Five months

Dear Annabella,
You are five months old!  You've had such an exciting month, and your daddy and I have enjoyed watching you experience many things for the first time.  We comment on how fun it is to watch you grow.  You are such a curious little baby.  You love to go new places and just look around the room.  Your smile melts our hearts and your laugh is contagious.  You're starting to show much more of your personality, and we think you're going to be a handful when you're a teenager. :)  Your daddy and I think you are beautiful, funny, sweet. . .we could go on forever!  We are thrilled that you are our daughter!

Things you've been up to this past month:

• You probably weigh around 13 pounds and are around 23-24 inches long.  You have an appointment next month, so we'll found out your exact stats then.
• You wear size 3 diapers and size 6 month clothes.

• You've had a month of "firsts".  You met your Grandma Winnie and Minnesota family, attended a wedding, flew on an airplane, went to the beach, put your toes in the sand, and floated in a pool.

• You were sleeping from 8:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., until we went on vacation.  At the beach you decided to wake up a couple of times during the night.  We're going to get you back on your old schedule soon, I hope!
• You love to laugh and smile.  Your daddy and I have so much fun smiling at you, and having you smile back!  You smile and laugh are two of my most favorite things in the world.
• From around the middle of August to the middle of September, you decided naps were not for you.  I'm not sure if it was because your daddy was in Montgomery, or you were tired of traveling, but we're glad you've started napping again.  Your daddy and I love when you get good sleep!
• You rolled over a couple of times, from your stomach to your back.  Since you are starting to sleep flat, I think you might start rolling more.

• The mirror is your best friend.  You smile and laugh at yourself.  You think you're a riot (and you are)!
• You are drooling like crazy.  I haven't felt any sharp places in your gums yet, so you might have another month or two before teeth appear.  Regardless, you still love having your gums massaged.
• You moved to the big tub while we were at the beach.  You love having more room to kick and splash.  Bath time is still your favorite time of day.

Your daddy and I love you, Annabella Carol.  You make life more fun, laughter more joyful, and love more abundant.

Big hugs and wet kisses,

Momma