Lyric: 10 Months

10 Months!  Lyric is really shining as her personality develops.  With each laugh and even every cry (whether it's true or not) of resistance, she reminds us of the purity and simplicity of life.

She wears size 12 month clothing, but size 18 month swimsuits.  (Large and in charge at the beach y'all.)

Lyric loves mealtime.  Even with her love of food, she likes to share with you if you're sitting nearby.  All you have to do is ask, "Can I have some?"

This baby gains speed in her crawling everyday and will stand up if there's a ledge nearby.  She is starting to be more daring in her walking between objects.  If an object to hold onto is somewhat close, she will figure out how to get to it without having to sit down first.

Nap time is much easier for Mommy Lyric now.  She knows the routine of sleeping in her room.  I know this because she'll look to the next step as I prepare her room for a rest time.  Blinds closed, check.  Sound on, check.  Blanket, check.  Paci, snooooooozzzze.  We tried the 1 nap thing a couple times.  It's manageable, but she has to have a lot of events happening in her day to distract her from restless meltdown.

We drove down to Prescott for Ignite, our church's youth summer camp.  She reminded me how much she does NOT like her carseat for long periods of time.  Somehow we made it there and back.  Lyric had the BEST time watching worship service each night!  Air drums for Daddy!

It was a great 4th! Family, friends, and fireworks made for a fun day.  Lyric did not enjoy the fireworks AT ALL...but she loved the pool.

We got family pictures taken this month.  The wonderfully talented Brittany Sattel captured so many beautiful memories displaying Lyric's personality.

Lyric had her first big vacation this month.  She absolutely loved Hawaii! (Who wouldn't?!)  We took the red eye on the way there.  The first hour was a bit challenging because she didn't want to go to sleep.  Apparently she forgot that she normally sleeps 11 hours a night...that night she got a total of 4.5 hours!  Lyric was a trooper everyday with lack of sleep.

Moments before take off.  It looks like daytime, but it is actually close to 2a.m.  

First ocean moment at 6 a.m.

She loved the ocean and the beach.  She loved playing with all her family members.  Lyric was pure entertainment the entire 2 weeks.

Some new accomplishments and fun facts as a 10 Month Old include:

She loves to bounce, bounce...kick, kick...dance, dance.

She has 8 teeth.

She loves to hug and kiss her bear.

Bring on the drama crying when she bumps her head.

Her favorite toys are Delilah's.

Before she puts something in her mouth, she will look straight in your eyes.

Her favorite snack food right now is celery.

If you say, "I'm gonna get you!" she will throw her body into the floor and scream.

She can crawl up steps.

Standing in the bath.

She can push a ball.

Arms up for "Up!" and down for "Down!"

Looking forward to walking, words, and more laughter. 

Lyric: 9 Months

9 Months...where is the time going?!  Lyric is changing so much every week.  We can hardly keep up with her cuteness!  Biggest change is that she really comprehends what you're saying by showing you she understands (with her voice and actions).

Lyric is wearing 12 month size clothing.  Summer has arrived, so her rolls are always exposed on her sweet, chubby legs.

Lyric enjoys most foods and wants anything that you are having.  No more baby food.  She prefers "big girl" selections.

There is no sneaking snacks with this little girl around...she can hear chewing from several crawl steps away.

Yes...crawling.  Folks, we have a mover!  A really fast mover.  Seems like we have been waiting for this one for a while.  I love seeing her move her body around and be so independent.  She also is a great vacuum cleaner.  (Don't worry, I don't let her eat ALL the crumbs.)  Her preferred method of moving is to walk as long as a piece of furniture is nearby to hold onto.

Helping Daddy build a gate

Napping is still 2 a day and pretty consistent.  She rarely falls asleep in arms anymore and she really loves her crib.  Before she falls asleep, she stands up and paces up and down the front of the crib for a little while and down she goes.  She sleeps pretty hard.  One problem: she thinks the ledge of the crib is pretty tasty.  It looks like a little mouse has nibbled all over it.

One of Lyric's many poses while sleeping

Lyric had a great time celebrating her Aunt Sarah's wedding at the end of May!  She finally got to meet so many of her aunties and cousins.  I think she still has bruises from all the love squeezes.

After some late night dancing, she couldn't find the energy to wake up the next morning.

Bryan and I celebrated our 4-year wedding anniversary this month.  Why does this relate to Lyric?  Well, this was her longest time away from Mommy.  Okay, so it mostly relates to me.  Ha!  How could she think about missing me when she got to spend one whole day with Gimmee, G-pa, and Auntie Demi AND THEN another whole day with CeCe and Pops?!  Who knows how much soda and candy they gave her... :)

She had her first swim in the pool!  With her pink swimsuit and crooked swim hat, she was the coolest kid in the water.

Father's Day was fun!  She got to spend some time with Daddy after a great weekend service.

Oh yeah, and her grandparents love to play with her!

Some new accomplishments and fun facts as a 9 Month Old include:

She can make the clapping sound with her hands.

Also trying to snap her fingers.

She had her first swing.

Both top teeth are in.

Stuffed animals get plenty of hugs and kisses from little Love Bug.

Enjoying her first fruit pouch.

Watermelon is her new favorite snack.

Giving high-fives!

Obsessed with saying, "Dada!"

If you ask her where the fan is, she will look up and point at one.

Drinking from a straw.

She has a seriously awesome fake laugh.

Looking forward to leaving for Hawaii next month!  Yes, her first big vacation is to the islands of paradise.  Big thanks to Gimmee and G-pa for making it happen.  Aloha!

