and then there were TWO

Salem-

Two months. You have two months of life under your belt. And if I was taking measurements of your belt, I would say it more than doubled in size in the past 8 weeks. You have almost doubled your birth weight. Remember, you like to eat? You are still eating pretty consistently around the clock. Although, you have done several 5 hour stretches lately. Your mommy thanks you. You still sleep in the moses basket...errr...our bed, most nights. I'm not ready to part with having you near me. Your crib seems so far a way, as if it's down the street! So you won't be in there for awhile. Well, if I have any say in it! Daddy doesn't sleep well with you in the bed. He is worried he might roll over on you! Good argument! ; ) But I keep assuring him, he won't. So you end up sleeping REALLY CLOSE to me! Which, of course, I love. Especially since your constant companion is my boob. You spend lots of time "drinking" your milk. And by the looks of you, there is no denying that! Your chub is magnificent. We have lots of little rolls to clean now when you get your bath.

You smiled for the first time a couple weeks ago. You smiled and we melted. Daddy got the camera and I took video. We are so silly with all of our electronic equipment. We don't want to miss a thing. I love to dress you up in cute outfits and headbands. I know I said I'd never put those obnoxious hair bows on you, but it's just too tempting. Forgive me, ok? : )

Daddy went to Japan and had to leave you for the first time. He had a really hard time. We skyped and emailed and sent pictures and tried to make him feel as "close" as possible. Auntie Nawni came to stay with us. I forgot how nice it is to have an uninterrupted shower! She made that possible every day. Thanks Auntie Nawni, we love you!


You are such a strong little girl. You hold your head up so well. You are not the biggest fan of tummy time. We have been having to "double diaper" you the last six weeks. The doctors thought there might be something going on with your hips. We have another ultrasound at the end of this month. It doesn't help your overly emotional Mama. I don't want you to have to go through any unnecessary pain. The thought of you being in a brace to correct hip dysplasia is bringing me to tears. I know we will deal with whatever is brought our way. And I also know you will never remember going through any of this. For that I am grateful. Daddy and I want to protect you from everything! And knowing this is out of hands, is hard. Please know we would take this from you if we could.

Mimi came back this month. That woman can't stay away! She loves you, Salem. I had all these ideas in my head while I was pregnant of what my mommy would be like with my baby. I have to say, her love for you has exceeded everything I thought. I think she might love you more than me and all your aunties combined! haha ; ) I'm going to let her spoil you. Let her take you places, feed you junk, let you stay up late, buy you things. And anything else that comes from a "mimi" : ) You have her heart.

We love our chubby baby. We have all taken to calling you Punketies, Punks, Goosers, Lil Pooks, and Beluga! We never say Salem! HA! I hope you don't get confused as to what your real name is.

Punketies, you are incredible. Thanks for making the past 8 weeks out of this world, amazing. We love you.

only one

one month old

we're going to take pics with this puppy each month : )

my beauty

Salem-


You are one month old today. One month of a whirlwind of emotions. I can't believe you've been here for a month already. I waited so long for you to be here and now I don't remember what it was like before you arrived. You fit in so perfectly with us. With me and Daddy. With the rest of the family. So many people have come over to share in our joy and meet you. You've done amazing with being passed around and loved on by everyone. Your grandparents came from Oregon. Your Mimi came to see and watch you enter the world. And she will be back again next week! Your aunties were here. Auntie Tawni comes over most days to snuggle you and shower you with kisses.

