I know I covered up her adorable fat rolls this month, but David bought her this perfect mermaid outfit and I had to put her in it. We call her Mermaid more often than anything so it really fits!

She:

>Still has no teeth, which is perfectly fine with me.

>Sits by herself better and better all the time, and plays well independently.

>Isn’t mobile yet, but I know it’s coming. She gets herself on her tummy all the time now, pushes up (and occasionally pushes up her pelvis too), and scoots a bit.

>Loves the dogs! Cleo is especially interested in her, and anytime she starts licking Meredith opens her mouth. Gross, child. Meredith actually fell off the couch right in front of me once because she leaned over too far to pet Cleo. She was fine, but I felt TERRIBLE.

>Is beginning to enjoy non-breastmilk food now and will take the spoon in her mouth eagerly. She’d prefer to feed herself, which we sometimes let her do, but most of the time it’s easier for us to just do jar food.

>Has been erratic at bedtime, sometimes not sleeping unless I go to bed with her, and preferring darkness.

>Hardly naps at all on the weekends. She doesn’t want to miss out on any time with us, and I feel the same way. But still, naps would be nice.

>Prefers to play with (and therefore chew) paper, plastic, hair, and necklaces. One day I found a piece of a Kohl’s price tag in her diaper.

>Is really good with her hands! I don’t pay attention to those baby development things, but I feel like this is an area she excels in.

>Used to love lying on the changing table, but now she fusses every time we lie her down there. I think she’s entering a bit of a clingy stage!

She’s got the over-the-shoulder modeling pose down.

Tummy time requires intense concentration.

I:

>Seem to have some sort of perpetual mild sickness. I guess it’s drainage, resulting in a dry throat, cough, and an altogether feeling of tiredness. But it never progresses past the point of annoyance, and for that I’m grateful.

>Have started taking baths with Meredith at night. She outgrew her infant tub, and we bought her an inflatable transitional tub in the shape of a duck, but she’s afraid of it and cries anytime we put her in it. I can’t actually bathe myself while I’m in the tub with her, but it’s fast becoming one of my favorite things for us to do together.

>Am giving up coffee and chocolate for Lent and am kind of terrified. I chose this combination because I wanted to think of something that would be as hard for me as it will be for my husband to give up soda, which is what he’s doing. In preparation I have had Starbucks several times over the past few days and lots of truffles.

>Can’t express my love for nursing Meredith enough. Although I’m getting more used to her eating other foods, I’m still so grateful that she wants me when she’s truly hungry, or tired, or upset. I hope that when it’s time to wean my heart will be ready.

>Gave up on trying to exercise right now. I really do want to incorporate it back into my life, but it’s not high on the priority list at this time. Thankfully I have an active job so I’m on my feet a lot and not just sitting around.

>Think we might have found the church we want to get involved in. We’ve been there for a month, and we’re signed up for the “newcomer luncheon” next week. Fingers crossed this one sticks.

>Have been trying hard to find balance between work, family & Meredith, and hobbies. Work takes up way too much of my time, but I do have a great job and maybe one day we can afford for me to go part-time. If I’m not there I’m with Meredith and that’s what I want, and I fit in other things when I can, like after she goes to bed or while she’s napping or playing by herself on the weekends.

>Think Meredith gets better and better all the time, and I am finally not missing her newborn-ness too much and am actually kiiiind of looking forward to her getting a little older. Seven months, though, is a really great age.

For reference:

No months
One month
Two months
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Six months