To Lucille on Your 8 Month Birthday

Lucille at 8 Months

Woo wee this past month was a tough one. It was the month of sickness. We kicked off the month with the stomach flu. It took out you, your dad, me, your grandpa, and our friend Joel. Not fun.

That illness was then followed it by the longest.cold.ever. You started with a runny nose which you have had before, but this time you were super congested and couldn't breath. The humidifier, steam showers, and the nasal spray didn't help. Plus, you won't let us use the awesome snot sucker so you were constantly fighting to breath. On top of that, you got your first fever which got up to 102. Thankfully it came down quickly when we gave you some Tylenol.

Daddy is the best!

You then got a cough which got so bad you would throw up and then make the most pathetic whimpering sound. It was sooo sad. What was worst I got sick at the same exact time and so was having a hard time taking care of you while recovering. Luckily, your daddy helped us both as much as he could! He would get up and rock you back to sleep when you woke up in the middle of the night coughing.






Your poor immune system was in overdrive trying to get you healthy. You ended breaking out in the hives after eating some strawberries because of their high level of histamine. You were such a sad bear. Luckily they went away within 30 minutes.

Hives

We did have a few days between sicknesses where we tried to have some fun. We went to an art stroll in Castleberry Hill, a hip in-town neighbothood of Atlanta.

Post your first sushi dinner

Checking out some art

We went for a stroll on a newly unveiled part of the Atlanta beltine (a rails-to-trails pathway).

Enjoying the ride

Where your dad proposed to me

 We went for a hike in Mason Mills, a park behind our apartment.

Peek-a-boo

Walked you to sleep!

 We attended the Dogwood Festival.

Your southern lady hat

Starting to Climb

By the end of the month we were all FINALLY feeling better. Just in time to celebrate your best friend Reese' first birthday!!!

Trying out Reese's new wagon

Reese's squeal scared you

Us three!

The Girls

Playdate

I hope that you (and the rest of us) have a sick free ninth month!

Snotty Girl

Lucille at Eight Months:

Eight Month Stats

- Weight: Unknown

- Height: Uknown

- Head: Uknown
- Brown eyes
- Light brown hair, no more bald spot, and the spikes are
  falling over

Milestones
- Furrowed brow just like your daddy when concentrating
- Crying when startled or when another baby is        
  crying
- Whining when I walk away from you and no longer smiling at strangers
- Walking along the couch by yourself
- Pushing up to downward facing dog from your 
  belly/crawling on mommy
                                                                   - Pulling yourself up
                                                                   -Not interested in the pacifier
                                                                   - Likes pulling toys out of basket
                                                                   - Clasping your hands together/shaking your own hand
                                                                   - Nickname: baby, little lady, Lu Bear


Hugs and kisses,

Momma and Daddy

Lucille's First Easter

Lucille's 1st Easter

Lucille's first Easter started with a box from Emme and Grana. It contained all sorts of Easter goodies including plastic eggs with coins and dollars!, an Easter hat, some bath toys, and a number of other goodies. Lucille had a great time checking out all of them, including the box itself.

The box arrives!

Checking out her book

Fly bird!

The Korb grandparents came up for a visit on Easter weekend. They got to see the new place and of course all of the changes in Lucille! She showed off her ability to sit up and her appreciation for fine jewelry. What a classy lady.

"I like your pearls grandma..."

"Your watch too Grandpa!"

Saturday we spent outside in the very lovely Spring weather. We went on a long walk on a new neighborhood trail nearby and spent some time in the park.

The Ladies

We had the grandparents and their good friends, Kate and Fritz over for Easter brunch. I kept the food simple- from Whole Foods- to make it easy and enjoyable. Susan and Andy brought a special surprise from their trip to Iceland.

Brunch

Caviar from Iceland

Lucille got her very first Easter basket which Susan and I enjoyed putting together. Unfortunately for little Lu, she is not allowed to have sugar yet. Bonus for the adults!

Lucille's first Easter Basket

It was a great Easter weekend with family and friends. Lucille and I even found some time to goof around a little bit.

To Lucille on your 7 Month's Birthday

7 months!

You are officially seven months!!! Whaaaat?!?! Unbelievable I tell you! Let's review what's happened this month...

New Teeth

At the beginning of the month we headed off to Hilton Head island. It was your first major road trip and you did great on the road. Unfortunately, you picked up a small cold which had you waking up at night. We later figured out it was due to your first teeth - the bottom front two which were kind enough to come in at the same time. You look so ridiculously cute with your brand new toothy smile.