I'm still getting the hang of my new role. Give me a little time, ok? : ) I'm learning that you like to eat...and eat and eat and eat. You pretty much eat every 2-3 hours. I'm functioning well considering my lack of deep sleep. Sometimes we snuggle and take naps together during the day. But you know what? I'd rather not sleep and just stare at you. Stare at every little face you make, listen to every noise and coo. I don't want to miss a minute of it. I've been on a roller coaster ride these past four weeks. Ups and downs, highs and lows. But mainly, I've been in complete, utter, bliss. I'm in love. I'm in love with your little 7.5 pounds of pure yumminess. I love the way your skin wrinkles around your knees and arms, almost as if they are waiting for the chub to show up. I'm in love with the little hairs on your head. Your deep blue eyes (which I know will eventually change). I'm in love with the way you put your hands up by your face to sleep. The way you tuck your little twiggy legs up by your tummy. Could I go on? Yep, pretty much. I'm in love with everything. You are amazing.

I promise to try and be the best mommy I know how. I promise to be your biggest fan and support you in your life. I want you to always feel safe with me. To know you can come to me about anything. I promise I'll (try to) listen. You have my heart Salem Sophia. Welcome to my life...and thank you for letting me be your mommy these past 4 weeks. I'm in love with you.

**I'm posting the letters I wrote to Salem before I started blogging again. This blog is becoming her baby book so I want to make sure it's all on here**

Madeline

I enjoy reading other people's blogs. Especially other "mommy blogs." I find such a comradery with these women whom I've never met. They say things in a way that I wish I could. They put their mommy feelings and frustrations into such raw emotions. I wish I could write like these other women. Some days, I probably could, but the language I would use wouldn't be very good; )

I fell in love with a little girl that I have never and will never meet, Madeline. I have followed her mom as she has posted pictures, updates, stories, and the journey of their little girl. A year ago they lost Maddie, and I have hurt for them so much. I have cried with her, pleaded with God, and wondered why, so many times. A woman I have never met, and a little girl whose smile, use to brighten my day, has truly changed the way I mother my daughter. Heather has challenged me to love harder, pay attention to every little detail, to remember it all, because no matter what, life with a baby does go by so much faster. I can't imagine her heartache this past year. Her words have pierced my heart, taken my breath away, and made me sob.

My heart aches for them. I know they are missing their Maddie always, but especially right now. I know we don't "know" each other, but I have grown to love this family from afar. They are an inspiration to everyone. But Heather, is an inspiration to me. And I wanted to share their story with you. I hope it will challenge you to never take life for granted. I hope it will make you hold your babies tighter. And I hope it will inspire you to love a little harder.

Easter

We had a wonderful Easter weekend. Every "first" with a baby is amazing. We took Salem to her first egg hunt.

She enjoyed it. Chad and I both had tears in our eyes when we ran out onto the field to find eggs with her. We took her to the zoo for the hunt. We didn't make it to the 2 and under egg hunt so we joined some very rambunctious three year olds out on the field. She didn't even seem to be phased. In fact, she loves big kids, so it made it better. She looked so intently at each egg, studying them. A baby's curiosity is one of the most amazing things about them. And we love watching her learn about the world.

We didn't go to church. (GASP!) Some of our best friends, Jim and Abby, went into labor this morning and I headed to the hospital. Between Salem's nap schedule and making sure she eats on time, it's hard to plan for a service that starts at 9:45 (nap time) or 11 (just waking up!). So we had our own little family and reflection time. We sat outside, played in the grass, drank our coffee, and truly thanked God for all our blessings.

We are so thankful that we have our girl to celebrate special days with. Very thankful.

TEN

Salem-

You're ten months old. Double digits, my love. If you would have told me 10 months ago when we brought you home, a tiny little helpless baby, that we'd be here, 10 months later, I wouldn't have believed it! You are at such a fun stage right now. Your Daddy and I could watch you all day long. Your little wheels are turning and you are starting to figure things out. You wave to every one and every thing. Hoping they will wave back. Most of the time the people do, but the trees and the aisles of clothes at Target don't, and I think you are wondering why. You give the most delicious big open mouth kisses. Every night before bed, you kiss your Daddy and wave "night night" to him.


