7 month update!

Sweet Amelia Joy, you are 7 months old!  And since I can't seem to get in a groove writing your updates, I'll cut to the chase, because who knows when you'll jolt awake from this nap.

You have cut two teeth, which came at the same time 1 week after you turned 6 months.

You eat so. much. food.  It makes me so happy! We have just done Baby Led Weaning this time (so no purees) and it has gone so well. From pretty much the get-go you have been able to grab food with your hands, and feed yourself with a pre-loaded fork.  You absolutely prefer to feed yourself and I am just crossing all limbs that continues because your 2.5 year old brother still requires a full-court press to get his dinner down.  You almost always just eat what we eat for dinner, and favorites so far are avocado slices, sweet potatoes, black beans, grapes, watermelon, chicken, SMOOTHIES.... I could go on.

dont mess with the watermelon eating process

You're still nursing every 4 hours or so during the day, and twice (eye roll) at night, usually around 1am and 5am (and as a side note if anyone's wondering - I'm doing my second round of Whole30 this month and it has not affected my supply at all, which was a big question mark for me).

Your absolute defining characteristic is your smile.  You smile at EVERYTHING (think Elf: "smiling's my favorite!") and everyone.  Strangers, friends, family, dog - doesn't matter.  And this isn't just a grin, it's a whole-face-smooshed up, body and arms flapping, squealing smile.  Everyone asks if you're always so happy and I can honestly say that we are so blessed that yes, you are always that happy*, and you spread that infectious smile and laugh to the rest of us, who could use even a slice of that joy.  Thank you for that, and I pray that fruit of the Spirit you were named after follows you every day of your life.

obliging to be "Baby Carrie" for the 15th time that day

*Of course you don't literally smile all day every day.  The main thorn in your side at the moment is being put down for naps, specifically the afternoon one.  Come close child, and let me tell you a secret: There is no limit to how much I would pay for someone to put me in warm pajamas, give me a hug, and gently lay me in a dark, quiet room for an unlimited amount of time to just... sleep.  YOU HAVE IT GOOD GIRLFRIEND.  So sleep.  Just take a nap.  I promise nothing fun is happening out here - just mommy telling your big sister to stop dancing during her rest time.

You are sitting unassisted now for long stretches, and can roll, scoot, and flop your way to what you want to get across the room.  But not crawling, and I am A-OK with that.  You're probably our most content to just lie there and chill kid so far, which is why you're not off to the races.  You can sit or lay and hold something, inspecting it forever.

when there are no shirts to be found but you're trying to be modest...

Amelia, I'm not just saying this: you are a GREAT baby.  Do I wish you'd sleep through the night?  Sort of.  But then I wouldn't have those 5-10 minutes of just us, which are few and far between.  Which is probably why I haven't rushed you out of those night feedings yet.  And do I wish you took two 2-hour naps a day?  Duh.  But I'm learning that's not really in the cards for my kids, and instead I'm incredibly grateful that you wake up with a huge smile and don't stop.  I speak for all 4 of us: you are our joy, sweet girl.  You are loved.