6 Months!

Happy 1/2 Birthday, Natalie!  I can't believe we are here already.  My little munchkin is growing up so fast - though she's staying as small as she possibly can for me! She was in the 10th percentile at her 6 month well checkup - 14 lbs and 24.5 inches.  The nurse said her gums are swollen so she is likely teething.  For the past several days Natalie has been grabbing both ears.  The nurse had checked both ears and they are fine. She said that it is just another indicator she is teething.  We are following the doctor's guidance on feeding.  Natalie is now having lunch and dinner (a meat and fruit/veggie baby food) with bottles in between.  This weekend I will introduce breakfast too (cereal).  I meant to do that last weekend but it's been so hectic around the house.  Natalie's first reaction to chicken, ham, and beef was this hilarious expression that screamed "gross!".  But, funny enough, after the first bite she opens her mouth waiting for more!  Sometimes I'm not fast enough.  She's a great eater!  She can now have a little water after she eats - so I've just invested in a sippy cup for 6 month olds.  We'll see if she can use it!

Here is what Natalie can do now:

• Rolls from back to belly (yay!) - on right side only
• Sits up unassisted for a minute or two
• Grabs my drinking glass - have had a few close calls!
• Eating baby food at daycare now (with bottles also)
• Puts her feet in her mouth
• Laugh is evolving - more frequent and hearty
• Loves her exersaucer - can push the buttons to hear the sounds
• Will look up at me or daddy during the bedtime story and smile when we emphasize a part (and also tries to put the book in her mouth)
• Got to go swimming in the pool for the first time over Memorial Day weekend! Was very serious most of the time, but caught her kicking her legs underwater and cooing a few times.  The first moment we got into the water she looked like she was about to cry, but held back (such a brave little girl :)
• Cooing is sounding a little different - "la, ga" occasionally
• Likes to play with the velcro on her diaper
• Still has this cute expression where she purses her lips and frowns when she finds something fascinating (like a feather)
• Likes peek-a-boo
• Can transfer a rattle to the other hand