Praaaaaaaaaaaise Jesus!

Ah, the joy of teaching your child something. Life with a baby is more and more fun as she interacts with us every day. Since Lailey was a little bitty newborn, whenever she would stretch her arms above her head, I would say "Praaaaaaaaise Jesus!" It became a fun little habit. Well, last week sometime whenever she put her arms up in the air and I said it, she started doing it again and smiling. I was thrilled. My favorite part is that she cocks her head to the side and gives this cute proud smile because she's figured something out. By the way, in the video, I wasn't raising my arms at all; she did it all by herself.

You know, having her imitate something is quite an eye-opener. As any parent of a toddler will tell you, it's quite convicting having a little person repeat things you say. You really get a glimpse of your words and attitudes. Well, we're not to the toddler stage, but I guess I tend to think ahead. We try to keep our words and attitudes in check now so we're not backtracking later. Of course, we'll make a zillion mistakes, but that's why it must be a daily activity of prayer and self-control.

This was from my birthday dinner in October, but I love the picture so I posted it.

She kept putting her feet on the table and it was so funny.

Sound asleep after a car ride home

Enjoying her new afghan from Great Aunt Carla

Grandpa with his grandkids

I have a picture of me like this when I was little which I will have to find.

Funny kid

Hanging out in her play pen

Our Busy Little 7 Month Old

Today Lailey is 7 months old. Hard to believe it. She's changing so much every day. She loves playing with her feet now. She tugs at her socks and rocks back and forth. She almost independently rolled from her back to her belly tonight, but I helped just a little so I can't say she did it all by herself. Rolling over just doesn't seem to be on Lailey's priority list. She's clearly strong enough, just not interested enough. That's because scooting around is much more fun! Of course, only our child would learn to go backwards first. Check out Lailey's new method for mobility... (as usual, Rudy always has to get in on the action when I have the camera out. I think he's jealous.)

Lailey is sitting up very well and can go from sitting to her tummy. It's sort of an ungraceful flop, but she makes it. She is grabbing at things a lot more, which means we have to watch out for our phones, camera, utensils, and anything else she can grab and stick in her mouth. I love watching her curiousity bloom. She also has a newly found interest in Rudy. She talks to him, laughs at him, tries to grab him sometimes, and loves it when he licks her hands and feet. I wonder what he will think when she starts crawling after him and chasing him? Guess we'll find out soon.

Last week we went to see Davey play at a church about an hour away. I made Lailey's shirt that says "MY DADDY PLAYS BASS" for the occasion. With a red bow and her little cowgirl boots, she looked adorable.
It won't be long before she'll be singing on stage, according to Grandaddy.

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Today we went to Chuck E. Cheese's with my cousin Christy, her daughter Sadie (pictured), my aunt, and my other cousin's boys, Noah and Ethan. It was Lailey and Sadie's first time there. Lailey had fun watching all the excitement. It was SO packed when we first got there, which seemed a little overwhelming, but she did great.
Sadie and Lailey enjoyed sitting in next to each other in their high chairs. They were even holding hands at one point. It was so cute!

Lailey liked to sit on top of the table and watch everything. Afterwards, we all went to Toys 'R' Us for fun and to get Christmas ideas. She was so content and happy to be out and about.

This was the pulling at the socks thing I was talking about. It drives me nuts because I don't like socks to be bunched or hanging off or the heel in the wrong place, etc. (don't ask - it's one of my weird quirks), but she loves it so I get over it. Of course, I fix them when she's finished. Hehe. I can only stand it for so long. :)
7 Months old with Teddy. We was not so nice to him while we were taking pictures. She was biting his ear, slamming his head, etc. Good thing he doesn't mind.
Okay, last but not least, we have more news...Lailey got her first tooth! Make that TWO teeth! Sure enough, she's been drooling a bunch today, and it just occurred to me while I was feeding her dinner to stick my finger in her mouth and check. I couldn't believe it when I felt a sharp little tooth, which I later discovered was actually two sharp little teeth, bottom center. I never realized how difficult it is to look inside a wiggly 7-month-old's mouth while she is trying to lick, bite, and suck on your fingers. It was pretty funny actually. So far she hasn't been terribly fussy due to teething, so hopefully it won't be a horrible process. I can only hope.

Rockin' Lailey

Thanks to Grandpa Jim, Lailey has learned a new game on the couch.  I hope you enjoy this delightful video.  

Do I look smart, Mommy?

Every morning when I first nurse Lailey, she likes to pull my glasses off.  So I put them on her just for fun.  Gotta love that kiddo.