seven months.

 

Eliza turned seven months while were on vacation in Texas! But, I haven't had any time to write about it until now. Between throwing our Christmas Party, and then immediately catching the flu (!), we've been pretty busy around here. Eliza has been forced to watch far too many very bad ABC Family Christmas movies this week. Poor girl.

But, here she is in all her big girl- seven month- holiday festive cuteness. She is huge, isn't she!? I feel like she passed the six month hump, and became this huge kid. Stop it!

Sam picked us out the most perfect, fluffy Christmas tree, and had it all set up by the time we got back from Texas. I think it was totally worth it, even if we would only get to enjoy it for a week and a half. She loves scooting over and clawing at all the wrapping paper. Or, batting at the one gold ornament I put low enough for her enjoyment. And, every night we go and turn the lights on together and I let her grab at the soft branches until she gets bored and tries to chew on the lights. She is just in awe. She doesn't swipe at it like she does other things. She softly and slowly reaches out and touches each little thing. I am loving babies at Christmas. So magical!

Eliza at seven months:
-funny, crooked smile
-discovered her tongue- it's always poking out of the side of her mouth now
-added "dadada" and "yayaya"
-twin cousin shrieks
-still scooting
-but, gets up on hands and knees
-loves shopping cart rides and restaurant high chairs (she's a people-watcher)
-one big tooth, and one disappearing act tooth
-survived her first plane rides, and made many friends on the plane
-favorite toys: Airhead candy, wrapped granola bars
-loves her new sippy cup
-up to two solid meals a day
-not stoked about her first visit with Santa
-first bath in the tub with her cousin
-her hair is getting longer and thicker
-loves Christmas lights
-taking two good, long naps (!)
-sleeping much better at night
-peek-a-boo will always get good giggles

san antonio.

We had so much fun in San Antonio. We ended up downtown at El Mercado twice during the trip, because it was a perfect place for a baby. So much to look at it! Eliza's head whips around so fast, you have to hold on tight or she'll fall out of your arms. She was either clawing at every little colorful thing within reach, or just staring at the papel picado with her head thrown back and and her mouth wide open.

It was so awesome to have two full weeks because we got to do absolutely anything we felt like. We took her downtown to El Mercado, explored Broadway, and saw an exhibit at the McNay Art Museum. We drove to Boerne to browse the antique shops, and out to Austin to see family. And, we hit up every single one of my favorite restaurants. It was also fun getting to see a little bit of the Christmas season before we left. We got to help set up Christmas trees, and drove to see the twinkle lights. 

grandbaby.

For Thanksgiving we took Eliza on her first plane ride out to Texas. Eliza and I stayed for two whole weeks, and we had a blast. I can't believe how fast two weeks can go, and yet it felt like we had been there so long. She grew so much just while we were there. She started making all of these new, funny faces and noises, and I felt like I was bringing home a new baby.

I just loved seeing her interact with my family. The last time my mom saw her, she was only a week old. The rest of my family saw her at six weeks, and my stepdad had never even met her. I purposely planned a two week stay because I wanted her to really feel comfortable with everyone. 

Oh, and she just loved everyone. I have honestly never seen her that kind of happy before. Not only did she have so many new things to look at, new toys to play with, and new faces to meet. But, she is finally at the age where she is showing real affection towards people. Her face would just light up every time I handed her over to someone new. Besides Sam, I've never really been able to sit back and see her develop such close relationships with others. They could make her giggle and smile in ways I had never even seen. 

Gosh, I wish we could live closer to family. We love and miss you!

(More pictures to comes!)