A letter from Mom

October 6, 2005:
You have been lots of fun lately! Every day you learn something new. You are rolling around like crazy -- mostly from back to front. You like to "talk," squeaking and squawking, and a very cute fake cough that is you "finding your voice." You went to the doctor a few weeks ago: 15 pounds, 8 ounces, 27 inches long! You are off the charts on height and 95% on weight. You've been having lots of fun at Shannon's two days a week, although we can't get you to nap consistently.

Right now you are upstairs, sleeping soundly. You have been getting up at night a little bit lately?... who knows! It's a stage!

On Friday, a few days ago, you had your first bit of "solid" foods: some rice cereal! I'm not sure you like it, you make quite a face when we manage to get a litlte bit in your mouth. I have a feeling you'll LOVE the finger food stage -- you are grabby! I can't wear earrings anymore because the second I get your in my arms, you pull like crazy either on my earrings or my cheeks, or my favorite -- you suck on my chin when you're hungry and waiting to be fed! I am still breastfeeding you as much as I can -- probably 80% of the time.

Your eyes have changed from a very dark blue to a really beautiful dark blue with some green flecks in it -- hazel? Kind of like your dad's eyes -- once again, dad's genes prevailed! Many people are saying you look more and more like me, although Shannon and the gang think you look so much like daddy, they call you "Andylina!"

We don't have too much of a schedule yet, although you're becoming more consistent. Generally you eat every two and a half hours, and nap sometimes for only a 1/2 hour, though lately for longer stints. Such a good baby!

We had your baptism on September 17 up at the cabin with your cousins Ryan and Amelia. It was special - we had mass down on the beach with Father Bik and lots of family members, and walked right into the lake to pour the baptismal water over your head. You didn't even cry! It was a very special weekend. Uncle Tony and Aunt Andrea flew in from Seattle, as your Godparents, to be here with you! They think you are amazing (they're right). Aunt Michele, Uncle Jake, and Amelia came from Chicago, and we had lots of fun all weekend.

I can't believe how quickly you're growing... you're no longer an infant, you are a thriving baby girl! Wow! Every day we get to see more and more of your wonderful personality: curious and observant, and sweet and smiley, and content, and strong and every once in a while you get really talky - and we love you just the way you are.