Eight Months!

What a month it has been! Elli's world is growing by the day (and sometimes it feels like mine is shrinking!). Here are some of her developmental milestones she's reached this month:

• She has learned to crawl, but for the most part she scoots herself around because it's much faster. She can get herself into a sitting position, and she's begun to pull herself up on everything. She makes it to her knees with ease, and is trying very hard to get up on her feet. It makes me a little nervous, because I'm realizing how many different ways she can bump her head!
• She is getting better at her pincer grasp, and I'm hoping she'll soon be able to feed herself a little bit. Her new favorite food is blueberries, and she really liked the avocados I gave her a few days ago but apparently her digestive system does not... poor baby, another bad diaper rash!
• Maybe I'm imagining things, but I think she's saying "mama" and "dada." It's probably too early, but I love hearing her say my name, and it really does seem like she's calling me! Whatever she is saying, she certainly has a lot to say! Our little chatterbox...
• She is responding to her name, both Elli and Elinor. The only other word I know she understands for certain is "No." So far she's been pretty obedient, although we've begun to gently discipline her.
• Her concept of object permanence is definitely growing, especially when it comes to her favorite object: my cell phone! Why do babies love cell phones so much? She is also loving peek-a-boo right now, even with family on Skype!
  

Beyond her developmental milestones, every day we learn more and more about our daughter, and it's the most fascinating, unbelievable experience to see her personality unfold. She's still the same baby we brought home from the hospital, but she grows more complex and dynamic all the time.

• Daniel and I have joked that she will be the kid that keeps us in the ER, because she loves danger! She loves to play games that involve being "dropped" or running or being surprised, and she is not at all afraid of trying new things.
  
• I have no doubt that Elli is going to be a little social butterfly. She is so much fun to take places because she smiles at everybody, bringing a little bit of her sunshine to other people. I am thankful, though, that she's starting to show a little bit of hesitation around strangers (men, especially)... I want her to have a healthy amount of fear!
  
• Elli is surprisingly affectionate. I wouldn't call her a cuddly baby (she's much too busy!), but she often initiates a kiss or hug. There's nothing sweeter than her spontaneous, slobbery kisses!'
• As always, she's quick to smile and easy to make laugh! What a joy!
  
• Elli reminds me so much of Daniel when she's concentrating on a new skill or object. She is very focused and determined. And she sticks out her tongue when she's trying hard. Okay... this first part reminds me of Daniel, not the tongue part. :)

Oh my goodness, I've got to stop.... the whole reason this post is a week late is because I keep thinking of new things to add!