seven months old

miss nugs exploded developmentally this month. not only has she learned to crawl, but two days ago she pulled herself up to a standing position and this afternoon she did a full-on sit up, moving from a lying down position to seated using only her stomach muscles. she is one determined little bugger.

i was on the computer saturday morning when i heard her huffing and puffing in her crib only to turn around and find her standing up. it was clear that she was extremely proud of herself with a huge grin on her face and sighing with such a sense of accomplishment. what happened next is one of those moments i hope i never forget. she fell, completely back-flopping in her crib, and ended up flat on her back staring up at the ceiling. it was a big, dramatic, over-the-top fall. she was silent for a few seconds with her eyes open wider than i've ever seen them, and then we looked at each other and both started laughing really hard. i called my mom to tell her what a funny kid we have but neither talking about it nor writing about it does it justice. the problem now is thea thinks her crib is a jungle gym and doesn't want to sleep when she's in it.

some other cool things that changed this month: she started turning pages when i read her stories and is much more interested in books now, especially pat the bunny and anything by karen katz, where she can participate in the action. she also loves to play pattycake. truth be told, she just loves banging on things. so whether it's my hands, the top of our water cooler, or her new piano, she's happy. i'm convinced she's going to be the next lars ulrich but really i'd settle for any type of musician. hell, i'd be happy if she could carry a tune. i keep apologizing to her for my horrible renditions of 'you are my sunshine' and 'the itsy bitsy spider,' which we sing over and over and over. i'm quite certain i've caught her giving me a look that says, "mom, you sound like a dying cat. please stop."

thea has developed a love of yelling this month which drives me a little bit nuts. she has a really loud voice [a few of the nurses in the hospital commented on this fact] and while most of the time it doesn't bother me, when she lets loose during a baptism ceremony in a quiet church [sorry veronica!], i wish it wasn't so.

on another more serious note, we found the one thing that always makes nuggie cry: the cuisinart. her reaction is so immediate and hysterical that we can't use it when she's anywhere downstairs or even outside. one of us is forced to take her upstairs and sequester her in her room with the door shut. sadly, this has put a damper on all the five star meals i could be preparing.

we're looking forward to our trip to martha's vineyard tomorrow!!! can't wait to see my family and zack's family while we're there. what a treat!









thanks to dj and nancy for the adorable dress!