Big Girl Baby

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a big girl baby on our hands. Beatrice can clap on demand, feed herself bananas and organic puffs, and is on the verge of crawling any day now. Where did my baby go? Just a month ago, she barely scooted on her play mat, now she is sitting up and reaching for everything. It is so cute, she uses her index finger to trace faces and shapes on books and toys. Smart girl.

I really hated the newborn stage. I couldn't see past the constant nursing, sleep deprivation and not having a clue what to do. The first 3 months all I did was wish them away. I operated in survival mode. I can remember nursing her in the middle of the night thinking, "in x more months, she should be sleeping through the night so I won't have to get up anymore." I couldn't wait for her to be able to sit contentedly in her bouncer without me having to hold her all day. I anxiously awaited happy independent playtime so I could have longer than 5 minutes to prepare dinner. All of the sweet newborn things that everyone told me to enjoy while they lasted, well, didn't last. And now I have this big girl baby who only wants to nurse when she's hungry. But very, very quickly because she has big girl baby things to do. She can't be bothered with babyish things like cuddling. I miss my little baby.

Honestly, this age is my favorite so far (almost 8 months). Beatrice mimics every silly face or sound we make. She displays her dissatisfaction, erm, how do I say.......theatrically. She has her own personality  and can interact with us. She is so much easier to take care of now and I think I know what I'm doing. At least I know more than I did 7 months ago. 

I told her all day today to stop growing up so fast. She was like "whatever mom, I'm big now." I'm stuck in the middle of wishing she could stay my baby for just a little while longer and cheering her on with each new milestone. They're coming 2 and 3 at a time now, it's so cool to watch a little person bloom. I bet she'll be crawling by Saturday, then it's a whole new ball game. She really will be my big girl baby.

Slow down sweet girl, mommy wants to enjoy you for a little bit longer.