At her 6 month appointment she weighed 16.9 lbs (80%)and was 28 1/4 inches long (99%). She is really long. Most clothes we are buying are 12 months and even 12-18 months sometimes because of her length. When the MD walked in Bella was sitting on the table. He said, "Great! She is sitting up"...then Bella plopped to her knees and crawled across the table and grabbed his pen. He looked at me and then verified that she was 6 months. He then proceeded to watch her crawl around and try and stand up against his computer. He told me that it was obvious that I had my hands full and he hopes that I have some help! I laughed. But he was dead serious. He couldn't believe that she was so mobile and not scared of anything. He also said that she sparkles...then corrected himself and said "spangles"...hee..hee. I had hopes that at least one of my children would want to stay little for ever. Well, apparently it isn't in the cards.
It hasn't only been her mobility that has matured. Her personality has exploded. It is the only word I can pick that explains it. She intently looks in your eyes and craves attention. August says that she is "quirky". I guess it is true. She seems to already have a sense of humor. It seems at times she is trying to make you laugh. Then when you do you are rewarded with a big laugh and a snort back. She is just fun. When I go into her room after naps or in the middle of the night she is now standing at the rail and calling out. Unfortunately it isn't mama...it is da,da,da...over and over again! I don't mind. I think at this stage it is only a term of endearment and for attention not a specific person. More like, "HELLO! Can anyone hear that I need something!!". Then when you pick her up she gets you she kicks her little legs with happiness and gives a big smile.
She is beginning to wander farther away from me. I have found her under the table, on the stairs (yikes!) and trying following the boys into the play room. When she has had a nap and has a full belly she is quite adventurous. But, if anything is off...teething, tired, hungry...she is like glue and isn't happy just looking at you. She wants to be held. Now. I think my arms are going to be very tone someday. But, I do indulge her when I can. I look at the other boys and know that they only want you for so long.
Along with all of the other 6 month stuff, food has become part of our routine. She loves it. Not the soft, baby stuff. The real deal. She does great and is doing much better with the fine motor skills. She actually gets stuff in her mouth! She has two teeth with 2-4 more on the way in. I can't wait until teething is over. Drooling and crying isn't fun.
I will hopefully get a video of her crawling/standing/walking posted soon. I have been so busy just keeping up with her. Her head has the proof. She has dozens of tiny bruises from banging her head. It doesn't discourage her. It makes her mad. Today we had the first blood. She pulled her self up on the entertainment center and then tried to walk away. Only, she can't walk. Small detail. She hit the knob and cut her lip. Poor girl.She has yet to sleep through the night. Ugh! She sleeps a good chunk (6-8 hours) but that still has her waking up between 2-4AM. I have tried giving her water instead of formula. I have tried listening to her scream. I desperately want her to have good sleep habits like her brothers. So, I do what feels right. I feed her a small bottle while she is laying in bed (without picking her up) and she sleeps until morning. I am ok with this. It won't last. Just like the boys, I hope she will outgrow it when she is ready. Because, come on. Sometimes I am hungry/thirsty in the middle of the night and I want a drink.
Bella is a gem. Yesterday was actually 7 months. It happens so fast!
