6th monthday!!

Amalia,
When did this happen.




The last thing I knew, I was walking out of a courtroom to head to the hospital, and now here you are a giant sweet beautiful girl. It was just a moment ago when you were so tiny we had to stuff the carseat with towels and blankets so that you would fit in there without bouncing and lolling all over, and now your feet hang over the end and the seat is practically too heavy for me to even pick up!


So in other words, I can't believe how quickly this last 6 months has gone.
We don't really have any new milestone-type developments to report. You are still rockin' the tripod a little longer stretches now, you are flipping easily from tummy to back, but since you hate tummy time, you never go the other way even though I think you probably could. You still do your left leg pump when you are in your bouncy seat or laying down. Your left leg just pumps up and down over and over, if you are bored or mad. It's very unique to you.
You know your name and respond to it, especially if Domingo is saying Amalia. You babble non-stop, and much to your father's delight say dadadadadada. But you also say squEEEEEEE, babababab, and something that sounds a lot like aloogobi.



While I don't think you are quite up to Indian food yet, we will be starting solids this month! I know you are very anxious to eat food because you look at us when we're eating you smack your lips and squeal and even grab at our utensils and plates. You are definitely your mother's daughter.

One of the best things that has kept happening this month is your continued fascination with Domingo. You love looking at him, grabbing for him, laughing at his antics. It's pretty obvious how you feel about your big brother. If you are fussy and we can't figure out why, it's a sure bet that it's because Domingo has wandered away from your field of vision and if we take you to him you cheer right up.
The only other person you do this about is me. It makes sense, you are with us both all day everyday. I have to say, while it's sometimes kind of a lot to deal with, usually it just feels nice to be so loved and needed.

I know I am less than objective here, but I can honestly say that you are the most beautiful baby I have ever seen. You had a much shorter "troll baby" phase than Domingo, and are growing into this gorgeous creature. You are all lashes and dimples (and thighs- I know I'm just stating the obvious here but you are one seriously chubby babe!). Every inch of you is chompable, from your neck rolls to your ankle-chub.
You have the smiliest eyes I've ever seen. If you are even hinting at a smile the first thing you see is your big beautiful eyes crinkle up and then you flash the gums.
Yes, that's right, still just gums. I thought we were going to have another super early teether with you. (Your brother got his first tooth at 4 months pretty much on the nose) But it's been months of drooling, biting, hands in mouth, everything else in mouth, crabbing, crying, and yet NO teeth. Well, it can't go on forever, but I do wish you'd hurry it up.



But that's the only thing I want to rush. This month you and your brother are in for a new adventure as I will be returning back to work, well the kind of work that takes me out of the house at least. I remember last time I was out on leave, I was off for four months, and it flew by, but at the same time felt like it lasted forever. I told myself if I ever had another maternity leave, I would take 6 whole months, and that would seem like enough time. Let me tell you, it's not. There are entries and entries in this blog about how I was so conflicted about going back to work. I wanted to be with your brother, but at the same time was going a little nutso from not having any contact with other adults. I felt like I wasn't using my brain, and my degree in the way I had in my "previous" life. I felt like I would be a better mom if I got to exercise that part of myself too. That hasn't really changed, but one thing that is different this time around is that I'm so much more comfortable and confident in being the "mom" that I can stop worrying for a few minutes and just enjoy you. It's really really nice. I don't know if it's you or me who has made this happen, but I'm so glad we are both able to reap the rewards of the (marginally) less crazy me. I know that you and Domi will be fine when I'm at work. We found someone who is very kind, caring and already loves you both even though she has just met you, but I can't say that I blame her. I know I'll be very sad to see our non-stop time together end, but I think it will make the time we do have that much more special.



Love,
Mama