My dearest Livypants:
My apologies for being a little late writing your 6 month letter. You have been keeping me on my toes, baby girl. I still insist that you are an easygoing and happy baby, but the past month was a bit trying at times. I think you were going through some sort of growth spurt and at times it felt like you were draining the life out of me. But it's worth it if it means you are turning into my little Hulkamaniac. (It's weird to write that knowing you will likely never know who Hulk Hogan is.)
Probably the most exciting thing for you this month was trying new foods. You've been eating cereal, purees, and some finger foods. It's touch and go — some times I get you all buckled in your seat only to have you refuse to open your mouth, but other times you gobble down whatever I give you and get mad if the spoon doesn't come to your mouth fast enough. I am, admittedly, tickled pink that you seem to prefer my homemade baby food over the jar stuff. It's likely just a coincidence but I will take it as a compliment. I always offer you a puree and a finger food during meals, and while you aren't 100% consistent in getting finger foods up to your mouth you are definitely getting the hang of your pincer grasp.
You developed a somewhat quirky and hilarious habit this month. When you get angry, you blow raspberries while you're crying. It's a little hard to take you seriously, you know? Daddy and I find ourselves laughing at you which probably isn't the reaction you're hoping for. I think it's adorable and I hope I always remember you doing it.
We've also learned that you don't like when people get too close to your face too soon. You seem to have a sensitivity to people getting up in your face, like the little old ladies at the grocery store who mean well but often make you cry. Once you've warmed up to somebody though, you are fine to snuggle in close.
You remind me of a little roly poly pill bug the way you roll around on the floor, grabbing your feet and rolling around on your back. You are beyond obsessed with your feet and have the same hyper-flexibility that your Daddy and brother do, passed down from several generations. You are also very expressive with your hands and fingers and are always waving them around and watching them intently. Anytime you catch a glance from one of us while doing this, you smile so wide and it completely melts our hearts.
I am so very lucky to have two children who love to cuddle. Every night after bath, I lotion you up, dress you and feed you. And then we have some snuggle time together while brother and Daddy join us in the big bed for story time. It doesn't matter what else has happened that day, or how stressed I am about what's going on in the world, in those moments I know joy and bliss and I feel like the luckiest mama on the earth.
During wakeful times you are as chatty as ever. Daddy and I have both heard you say "mama" and "dada". I'm not sure if that's even possible yet, but I guess when you're babbling constantly eventually some real words are going to come out. The little sounds and noises you make bring a lot of laughter to our whole family.
Still no teeth, but I keep saying that they're coming. You are drooling like a basset hound.
Oh Livy. I didn't know you were missing from our lives until you got here, and now I just can't imagine what life would be like without you. I can't imagine not seeing Hank light up every day when he notices how cute you are. Or says, "Baaa-by. Hap-py!" and hugs, er, tackles you on the floor. You are so uniquely you and yet you fit into our family like a puzzle piece that makes everything feel whole and complete.
I love you so much my little star,
Mama
