8 months!

It seems just a week ago I was sitting down to write a 7 month update!!

Lillian,

In addition to being able to pull yourself up and crawling like a crazy lady, you are starting to wave "good-bye" and "hi." I say "hello" and "hi" to you a lot. I figured it was just a matter of time until you started connecting the word to the meaning.

You are extremely active. You crawl EVERYWHERE. I have had to really watch you. It doesn't take long for you to get a few red spots from bumping into things, though. Unless we react to you, you usually get up and keep going. You don't like to be contained -- whether it is in your playpen or jumperoo -- for too long now. You are ok for a few minutes, but nothing like you used to do. You like your walker, but you haven't figured out how to go forwards yet. You enjoy going backwards, though!

This month we took you to the park for the first time. Grandpa & Grandma Ruwe were camping so we took you to the campground. We all took turns taking you down the slide and pushing you in the swings. You LOVED the swings.

I was able to buy you some new shoes this month, too. Since you are getting more mobile, I thought shoes would be good. But all the shoes you had were too small! So you and I took a day to go shoe shopping!! You loved it! You tried on a lot of shoes. I even let you pick out a pair to try on. Your feet are big enough now (size 2) to have real soles! I still can't believe it. My baby. Big enough to have real shoes. Ugh. So we got you a pair of tennis shoes, boat shoes, play sandals, and jelly-sandals. So cute!

We've been doing a lot of shopping this past week. You like to eat cheerios from your stroller tray. You are a great trooper. But when you get bored, I just stand you behind the stroller. You hold on to the under basket and walk the stroller around the store. You can do it for a pretty long time, too.

You entertain yourself pretty well. It's fun to watch you play and explore. We have recently just been setting you on the floor and letting you go where ever you want while we do things. For instance, you are rarely contained when I am in the kitchen. You like to pull out drawers and open cabinets (all safe, of course). Daddy let you play in the tupperware cabinet; you had a blast! You got all of the containers out and then got into the cabinet! You especially enjoy going into the bathroom and playing with the garbage liner. You haven't gotten into the garbage yet, but we're buying a lock for the outside of the door this weekend anyway! Speaking of exploring -- as I'm typing this, you are scooting the dogs' water bowl on the floor and grinning up at me. You know you usually get in trouble for that. Take advantage of the time Mommy's being sentimental and doesn't want to tell you "no".....

Needless to say, you are a blast. Every month you learn new things that keep us on our toes. You are such a big girl and we love you. Very much.

Love,
Mommy