waving. you will not put your baby down. Thanks Mimi ; )


this is your kiss face

We sold our house, Salem. And at first I was so sad. Sad at the fact that this is where we brought you home, to live, to begin our new life as a family. Sad that I worked so hard on getting your room just right for you, and in a few weeks it will be in boxes. You know your house. You're comfortable here. But Daddy and I feel like you need a better space. You need to be able to get down on the floor and play and crawl and get into things. We can't let you just roam, because of the stairs, hardwood floors, and cables! But I promise to re-create your room. To make it the same with a little bit more extra specialness than your first room. Hopefully you'll be comfortable in our new house. (We don't know where that's going to be, yet!:) And we hope that it has a space that's perfect for you.

You will only eat what we are eating. You are OVER baby food. You scrunch up your face and close your eyes to tell us when you don't want something. And you flap your arms. You love anything we put in front of you. You are a great eater. If you look at the floor around your highchair and the food on your lap, you would think nothing made it into your mouth! It's a mess. You still love to nurse. In fact, we have to work on lessening your nursing excursions. You're ten months old, remember? We have cut out most of the nighttime feedings. Usually, you go to bed at 7, wake up to eat around 6, and then we all snuggle in bed and sleep until 8:30! It is bliss. Can you please keep doing this?


this is your "scrunch up, all done eating" face

There are four pacifiers in your bed. Each night when we lay you down, we hand you your night night blankie, put a paci in your mouth, one in each hand, and one somewhere in your crib. Somehow you still manage to throw them all out and keep one in your mouth. But before they end up on the floor, you have to "try" them all. You put each one in your mouth to find the one that works best for you. And then you snuggle up with your night night, turn on your side and go to sleep. Sometimes you cry, sometimes you don't fight it...

You are obsessed with dogs. Any kind of dog. You want to look at them, touch them, pet them, kiss them, scream and squeal at them. We take you to the park to swing and see the dogs that are walking by. On the way home from NC, I saw an incredible pet shop and pulled over to take you there. We played with puppies for an hour and you were so content. You smiled and laughed. When a dog barks, look out, you start uncontrollably belly laughing! I sometimes say to Daddy, "We should get her a dog to grow up with." But then we figure not having to take care of a dog and just going to see one, definitely has its perks.

I took pictures yesterday of you playing in your toy box. You creep up onto your tippiest of toes, and lean over far. Your little leg kept coming off the floor because you were leaning in so much. I wanted to remember the time when you had to get up on your toes to get your toys. I have a feeling pretty soon, you won't need to do that. You'll be so big. You've changed so much in the past 10 months. You were a little under seven pounds when we brought you home and now you are a tall, chubby, almost 22 pounder! Mama gets her workouts carrying you around. Sometimes I wish we could pause time. I think it goes by so much faster when you have a baby. I love everyday with you. I want to remember it all. The other day you bit me. Not just, take a bite out of my hand, you bit me.....while you were nursing. And I screamed SO LOUD. You thought it was funny. Started laughing, looked up at me and waved. I called your Mimi to tell her and she immediately said, "Don't forget to write that down." And I thought...oh yeah..I want to remember everything. Even the uncomfortable bites! : )*





I haven't slept in about a month. You have been wanting to sleep with me and nurse ALL NIGHT LONG. We fell into some bad habits while Daddy was gone and we were traveling. We've been changing back to our normal routine and for the past few nights you've been sleeping great. And you know what, I miss you. I miss you being next to me in bed. I miss waking up and watching you sleep. Sometimes I would hold you, just because I could. And some nights I wanted to SCREAM because I was so sleepy and you wanted to "talk." Maybe when Daddy leaves we can make this our little plan and you can sleep with Mama. Shhh, it'll be our secret. : )

There's going to be lots of things changing this month, Baby Girl. We'll be in a new place, you'll be in a new room, and so many more things. I am so thankful to have you a long for this journey. I'm so thankful for these past 10 months with you. Learning what makes you, you, has been the best full time "job" I've ever had. I love knowing all your little quirks and what makes you tick. Thank you for making me such a proud, Mama.