Swinging Fun

Hilton Head also was the location of your first swing ride. We had to cram in multiple blankets so you fit without slouching. You took to it like you had been swinging your whole life.

Auntie Christa

 




Later in the month we had a couple of visitors. First up was your Auntie Christa who was visiting from South Florida. Unfortunately she was sick and the weather was awful so we spent most of our time hanging out inside. Fortunately, you didn't seem to mind because that meant you got more hang out time with her!

Korb Grandparents

 Next up were your Korb grandparents who came to visit for your first Easter. Grandma Korb brought you lots of Easter gifts including lots of new clothes and goodies for your Easter basket. They timed their visit with a wonderful weather weekend, so we were able to get out for a nice  hike on an in-town path.

Easter Sunday

Hendryx Grandparents

Grandma and Grandpa Hendryx also came to visit on your 7 month birthday. Unfortunately we only got to hang out on Friday night because you, your dad, me and your granddad picked up a nasty stomach virus which laid us low. Luckily, Grandma Peggy was able to take care of you while I got some much needed rest!




In between our visitors we have been trying to take advantage of the sporadic nice days by getting outside. We have met up with your bestie Reese for some picnic time and some walks.

Besties Power Napping/Mommies Powerwalking

Hanging out in the sun

New Hiking Carrier

New Jumper

This month also marked a number of firsts. We packed away your playmat and bought you a jump-a-roo. I hope this would allow you to get more vertical time which you seemed to prefer. At first you weren't heavy enough to really touch the ground so we had to put a blanket underneath you. You took to it really quickly and can jump/play in it for around a half an hour and be thoroughly entertained. It also seems to spur on (uh hem) your digestion process.

 I wanted to put your love of patting to use so I bought you a little electronic drum that you beat on to make sounds and light up. You LOVE it. You could just bang away all day. I added some maracas and a tambourine to the mix and I am not sure what you like the best.

Kick Kick Kick!

You also started swimming this month. By the third session you were kicking your little legs on command, but still aren't entirely convinced that being in the pool is where you want to be.

Your New Ride

We said goodbye to your baby car carrier that you left the hospital with. We decided to make the move because you kept trying to sit up in it while we were out and about and it was frustrating you. This meant we had to get a new stroller for the car to replace the snap and go. We decided to go with Chicco's new umbrella stroller which I love! It's super light weight, easy to collapse, and has a feature that allows you to recline  the seat to almost flat so you can still (theoretically) sleep in it.

Easter Hat

You have, of course, made new developmental strides. You are a much more confident sitter. You can sit and play, wave your arms around, and even tumble over without crying. Well, most of the time. You still prefer to stand whether its holding on to the couch or someone's hands. You have even started to be able to shift your weight on your feet if you start tipping over. You still haven't quite figured out how to catch yourself with your arms though. There is no "real" crawling yet but you have started going into the froggy position and have started doing this rocking thing with your arms, but not at the same time.

Crawling backwards

I think the most exciting milestone is you (may have) waved for the first time. We were out shopping and a random person waved at you and you waved back.  You did it one other time, again to a stranger. I have noticed that you will wiggle your fingers if your dad or I wave at you...not sure if that is what you are trying to do though.

Your sleeping has gotten better and better. You have learned to put yourself to bed without much of a fuss most nights. You have a dolly and the string bean in the crib with you and you usually play with them as you fall asleep. Nap time is pretty good as well, you seem to be taking two long naps a day if our schedule permits.

Snuggling with Dolly

Baby-led Weaning is still going really well. We are amazed out how well you have taken to it. You have added more food to your repertoire including salmon, sweet potatoes, yogurt, hummus, cream cheese, hamburgers. Blackberries are still your favorite. More and more food is actually being swallowed and your poo is starting to change because of it. It's fun to watch you explore all the new flavors, colors, and textures.

Sweet Potato

Blackberry Aftermath

Lucille at Seven Months:

Seven Month Stats

- Weight: unknown

- Height:  unknown

- Head:    unknown
- Hair: Showing hints of red, let's go with strawberry blonde

Milestones
-Sitting and controlled falling over
-Roll from back to belly (you still refuse to roll the other way although you can do it)

-You put your feet in your mouth
-Pinching/scratching
-You discovered my wedding ring
-Nicknames include mama's girl, Miss May, Baby Bear, little lady


We love you!

Mama and Dada

Swim Class Take One

So we started swim class this past month (we had to wait until she turned 6 months) to get Lucille comfortable with the water. On our second session, my bestie Christa was visiting so she took some photos with my phone.

Unfortunately the phone didn't capture the best shots in the world. We'll have to get our professional camera next time, but for now....