What a difference six months makes...

I just realized that it has been some time since our family has posted a blog update. I will ratify this behavior, as I want everyone who loves Gloria to be as caught-up as you'd like to be on her happenings; particularly those far-away family. You deserve our diligence, so the next time you see Glo you will be ready for action!

Not to mention my ability to look at these photos all day long.

January 10th marked six months since her birth. It is unbelievable how much has changed, how much we've bounced back from the initial shock of that change, and now how we are always find a new normal.  Constantly adapting to Gloria's increasing abilities and growing curiosity is second-nature now; anticipation to change is a little bit more challenging. It is the most fun I've ever had.

Gloria has many talents, perfecting them with repetition and careful consideration. She is able to sit by herself once she is helped in to position; her stomach muscles are much stronger than you'd expect. (Side note: she rolled over at about 4.5 months, and did so from back-to-front for only a few weeks. She got tired of that and decided it was not worth her effort.) We play on our bed for hours each day and baby loves it. She is such a good girl, able to entertain herself with different toys that we are so lucky to have. Playing with mom & dad is also acceptable, providing her with a high level of enjoyment with all sorts of smiles! When she figures something out, you can almost see the neurons flashing, her brain making the connection. This is followed by an obvious expression of accomplishment. This makes me proud and happy for her.

Her newest favorite thing is this jumper, courtesy of Aunt Jennifer. The first night that we had it set up, she jumped and laughed for over an hour, loving it the whole time, until she actually fell asleep in the seat. We sit on the couch, watch her jump, and laugh. (Not the best camerawoman for this clip; link to Youtube. Make sure volume is down or you get me).

 http://youtu.be/sJL0uDaTV8Y

For the past 2.5 months, Gloria and I have spent our Thursdays with our Beyond Newborns class at AMMA Parenting Center. Danny and I took our birth prep class there, and we loved it. This "mommy & me" was fantastic for both mama and baby (mostly mama). All of the women in our class are wonderful -- a great network for us. We look forward to continuing to grow our support system and playing/getting to know everyone more! Here is Gloria's baby friend crew:

We have been a busy little family, with a busy baby girl. I will close with her 6 month appointment stats (as of today, January 15, 2013). Everything checked out with the doctor; we have some things to compound on (e.g. meal times). Maybe that will be the next blog . . . Anyway -- it is hard to believe what a rambunctious, sweet personality has emerged in such a short time frame. 

Weight: 17 pounds 13 ounces (81st percentile)

Length: 28 inches (99th percentile)

Head circumference: (99th percentile)

For a Shutterfly slideshow with all of our related pictures, please follow this link: http://cmd.shutterfly.com/commands/pictures/slideshow?site=drginnes&page=drginnes/pictures&album=8&albumPath=