You're my little sidekick.
I love you Punketies.
Love,
Mommy

Double Digits

why do I always take pictures with this bear?





her little hair is growing ; )


Today Salem is 10 months old. This has been such a fun time. She's exploring and learning and soaking in so much. She's an amazing little girl that I GET to spend every day with.

Here are some Salem highlights:

- Waves "hi" and "bye-bye" to every thing!
- Lets us know when she wants to go somewhere. She starts saying "bye-bye, bye-bye" and waving towards the door
- walks about 5 steps max, plops down, and then tries again. She hasn't taken off yet...
- Super fast crawler and gets to where she wants to be
- Over the baby food and wants "real" food. So she pretty much will eat whatever we are having.
- We bought her her first meal off the kids menu at a restaurant. And she actually ate a good portion
- LOVES going to the park, the zoo, the mall to play, being around "big" kids.
- Still takes 2 naps, and sleeps about 12 hours at night. Although lately she's been getting up to nurse.
- Won't lay still to have her diaper changed. So we do lots of singing and dancing to distract her! : )
- Gives big, open mouth kisses when you ask for one.
- Still attached to her mama but definitely becoming more of a Daddy's girl. Although, Mama is still the only one that can put her to sleep! We're working on that! : )



We are so blessed to be her parents. I can't believe it's already been 10 months! Her first birthday party plans are in full swing! :)

Tubes

My child got tubes. Again. She had tubes done in November 09, and then we found out that the one in her left ear wasn't working properly. So she had to get it redone today. We arrived bright and early at 6AM. They do this surgery so early so the babies won't have to go long without food. They aren't suppose to eat or drink anything after midnight. Thankfully, since Mommy is still nursing and since breast milk digests a lot faster, she was able to eat until 3:30AM. Which meant she only went about 5 hours without food. For Salem, this was a win. She doesn't eat throughout the night anyway, but when she wakes up (no matter when), she expects to eat. Especially nurse. So to make sure she had a super full tummy, I went and scooped her up at 3 and she nursed for about 20 minutes while she was asleep. I get paranoid with my chubby baby going too long without food! : )

She did great today. Woke up "mad as hell" as Chad put it but once she was in my arms and eating, all was well in her world. She came home and slept off the anesthesia for about 3 hours. Man, was that the Longest.Nap.Ever. And has been such a trooper today.

She started splashing like crazy tonight. She knows how to splash, but has never really gone crazy in the bath with it. Of course, tonight, the night where she can't get water in her ears, she went out of control crazy with the splashing. She was laughing and having a blast. I think it was her way of telling us, "I'm ok guys, really, I'm going to be just fine."

I really hope the Salem Chapin Ear Saga is behind us. I am so done with seeing my baby in pain. Over and over. And over again. I think she's paid her dues, Universe. I think it's time you let her sleep well and be pain free in her ears, forever. Thank you.

Last month of being single.

Salem-

This is your last month in the single digits of months. April 1st you will officially be "double digits." I have sat down several times this month to write this to you. Daddy has been gone and what has resulted is you being completely attached to your mama. We took several trips this month and you protested sleeping in the pack-n-play. Thus resulting in your sleeping with me, every night for about 3 weeks. Before we started our trek around the U.S., you were putting yourself to sleep in your crib, sleeping for 12 hours straight, taking 2, 2 hour naps a day, and now...well, let's just say we're back to where we started! ; ) So, all that to say, I've been trying to write this for awhile now...but you have been very clingy and haven't allowed me any really long "breaks".



