Ileigh, 7 months

Man, these last few weeks have been rough, but seeing this little girl's smile helps me gain a little better perspective. :)

Ileigh is 7 months old. Crazy.

She said her first words this month. Of course it was "Da-da". I told Chris it was just a "happy coincidence" the first time, but then she said it three more times. Dang. I guess I need to try harder with our next child. Eli's first word was also Da-da.

For Da-da being her first word, she sure is a momma's girl. I can't even walk past her without those cute little arms waving in the air and those big eyes pleading for me to pick her up. 

Good thing she is cute. :) 

She is wearing 9 month pj's not really because she is long, even though she is, but more because we have barely bought this little one any clothes and there just happened to be a gap between 6-9 months. So 9 month pj's it is. I still can't spend twelve dollars on a sleeper that will only last a few months...

(I love this photo. She is watching two other little girls play. See that adorable little dimple? Awe.) 

We thought she would for sure have teeth by now, but none yet. I have found no logical reasoning explaining the fussiness/restless nights/moodiness/drama...except for maybe a loud 2 1/2 year old interrupting a good nap pattern...hmmmm.  

She hasn't been to the doctor yet for shots this month, so I really don't know how much weight she has gained. Did you know that people taking chemo shouldn't hold a vaccinated child for two weeks? The vaccination leaks through their skin and can affect an already low immune system. Now we all know. My dad just took his second of six chemo treatments, and it is a little difficult to line up her shots with his treatments. 

People told me that having children this close together would be hard- hard for the first year and then wonderful after that. I thought we were doing pretty well, but it has seemed to snowball here recently. A lot of family in town and a lot of missed naps make for unhappy kids and tired mommas. But, in a few short weeks we will be back in the wonderfully structured fall season! WooHoo!

Ileigh,

Never doubt our love for you. You are amazing, little one. I cannot wait to see what is in store for you. You are simply gorgeous. Your big, deep blue eyes are changing into the same beautiful brown eyes your brother has. I love it. Your little smile is just breath taking. I have yet to go somewhere without someone taking note of just how beautiful you are.

You are one strong willed little girl, who knows exactly what you want, and you aren't afraid to tell anyone about it.

I hope you stay exactly that way, my love.