Big Aloha Love to Uncle Rocky...

We love you Mary, Malia, and Roxanna.

Lyric: 8 Months

Our little 8 Monther is continuing her journey at being the cutest and best baby in the whole world.  Lyric is making many memories with her strides in interaction and communication.  It is such a joy to sit and visit with her...and she really enjoys everyone's company too.

Lyric is 28.5 inches long and weighs 19 1/2 pounds.  She still hasn't hit that 20 pound mark yet, even though she looks much heavier.  (Don't tell Lyric we talk about her weight like this.)  WE LOVE THE CHUB!  Everyone's first comment when seeing her always has something to do with her chubby fluffy and very healthy body.

Lyric watching the waterfalls

She builds her own forts!

She is wearing size 3 diapers and is moving into 12 month size clothes.

This month has had the most successful nap schedule yet.  90% of the time she takes a morning nap for an hour and an afternoon nap for around an hour and a half.  We usually have to wake her from each one.  She has realized she can move around in her crib...which has made for some very comical photos.  She also sleeps in some pretty cute positions.  When it's time for a nap or bedtime, she is usually ready to sleep. Therefore, when you give her her blanket she lights up, turns to her side, and snuggles against its softness.

We celebrated Mother's Day by spending time with the best mother's we know...Cary (CeCe) on Saturday and my mom (Gimmee) on Sunday.  It was such a joy to have my sweet girl with me as I celebrated my first Mother's Day.  She challenges me to be the best mother I can be everyday.  God has promoted me to the best job yet!

Unfortunately, Lyric's body faced a virus after Mother's Day.  She had a pretty strong temperature for a few days, but was mostly in high spirits.  No signs of being sick except a bit more fussy at times.  When I took her to the doctor, she was the only baby singing in the waiting room...and she continued her joyful anthem waiting for the doctor as we listened to screaming and crying occurring all around us. Ha!

(She ended up with a rash called Roseola after her fever went away.)

Some new accomplishments and fun facts as a 8 Month Old include:

Lyric's biggest milestone is understanding cause and effect.  "If I do this, something else happens."  Repeat.  Repeat.  Repeat.

She likes to put things in your mouth for you.

Tooth number 4 came in.

She is soooo close to crawling!  She has the strength, she just needs a bit of courage.

Copying your actions and sounds.

Saying "Banana" and "Dada".

Sometimes, she can pull herself up to stand without help.  (On the coffee table or her crib)

"Mamamamamama" (This is her word for "Mom" and her phrase for requesting help)

She loves watching a music show called "Classical Baby".  When it comes on she sings and moves her arms up and down.

Looking forward to watching this little monster start crawling all over the place.  Let's get those legs movin'!

Lyric: 7 Months

7 Months...Hello!  This little monster is becoming more fun everyday!  The ability to interact and play has made her company fun for all.  She is becoming more and more of an individual.  Her personality continues to bloom with each new skill, sound, and recognition.

Lyric is over 27 inches long and weighs around 19 pounds.  She looks much heavier...it's more of a buoyancy that her body has.  Still in the 75th to 90th percentile.  Her last doctor's visit went great!  Dr. Hodap explained that we're doing everything right so far as parents...Phew!  Our biggest questions this time had to do with solid foods.  He told us to "Go for it" with anything we would want her to try (excluding honey and peanut butter).  

Lyric "Going for It"

This big gal likes EVERYTHING to eat.  No complaining from her end.   It's been nice being able to give her more "human" food like whole peas, cheese, meat, fruits, and veggies.  She still has baby food type of meals most of the time.  She just has formula in her bottles now.  No more nursing.

Sitting in her high chair...eatin' some peas.

She wears size 9 month clothing, size 2 shoes (when she isn't pulling them off and putting them in her mouth), and size 3 diapers.  Outfits are getting so much cuter now!

Lyric continues to wake up around 8:30 a.m. (black-out curtains have helped since she has the brightest room in the house) and goes to bed between 9:00, 9:30 p.m.  She takes 2 naps and has officially cut out her catnap in the evening.  Sleeping now no longer requires a swaddle...FINALLY!!!

For Easter, we spent time with family as Lyric opened her first Easter baskets.  She got some cute new toys and clothes.  Best part of the holiday?  Well check out this little Easter bunny...

Sweet little lady loves to be around where all the action is.  Once all of her independent time is used up, she craves to be where all the people are.  Her intensity in watching how people act, move, talk, etc. is funny to watch.  She is soaking up EVERY LITTLE THING.


Some new accomplishments and fun facts as a 7 Month Old include:

Lyric's favorite thing to do: STAND.  Of course she needs your help.  If you sit next to her she will either try to climb you or find your hands to help her up (and she basically does all the work herself).  This will always make her happy, ALWAYS.

Creating mountains for her to climb

The stroller is one of favorite things.

Recognizing songs and words.

Loves being tickled.

She has a major staring problem.

Flipping to her belly.

Picking up small objects like Puffs and peas.

She is great in the car now.  She gets excited when the engine turns off because she knows you're coming to get her.

She finds a new voice, volume, or sound every week that she can make with her voice.  (Currently working on her L's)

Separation anxiety from Mommy. (I am secretly loving this for now.)

Loves touching peoples hats.

Sitting up in the big bath.

Saying "Mamamama" when she needs help.  (Looooove it.)

Claps your hands for you.

Little Miss Sunshine in the morning.

Looking forward to crawling.  She is really close!  Loving every minute of this little girl.  She is pure joy!