You have had a HUGE month, your 9 month. You went to North Carolina, Arizona, and California. We took our first road trip, just me and you, to NC. We didn't make it very far before we ended up in a hotel and drove the rest of the way, the next day. But we did make it. And I vowed to never make that trip alone, until you are a little bit older. You really did amazing though. Then we came home, settled in for about a week and then headed off to Arizona. You were able to see your Mimi again. That woman, your Mimi, loves you with a love that I have never seen before. She would do anything for you, remember that ok? She's also the one that you can go to and probably get anything you want! Remember that too, ok? ; )

Then we took your 10th plane ride to California to see your Pops, my father. You and I had a great time exploring their little town of El Segundo. We ate lunches at little cafes, went to the park, went to the beach, and you had your first major fall. I was sitting right there and it happened really fast. I beat myself up for a really long...well, I still am! I cried right a long with you.
After we got home we only had a few more days to wait until Daddy arrived. We went to pick him up from the bus and I have to tell you, I was a little worried. Didn't know how you would react when you saw him. It had been pretty much an entire month that you hadn't seen him. BUT, when you saw him, oh how the excitement started. You started flapping your arms and kicking your legs! (Which you do and it's the cutest) And you really haven't wanted to leave his side since. You love seeing him. You love playing with him. And you especially love when he sings to you.



You were diagnosed with another ear infection this month. I cried (AGAIN! HA!) and you cried. We didn't sleep almost an entire night. Ever since you started getting ear infections I have always worried that they would some how affect your hearing. The other day we were sitting in the backyard and there was the slightest little bird chirp coming from the tree, it wasn't very loud at all. And you kept looking into that tree trying to figure out where that noise was coming from and it brought tears to my eyes. You hear just fine and that brings so much joy to my heart.

I love you Salem. This month has been fun for me. It has given me a boost of mommy confidence that I think I was lacking a little. With Daddy being gone, I learned I was able to take really great care of you, by myself. It's not something I hope happens a lot. Daddy being home is a HUGE help. But I loved having this month with you. We found a new groove. You grew up a little, I grew up a lot. You have gone from being a little baby to me, to being a baby who knows how to get around and tell me what she wants.

I wonder if you'll ever know how much joy these past 9 months has brought me. You have helped make me a better person, my love. I can't imagine my life without you. All those cliches that people say about parenthood, are actually true! You will hear them all one day. And every time my mom would say to me, "Just wait until you're a mommy..." I get it now...

I love you baby girl. Thank you for making my world so much more full.
Happy 9 months!

9 months old

9 months pregnant!!


9 month old baby!!


Finally enough hair to hold a bow!


Poor thing is teething so this is what she does a lot! : )

Salem is 9 months old. Hard to believe she has been here for as long as I was pregnant! These past 9 months have flown by. It's hard to believe she's already this "old"! : )

She is a spunky little thing! She is going through some separation issues and only wanting to be with her Mama! If she sees me, she wants me to hold her, if I walk out the room, she wants to know where I'm going and what I'm doing. We have gotten into a really great routine since Chad's been gone. After the shock wore off that we were "on our own" for a few weeks without Dada, we have really managed to do well! (WE MISS CHAD THOUGH!)

Here are some Salem "highlights" at 9 months:

* Still naps 2 times a day, and still sleeps 7-7ish. Although this last month, I have been getting her at 7, nursing her, and she's been sleeping until 8-8:30! Ahhhhh!
* says "Dada" "Baba" but no "Mama" just yet
* will give "five" on command
* Crawls EVERYWHERE
* Pulls herself up to stand on everything
* Will stand alone for minutes at a time
* takes about 2 steps on her own and then sits on her booty!
* eats like a champ. baby food, table food, any food!
* In the 80th percentile for weight, 75th for head circumference, and 50th for length (she's a chubby little thing!)
* LOVES to be outside! (something she definitely inherited from her daddy. her mama, not so much, on the outside part)
* Is so entertained watching "big kids" play
* She loves to talk! Blabs all day long!!
* "talks" to herself to help put herself to sleep...soooo cute!!
* her top teeth should be coming through anytime now!!

We love you, Salem! Happy 9 months!

See you later, Dada!

