Mom's Adventure!

Last week, I traveled to Dana Point, CA for 5 nights. My company had our national sales meeting, so it was work work work, go go go the whole time! I admit I was very nervous and had some anxiety beforehand.... This is the longest I have ever left Leighton, and she is in that super clingy, only want my mommy phase, so that didn't help the matter:( I fretted about it for a week beforehand, but it was so strange because as soon as I walked into the airport, a large sense of peace and calm fell over me. I had prayed that God would provide me with reassurance and confidence that we (mainly I) could take this leap and be separated for such a long time (and long distance)! I think the anticipation is always worse than the actual event in most situations in life!! It has certainly been true in most of my experiences.

I was very busy, and inundated with a great deal of information while there. However, I also had some very fun evenings going to nice dinners, enjoying drinks and quiet time in the evenings, sleeping in a bit, and just overall having some much needed 'me' time. Plus, my mom (Meme) got to spend some very important bonding time with LG, as did daddy! It was so awesome because when I got home yesteraday, I could sense that Jason exuded more confidence with her than I've ever seen, and it seemed like they had shared some wonderful bonding time! Not that they weren't close before, but I think when I am here, I tend to take on many of the tasks and responsibilities just because I have always done them and have dubbed them 'mine'! I always just say "Oh no, I will do it" just because! I am so glad Jason got to spend some crucial bonding time with Leighton, as did my mom. In my opinion, it is so important for children to have close knit relationships and memories with close family, and learn the ability to lean on others and gain some independence from a young age!

One thing is for sure, I couldn't have picked a better time to travel to a sunny, warm destination! It snowed nearly 8 inches here when I left last Sunday, and everyone was housebound for 4 days!! Yuck!

8 Months Old

It's crazy to think that 8 whole months have passed since your birth! You turned 8 months on Nov 30, and you just get more and more fun each day! Some of the things you enjoy now are:

-Looking at other babies and children, and trying to 'communicate' with them.
-You love any kind of meat, such as turkey, chicken, and ham. You also love cheese!
-You say "DaDa" all the time now... You refer to daddy as "DaDa", so I think you sort of understand the meaning?!?
-You love to stand up, and are waaay past crawling... Just waiting for you to take those first steps:)
-You love any kind of music, and 'dance' or bounce up and down whenever you hear a song or rythym. It's adorable!!
-You've developed a few fears, such as the shower curtain, hairdryer, and being alone in a room where you can't see anyone else.
-You love the show, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!

Santa Claus

As you can see, Leighton wasn't fazed at all by Santa! In fact, she loved him! We visited the Perimeter Mall santa, and were very impressed... Enjoy!

Baby Dedication

We shared in a special day several weeks ago as Leighton was dedicated to Buckhead Church. She was one of 15 babies dedicated, it was such a memorable event. The dress she is wearing was my christening dress from 31 years ago... so sentimental!







Leighton's first 'taste' of cake!

Sassafrass' 7 Month Photo Shoot

I must say this was by far the most challenging photo opp I have had with LG! Now that she's crawling and all over the place, it is so hard to get her to focus and look at the camera! Plus, I don't think she likes the flash, so she now anticpates it and looks away when the shutter opens. Argh!

To top it off, Miss Prisspants kept trying to yank her darling headband off... So needless to say, I didn't get any stunning, poised shots, but you have to admit some of them are quite amusing :) You can see her little attitude beginning to show through in a few... Uh oh...

Enjoy!

Lucky #7

It's amazing to think that 7 months have passed since your debut into this crazy world!! We keep saying each month that "This age is our favorite!" in terms of how much fun you are. It seems like it just keeps getting better:) Some of the milestones you have now reached include:


-Crawling!! On November 11, you officially began to crawl. It seems as if you are most determined to crawl when you spot something you want to play with or put in your mouth. You are definitely a very early crawler, and it's so funny to see your little tiny 7 month old baby body scurry around the house!
-Pulling yourself up to a standing position from sitting (with the assistance of something nearby such as a chair or couch).
-You love to pet and play with Bailey. You actually follow him around the room and try to steal his bone:)
-Cutting your first teeth; your lower central incisors popped through on Oct 16, perfectly aligned (look at me, already analyzing your mouth! Can't help it, comes with the industry I am in!).
-You can now feed yourself small food items such as 'puffs' and mum mums.
-You love pretty much all food, your favorites being green beans, avocado, butternut squash, pears, apples, and carrots.
-I am still making all of your baby food. I absolutely love doing this. Anyone who knows me knows what a huge advocate I am of natural, organic foods. It makes me feel great to know exactly what is going into your meals, and that they are fresh and made with love:) I highly recommend the website wholesomebabyfoods.com for great tips and recipes. It is so thorough and informative!
-You can clap your hands. It is so adorable, and when you hear music you begin to 'clap'.
-We started Kindermusik classes on Friday mornings, which you love!
-You are enthralled with watching other babies and children. You are mesmerized with what everyone else around you is doing, and it's so awesome to see what a social little butterfly you already are...

Happy Halloween!

Leighton turned 7 months old on Halloween day! She had a great time alternating between her 3, yes I said 3, costumes! Elephant, pumpkin, and baby lamb! We did not go trick or treating this year, but Leighton's friend Kinsley came over for a 'playdate'.