7 Months

Seven sweet months with Holland Elizabeth and another magnolia blossom added to her first year's bouquet.  What a lovely month it has been.  Baby girl has developed the most awkwardly adorable roly-poly army crawl, giving her forward motion to grab big brothers' toys.  Still a lightweight on the scales but eating like a champ...even with no teeth at all.  We're all in love with those blue eyes (that look just like her daddy's) and her gummy little smile. 

We're so glad you're in our family, sweet pea.  Happy 9th, love bug.

6 Months

This day marks the halfway point of a first trip around the sun for my littlest sunshine.  She's squealed through the month with the highest pitched glee, earning her the not-very-catchy but very appropriate nickname "Squeaky Baby."  She sits up with just a little bit of help and started eating some baby food puree.  Typically, when I pick her up from work, she grabs my face with both hands and gives me a slobbery kiss that only 6 month olds and puppies are best known for.  (But I don't mind it.)  This month's flower is a ranunculus--which means "radiant charm."  Well, my sweet baby, you are radiantly charming to me and to everyone you meet.  You're a light.  I love watching you shine.

Happy 9th, Holland.

Oh, and one more thing, just for fun--I put together the pictures from each baby's 6 month photo shoot.  It's a good thing you all weren't triplets...I never would have been able to tell you apart!

   

Five Months

Happy ninth, little girl!

At five months old you are an absolute delight.  You've found your voice and often use it to squeak with joy or displeasure.  (I remember your oldest brother doing the same thing around this age, but you, my dear, are in a register all your own!)  You can roll from back to front or front to back, but you much prefer to turn left.  We will have to work on moving to the right so you don't turn out lopsided.  If I'm really honest, though, your biggest preference is to be in someone's arms.  That little thumbkin is still in your mouth about 90% of the time, but if we're able to pull it away, we get rewarded with your darling little smile.  This month's flower is a white orchid, signifying beauty and innocence.  You are a lovely little lady, indeed. 

Four Months

Another month has passed us by, and another 9th means another flower for my girl.  This month we're using the calla lily.  This flower officially stands for faithfulness, purity, and hope because it blooms around the time of Easter every year.  To us, though, the calla lily will always represent our wedding day, as it was one of only a few special flowers chosen to adorn my bridal bouquet.  Yes, today is the ninth and thus Holland's "monthday," but yesterday Jeffrey and I celebrated our ten year anniversary.  I've been deep in thought about the last decade and all the many choices, decisions, accidents, divine plans, and happenstance that lead to me sitting here today, typing a four month celebration post for my third sweet baby.  Ten years ago, I wouldn't have dared to imagine that one day I would have so much love in my life.

Holland, at four months old you are as precious as ever.  My favorite thing right now is to have a little conversation with you--you, cooing imaginary baby words at me with a furrowed and serious brow, and me, grinning like a fool, hanging on your every word.  You've rolled over a time or two and your big brothers are so proud of you for every milestone you achieve.  You have an impressive list of folks wrapped around your tiny little finger.  You are a joy and we all love you so much.  Happy 9th, love bug. 

Three Months

This month's flower is a bit of a mystery--I think it may be of the imaginary variety...but it sure looks pretty.  We'll call it a purple wisteria.  Wisteria is used to signify good luck in new beginnings, and I think that's a perfect description for where we are with this girl.  This month she is beginning to do many new things like reaching for toys and cooing and lying on her tummy without crying crocodile tears.  Holland is still a solid sleeper and a pleasant little lady when she's awake.  She still likes to keep her little fingers close to or in her mouth...her dentist/mommy is already dreading the day we have to try and break that habit.  She smiles for almost everyone, and if the last picture I post today doesn't make you smile right back, I don't know what will.

Three beautiful months with my beautiful girl.  I don't need any wisteria, thank you.  I'm feeling lucky already.  Happy 9th, baby doll.