Today we say "see you later" to Chad! He is hitting the road for the next 30 days. (We did find out yesterday that after a little schedule change we will actually get to see him for a day and a half on this run!) Having Chad home these *almost* 9 months, has been nothing short of amazing. I picked Chad up from the bus May 31st at 2PM. Exactly 12 hours later, my water broke, and our baby girl arrived on June 1st. She was waiting on her daddy. And I knew instantly that they would have such an incredible love for each other.




Since then Chad has (for the most part minus a couple little trips), been home with us. And when I say home, he has been here, at HOME, through it all. We have gone through, survived, persevered, laughed, cried, been completely sleep deprived, slept in different rooms so that he could get sleep and then get up with Salem in the morning, stayed in our pj's for days, been neurotic first time parents, taken Salem to the doctor for a sniffle, taken Salem to the doctor because she stopped breathing, taken her to the doctor because the doctors thought something was wrong with her hips, been with our daughter as she had tubes put in her ears, sat with her in our arms on an airplane for over 10 hours on our way to Arizona, held her in our arms for HOURS just so she would sleep, smiled more than we ever thought possible, and have loved harder than we ever could put into words.

We knew this day was around the corner when Chad would have to hit the road again. It kind of snuck up on us. So today we are beyond sad to say "See you later, Dada!" I have grown to love my husband in a way that I didn't know existed. Just when I thought I couldn't possibly love him more, I see him everyday with our daughter, and I'm smitten. He has gone from being so nervous and not sure what to do with a "baby" to being the most confident, loving, and attentive father. Every morning he goes to get her up out of her crib, he sings her the same song, and her face LIGHTS up. Then she starts yelling, "Dada, dada, dada!!!" and raises her arms up to get his good morning hug. And I know he melts at this each and every time. They have a special bond. She knows her daddy will drop everything to play with her and spend time with her. She LOVES having his full attention. This morning I heard them both playing and laughing and I could've sworn I heard Salem say something that sounded like, "Ohhh, Dada!" haha! She adores her Daddy. And I know he adores her. Can't you tell? ; )



We love you Dada! Safe travels! And we are already counting down the days until we are all together again!

Feeding Salem

I am not one of those die hard breast feeding mom's. In fact, ask any of my friends, and I was completely repulsed at the idea of nursing while I was pregnant. When Salem was born and wouldn't "latch on," I immediately told the nurse, "just give her some formula." I wasn't into it, I didn't care if she nursed or took a bottle, as long as she was eating, it was all ok by me. After she had lost a significant amount of weight in the hospital, I remember sobbing and telling them to JUST GIVE HER FORMULA ALREADY! At this point they sent in the sweetest, most kind, lactation consultant. Previously, Carla, the "boobie nazi," had tried to help me and I ended up screaming at her and she made me cry. This new lady was wonderful. She rigged up this contraption to trick Salem into latching on. And when Salem finally latched on, the waterworks started! Chad was crying, I was crying, even the lactation consultant was crying! It was one of the most amazing feelings and instantly I was hooked! I knew this is what I wanted to do, this was the choice I wanted to make. I would set my goal of nursing in 3 month increments so as not to become overwhelmed.

A few weeks ago I went to the doctor. Apparently my weight, unbeknownst to me, had dropped drastically. Yes, I knew that I had lost all my baby weight and then some, and yes I knew even my smallest clothes weren't fitting me, but I chalked it up to nursing such a big baby. (over 21lbs!) However, after running some tests, I was diagnosed with Graves Disease. And the possibility of not being able to continue to nurse Salem scared me. I have loved it. It truly brings me a sense of peace and calm and bonding that I didn't know existed. I cried and cried about thinking I'd have to wean her. The doctors weren't against me continuing to nurse at all, I was just too nervous about the medication that they wanted me on, being passed to her. So after being sent to 2 doctors and a thyroid specialist, it was determined that I do NOT have Graves Disease, I have postpartum thyroiditis. And that changed everything. Basically this is a condition that some women get after they have a baby, and it clears up within 12-18 months. So this is the best possible thyroid problem to have. : )

