickly put yourself back to sleep.  Although nights have been rough, your naps seem to be improving ... So, I guess we'll take the good with the bad.

You have been on solids for an entire month now and seem to be loving it.  The only thing that you don't seem to be a fan of is Bananas ... I don't blame you, they're not my favorite either.  We are going to be trying a couple different fruits and veggies this month so we'll see how those go.  We are still Breastfeeding, but since you've started solids I've noticed a change in my supply.  Not only that, your new teeth haven't been the nicest to Momma's milk makers.  We are working through it and I don't plan to quit until we just absolutely can't do it anymore.

These days you are loving your hands and feet.  You think your shoes are toys and they are either in your mouth or you are kicking your feet together.  We call you "Cricket" because you like to rub your feet together like a cricket which always results in a lost shoe.  You are also the Queen of taking off your socks.  Good thing sandals season is upon us because I think we're both over socks at this point.

You have mastered the art of bouncing.  To say you love your bouncer is an understatement.  That thing can keep you entertained forever which is nice for Mommy's productivity levels.  You bounce so hard and so high, sometimes I fear you are going to break the thing.  You think its the funniest thing in the world when we pretend to bounce with you.  You are a hoot in that thing, it keeps us all laughing.

You FINALLY started saying "Ma Ma" and it is by far the sweetest noise I have ever heard you make.  The first time you said it was because you were scared and started to cry which completely broke my heart.  Those hand dryers in the public bathrooms are so mean, aren't they?!  Although it was scared out of you, it didn't take long for it to catch on and you've been saying it non-stop.  Well, except when I go to video you saying it and you pop off with a "Da" ... real cute Mykenzi, real cute.

Shortly after your 6 month update we finally got that sitting thing down.  We can officially call you and unsupported sitter! Yay!  You fought me tooth and nail, but are now loving the fact that you can sit by yourself.  You are also lifting your belly off the ground and scrunching your butt in preparation to crawl. I'm so not ready for you to be mobile but I can't help but cheer you on watching that determination in your face.  You'll get it baby girl, keep at it!

You also give kisses now which is completely adorable.  I'll ask for a kiss and pucker my lips and I sweetly receive the biggest open mouth "kiss" from you.  I smile and say, "Thank you! You're so sweet!" and you shoot me the biggest grin.  I'm soaking up every last kiss I can get because I know one day when I ask for one I will receive an eye roll instead.

You are truly the happiest baby I've ever met.  You love when strangers talk to you and always hand out smiles.  You are so laid back and rarely fuss unless something is really bothering you.  You make life so fun and I'm so happy to call you mine.

Happy 7 months to my little Cricket!  I can't wait to see what's next!