It's Official ...

Samantha can sit up ALL BY HERSELF!

She started sitting on her own this weekend, but occasionally tumbled to one side or the other when reaching for her toys. But, in the last two days, she has been sitting all on her own and I can sit at the computer nearby and keep an eye on her. She rarely falls over now -- even reaching for her toys.

Here she is -- happy as can be -- mostly because I was cheering so loudly with the camera in my hands!

Finally ...

I bought this "Jump and Go" for Samantha a few months ago, but she didn't seem to like it very much ... until recently. Although it could be used for an infant as young as 4 months of age, Sam was so small that she didn't feel secure and would simply just cry when she was placed in it. A few days ago, I got it out and put her in it and she likes it A LOT now. She loves that it lights up and makes music. I took this picture of her today as she was enjoying her "new" toy!

Trying to sit up ...

These days, Sam is trying to sit as far forward in her swing as possible. She isn't quite able to sit unsupported all on her own yet (outside of the swing, that is) ... but she is getting VERY close. I took these pictures today as she was watching Sesame Street -- trying to get as close to the screen as possible!

Strengthening those back muscles!

6 Month Doctor's Appointment

Samantha turned 6 months old last week, and had her regular check-up with the doctor today. As you can see, she did have to get shots (one in each leg), so the nurse put some sparkling bandaids on to help make her feel better. She only cried a little bit and once Mommy held her, she stopped.

She now weighs 14 lbs. and 1 oz. -- that means that she has more than doubled her birth weight! And, more surprisingly, she is 27 inches long (she was 20 inches at birth). That puts her in the 90th percentile for length -- I'm still in shock over that part because, as you all know, her parents are not very tall ... Maybe it has something to do with the fact that she never stops kicking; her legs are CONSTANTLY in motion! In fact, I struggled to get this quick snapshot of her ...

The doctor said that she is doing very well and looks so happy and healthy. We will go back to the doctor in late August for her 9 month check-up. How fast the time flies!

Happy Memorial Day!

My happy girl, just enjoying the holiday!

Samantha Got Her Ears Pierced!

Yesterday, I took Samantha to get her ears pierced. Steve and I agreed that this was something that we wanted to do soon ... and so, on a whim, I surprised Steve and took her yesterday. When he came home from work, we greeted him at the door and he noticed right away. Samantha was so good and only cried for a short time after the piercing. I am so proud of my little girl!

The "before" picture

Waiting patiently with Mommy

Immediately afterwards

All better ... and oh, so cute!

Samantha's First Meal

Samantha will be 6 months old tomorrow and so we decided that it was time to give Sam her first meal -- some rice cereal on a spoon. I was in charge of feeding her while Steve videotaped (do they still call it "videotaping" these days?) the event and my mother was here so she took pictures. As you can tell, this was an exciting event for all of us!

Her first taste of cereal on a spoon

She likes to try to be a "big girl" and hold her own spoon

She did so well!