I never knew how much I loved being able to provide nourishment to my child until I was faced with the possibility of having to give it up. I look at Salem and am so proud of my body for producing substance to feed her. The times of nursing where we sit in her rocker, and I hold her hand, and she squeezes my hand back, are something I will remember and cherish forever. I haven't set any more "goals" of when I will stop nursing, I just know that for now, I'm enjoying where we are and how far we've come...which is a lot better than where I thought I would be! I guess I'm eating my words...

I wrote this blog more for me to be able to remember these thoughts and feelings.

My girl

My sweet Valentine

You are 8.5 months old today. You're already a crawling and climbing machine. You have the sweetest little smile. I adore you. I love the way you take your pointer finger to "feel and "trace" anything new that you see. I love the way you eat cheerios with your chubby little hands. You are a very routined baby. You know when your food, naps, and bedtime are coming. You get very excited to go do our "wind down" routine before naps. You love to have books read to you. I love the way you look at your daddy, like he hung the moon. And that's exactly how every little girl should look at their dada's, (because he did hang the moon!). You say "Dada" every time your daddy comes near you. Yesterday, when I got you up from your nap and brought you out to see your Dada, you waved at him and smiled. I love how you clap at everything that excites you. When you see The Nawn, a toy you like, when you saw your Mimi on skype the other day...I love watching you. You have taught me to stop and observe the small things. To truly take it all in. You have taught me to let the not so important things roll off my back. You have taught me to just "be", even when I don't want to. You have the sweetest spirit. You watch Sesame Street so intently. I love the noise you make when I ask if you want to "eat." You have also taken to pulling my shirt down when you want your milk! ; ) You know exactly what you want and you tell us. You love to be outside. This morning I went out to check the mail and you threw your arms up and starting squealing, wanting to go with me. You have the most beautiful eyes! Sort of a greenish blue...we can't figure them out! And the most kissable lips. You put everything in your mouth! No matter what it is. But we've learned that if we keep your paci in your mouth, you won't take it out, so nothing goes in your mouth! This is a huge plus when we're out! : )

You have the most amazing laugh. You think its super funny when something falls. And if it keeps falling, you can't even handle it, you laugh so hard! You are loved by so many people. You bring so much joy to everyone's life. You have brought all of us so much closer. I love you my Punketies, my Pookers, my Salem Sophia...

Happy Valentine's Day to my favorite little, chubby Valentine!

Salem and Isabella

Salem had a playdate the other day with her friend Isabella. She loves other kids! Isabella is my dear friends, Amy and Isaac's, little girl. Isabella greeted Amy and Isaac about 6 weeks early! The girls are exactly 20 weeks a part. Salem wasn't sure what to do with Isabella...so she started licking her! ha! We are looking forward to many more playdates with our girls...and it's a GREAT time for us to catch up!

Salem and the Toy Box

Salem loves her toys! She likes to pull herself up on her toy box and "look" through the toys. Here are some pictures of her "deciding" which one she wants to play with! Isn't she growing up??

8 months old cont'd

I take pictures of Salem on the first of every month to celebrate her "birthday." I will post those pics of the first 7 months. Her aunties (Kendra and Kolby) got her this teddy bear. I try to take her first of the month pictures with the bear so you can see how much she's grown! I missed a few months with the bear!

Greetings!

Every time we go in to get Salem once she wakes up from her naps or in the morning, this is how she greets us. We watch her on the monitor and she'll play for a bit, roll around, talk really loud, but when she's ready to get out, she crawls over to her bumper, pulls it down, and peers over the top! Looking for her mama or dada to rescue her out of the crib!! She's so funny! It's been so neat to see her little personality coming through. And boy does she have a lot of it! ; )