First Word?

Nope, she hasn't said one yet. She says "bah-bah-bah-bah" a lot, and Mike wants to interpret that as Da-Da, but I'm not buying it!

Baths

Kate loves splish-splashing in the tub. She's graduated from her tub on the counter to her tub in the big bathtub. I think I've given her a grand total of two baths since she was born. Mike is the bath dad. It's one of their special times. Typically, it helps her to relax, and it gives her feet that nice, raisiny look.

Pictures

I uploaded some pictures this week to the December and January albums. I have some more Christmas ones at my parents' house. I wish I had taken more when we were in California!

Mobility

I have always maintained that I'd be fine with a late crawler-walker. Less chasing to do! Anyhow, the Lord humored me with Kate, who is a very physical child. I have been denying her the title of crawler for the past six weeks because she wasn't crawling with perfect form, but now she does. Silly Kate. She doesn't know that she doesn't need to be moving ALL DAY LONG.

Changes

Kate gets bigger all the time. Today, I went in to get her after she woke up from a nap, and she was standing up in her crib! She's barely 6 and a half months old. She's been "combat crawling" for six or eight weeks now, she moves on all fours, but more by brute force than coordination, and day by day she gets a little more rhythm to it. She walks when you hold her hands. She's exploring everywhere. She sticks her tongue out for fun. She coos and smiles at everyone she meets. And she's typing at least 15 wpm. ' ckjbtjr gjf mn l

Picture Study

Kate in a new outfit. Assisted by Aunt Janelle.

Kate hugs

One thing I forgot to mention in Kate's sixth month round-up is how much better she has gotten at expressing her emotions. She gives the world's greatest hugs. She wraps her arms around, and puts her head on my shoulder for a second while she squeezes. It's the most wonderful feeling!

Christmas Gifts

Kate got many wonderful Christmas gifts -- books and toys and outfits, etc. We appreciate all of them, but there are a few that I wanted to share with you because they tickled me, for one reason or another.


Front of the t-shirt.


Back of the t-shirt.


Little Pink Chucks.

6 months old

It's hard to believe Kate is half a year old today. This past month brought her second big plane trip, meeting lots of doting relatives and her very first Christmas. Kate really enjoyed unwrapping all of her wonderful gifts. She sits proficiently now and is working on crawling and taking steps while holding our hands. She can't wait to be mobile! She is totally into eating and drinking water. She's had tastes of lots of things, and is starting real feedings in her high chair this week. Kate's had two colds this winter, and has weathered them fairly well. She still enjoys books a great deal, and her new Baby Einstein DVDs. We're quite smitten by her. Her daddy told me yesterday that cuddling with his baby girl is one of the greatest pleasures in life. She made 2004 for our little family, for sure. Happy 6 months, Kate!