Atlie at 7 months old (May 27)

Among the various babblings, you've started saying ba-ba. It's been so much fun hearing you start "talking". It is so cute to see you talk to an object or mimic the loud sounds Branna makes.

You have perfected your army crawl. Even though you're not hands-and-knees crawling just yet, you can get around on your tummy so fast. You are so close to the real deal, and without hesitation, you can go from crawling to sitting.

You're sleeping a little better. While it's still not 8 hours a night or even 6, you typically sleep for 4 hours at the beginning of the night and between 2 and 4 hours after that. It's still not great, but I'll take over the 1 hour stretches a few months ago.

We're starting to get more of a schedule and less of a routine. I think because of that, when it's nap time, your body knows it. You've fallen asleep in the high chair a few times!

You've also started using a sippy cup. While you're still getting used to it, you've done pretty good for a 7 month old.

One of my favorite developments this month has been your facial expressions. Two in particular are sticking your tongue out when you're happy and a look that you give when you're frustrated.

(A little background to this picture: This was Atlie's first dress-up experience provided by Branna. You may not be able to see it very good, but Atlie is wearing my headband along with the leis.)

Have a Banana!

After Atlie's first experience with bananas and her not liking them so well, I thought I'd try again. So that the bananas didn't go to waste (no one else likes the bananas as brown as they needed to be to serve to Atlie) I decided to get baby bananas. Maybe all I needed to do all along was let her play with the bananas because this time, she really enjoyed them!

I thought this picture was too cute. It reminded me of when Mowglie from the Jungle Book met King Louie and his quote, "Have a banana!"

Atlie 6 Months (April 27)

• You have started saying ma-ma-ma and da-da-da. Sometimes I think you are even relating it to Daddy!
• Your first 2 teeth came in (at the same time).
• One of your favorite games is playing peek-a-boo.
• You love Bible class. Your favorite part is when the teacher sings, "Where is Atlie?" and you get to see yourself in the mirror. it's so funny to see you nearly come out of your seat with excitement.
• You are starting to sit up really good on your own.
• You started solid food. So far, we've tried banana and avocado. You don't care too much for banana, but you can't get enough of avocado.

Mother's Milk

There are so many joys to life that I couldn't have imagined before having children. There's nothing like hearing, "Momma, I love you. I want to stay with you forever." or getting to cradle your baby as the drift off to sleep.

One of the greatest joys that I have experienced is breastfeeding. It is an indescribable bonding experience. I love the thought I am giving my baby the perfect nourishment for growing body, mentally and physically.

Knowing how crucial proper nourishment is for babies, particularly those that are premature, to get the best, most pure food they can, really pulled at my heart-strings. I had heard about milk donation after Branna was born, but didn't seek it out. This time, after Atlie was born, a friend sent me some information about the Mother's Milk Bank at Austin. After reading the stories of women and their fragile babies, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.

I wish I could have been better at pumping regularly, but after a couple of months, I had enough milk to make my first donation. I am so glad that Atlie has been able to share this great gift with other babies.

Aquarena Springs

One of my favorite Texas trips to take as a kid was to Aquarena Springs in San Marcos. With glass bottom boats, Ralph the swimming pig, and "real-live" mermaids, what kid wouldn't love it? I haven't been there since I was 8 or 9 years old, but recently our family had the opportunity to go.

It had changed ALOT! While the park is much less of a theme park now and more of a nature center, we all had a great time! The underwater theater that house Ralph and the mermaids was no longer in use. A statue that was what I considered their trademark, was gone. I was somewhat sad to see all of the changes, since I had such fond memories of the park, but it gave us an opportunity to make new ones!

Happy Birthday, Branna!

I love you right up to the moon, and back!

Atlie at 5 months (March 27)

I should have started this when Atlie was born, but better late than never, right? Part of this "inspiration" comes from my friend, Lisa Kennedy's blog. She's so good at documenting her kids monthly milestones and I've thought that it's a great way to easily look back a see what the kids were doing each month.

I actually should have started this with Branna because with each new thing Atlie does, I wonder, "When did Branna do that?". I would love to have an easy comparison, but C'est la vie. So, I'll just start here, at 5 months.

• You are a pro at rolling over. (You rolled from tummy to your back at 2 months and your back to your tummy at 3 months!) I think you'll probably start crawling soon. Look out!
• This month you have really become verbal. I think alot of it comes from your sister who this talking is her profession (and her hobby!). Your coos and babble can have tones of happiness or frustration mixed in with a few raspberries here and there. It seems that your favorite time to express yourself is between 5 and 6 am.
• That leads me to my next point of your sleeping: you don't! Well, at least it doesn't seem like it to a momma who is waking up constantly through the night. You're not fussy, but your definitely awake. I don't know if it's a developmental thing or you're just partial to "Mom's All-Night Diner". Whatever it is, I hope it not too long lived.
• I think you may be cutting your first tooth. Although you have always been a drooly baby, it seems it has picked up some and I think you are starting to massage your gums during our nursing sessions.
• You love watching Branna and her goofy antics. She has a made up a silly song for you about a banana talking. It always makes you laugh.

Spring Is In The Air!

Finally, the weather is shaping up to be outside weather! We've taken advantage of that and have played outside everyday for the last week or so. Atlie has really enjoyed watching Branna play. I think that she's going enjoy the outdoors just as much as her big sister.

Look-A-Likes?

I get asked alot if Atlie looks like Branna. When Atlie was first born, I really didn't think so, but as she's gotten older, I am starting to see more resemblances. As I was scanning through Branna's baby pictures, I found some that were close to Atlie's age now (3.5 months), so I decided to take comparison pictures. Before I reveal who's who, I'll let you see the pictures:

The first 2 pictures are of Branna and the last 2 are of Atlie. After seeing these pictures, I do think there are more similarities than I realized, but I still think they each have their unique features.

Lawn Surfing

Who knew that a boogie board could be so much fun out of the water! Yes, this is another one of Branna and Branyon's silly antics, much like the box car a few years back. (And yes, she did eventually face plant.)