June 2012 - 8 Months Old

Summer is flying by way too fast...can't believe we only have one month of summer break left!  At 8 months old, she weighs in at 20 pounds and seems to get taller by the day.  She reached a huge milestone this month... she started crawling! So far she only goes short distances (usually to get to the dogs) and then sits herself back up again. We have started baby-proofing but probably need to kick it into high gear and finish before she's all over the house chasing after the dogs and exploring!

Emma also said her first word this month.  Of course it was Da-da!  It is so cute to watch her babble away, smile and giggle.  She loves being read to and will chime in sometimes to help read.  In addition to saying Da-Da, she has learned how to give kisses - big wet ones with her mouth wide open...it is so sweet and Mommy and Daddy can't get enough of them! 

Another highlight was taking Sea Babies swim lessons with Mommy.  She did a great job and loves the water.  She practiced floating on her stomach and back (with help from Mommy) and even did a few submersions.  Last weekend we took Daddy to the pool so Emma could show off what she learned.  While we were there Emma even got to go on her first lazy river ride.  She looked so cute in her little life-vest! 

Emma had a great time celebrating her first Father's Day with her Daddy this month.  She took him to church and then had him open the gifts she made him: a 'Daddy and Me' scrapbook, a mug with a collage of pictures of her with Daddy and a picture frame.  He loved them and had a special day.

This month Emma started eating puffs and using her sippy cup to drink water from.  Such a big girl!  She holds the sippy cup quite well and attempts to put the puffs in her mouth but hasn't mastered it quite yet.  Emma also loves eating fresh fruit in a little mesh feeder we have.  Her favorites are nectarines and peaches. 

We are very excited for the week of the Fourth of July when we will take Emma to Mission Beach for the first time with her Grammy, Papa, aunts, uncles and cousin Tyler.  It will be fun to watch her feel sand for the first time and to put her tiny toes in the ocean. :)