Happy 6 month birthday - 2 days late

Sorry, baby...Mommy's been so busy that I didn't have time to write you on your 6 month birthday. Better late than never, right? So....

My Dearest Addison Hope,

Today (well not really, we've already been over that!) is your 6 month birthday. That means that you have been in Mommy and Daddy's life for one half of a year. It seems like just yesterday that I was rolled down on a stretcher to look at you through the plastic box that became your home for a month. I wasn't scared when I saw you. They told me that you got 8's on your APGAR scores, which is amazing for a baby born 9 weeks early. I knew at that moment that you were a strong little girl. I wasn't worried. I just wished that I could hold you and touch more than your little hands and feet. I could barely even see your face through all the tubes you were hooked to, but I knew right away that you were the most gorgeous thing I'd ever set eyes on. Each day, you get more and more beautiful. All I ever want to do is kiss you. Kiss your eyes. Your lips. Your ears. Your fingers and toes. Those little cherub cheeks. Kisses, kisses, kisses. Everyone says you must be the most kissed baby ever. I believe it!

Now 6 months later and you have surprised us more than we ever imagined. You are 16 1/2 pounds of pure joy! You have been sleeping almost 12 hours each night unswaddled and in your crib. This is a new environment for you and I can't believe how quickly and well you have adapted! You giggle up a storm and you smile at Daddy when he comes home from work. You definitely know who your mommy is and don't like it when I have to leave for my doctor's appointments. Me either, princess! You LOVE your baths and have learned to kick so hard that the water splashes all the way up to Mommy's face. I can't wait to see what you do at swim lessons next week! You can sit on your own now, for little bits at a time. Your doctor said that you are doing everything a 6 month old should be doing. And to think you are really only supposed to be 4 months old! I love you so much, sweet baby girl. You are our precious angel and we love you more than words could say.

With unconditional love,
Mommy

Here are some photos of your 6 month photo session with Bubba and Max. I had bad timing -you were so sleepy. So, I didn't get many smiles out of you, but you are still Gawgeous, dawling!

First Day at the beach

Mommy, Daddy, Gammy, and Poppy took me to the beach on Memorial Day. The beach is only 1 mile from our house so I hope we can go back soon. It was so much fun. I loved putting my fingers and toes in the sand and even tried to eat it! Thankfully, my Mommy got to me before anything bad happened!

First time putting feet in sand

This feels funny on my feet

Toes in the sand

Mommy loves giving me kisses

Trying to eat sand

I love the beach

Memorial Day Weekend

I have been begging Mommy to update my blog about my weekend. She apologizes for the delay. She said she's been too busy taking care of me. I think she thinks I'm high maintenance. :)

Well, it was another great weekend. My Gammy, Poppy, Aunt Julie, Uncle Josh, Cousin Noah, and Cousin Bailey (Noah's doggy) spent the weekend with me! Also, my Aunt Lori and Uncle Shawn came to our house on Sunday to have dinner for my Gammy's birthday. I loved seeing everyone! The girls (and Noah) spent a lot of time together while the boys spent a LONG time staining our deck. They did such a fabulous job. It looks great, Daddy! Noah was lucky enough to experience Mommy's photo studio. This is a little of what came out of it. Noah and I are best pals! I can't wait to see you again in 2 weeks, Noah!

2 sweet babies

See how I put my arm around Noah? That's 'cause I'm his big cousin. :)

Love Noah's dimples!

More sweetness. Our mommies couldn't get enough!

This is where I stop acting so serious!

Soon Noah will be smiling with me!

Showing off my gorgeous smile

Oops, I became serious again.

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

I can't wait to see you tomorrow and give you lots of birthday kisses!

Happy Birthday, Gammy!

I love you so much, Gams. You definitely don't look old enough to be my Grandma!

6 month appointment

We went to see Dr. Barrett (our wonderful pediatrician) today for Addison's 6 month well check. 4 months ago, I said that Addison would be 16 1/2 pounds at 6 months and she.....is......16 pounds 6 ounces. Oh, so close! Her weight and height (25 3/4") puts her in the 50th percentile. WOW! Dr. Barrett said that Addison is doing everything that a 6 month old should be doing. Though it looks really uncomfortable, Addison is even sitting on her own for a little bit at a time. Sometimes I have a really hard time remembering my 3 pound baby. I can't even fathom holding something that tiny and delicate. I know I say it all the time, but I am so proud of you, Addison! You are so amazing. You are a true fighter and such a BLESSING to your Daddy and me!

We love you, sweet girl!

Busy weekend

Ever since the weather got nice, it seems like we haven't slowed down. We had an especially busy weekend.

First, on Saturday morning, Mommy, Daddy, and I participated in the Race for the Cure. They had to wake me up early so I could eat before we left. They never thought they would ever want to do that. Usually they like for me to sleep as late as possible! But this was a special occasion because it's important to Mommy and Daddy. There were over 40,000 people there supporting my Mommy and other people with breast cancer. We went 5 kilometers, which is 3.1 miles. It was really good exercise! There were lots of bands and cheerleaders along the way. There were some sad moments when Mommy cried a little bit (and hid the tears behind her big old sunglasses), but mostly happy ones. Mommy was really happy to be considered a survivor. She got to cross the finish line in a special area just for survivors like her. She got a medal and a pink rose. It was really cool to hear all the people cheering for her!

I was out there racing to support my MOM.

I didn't stay awake very much, but at this moment I was so Mommy had to snap a shot.

I even stayed asleep at the end when we passed 1 1/2 city blocks of motorcycle people. It was sooooo loud because they kept revving their engines. It was really neat.

Daddy works right downtown so we went to his office after the race so I could see where he spends his days. This was the view from way up there. See all those little things that look like ants wearing clothes? Those are people who were racing for my Mommy.

After the race and a short nap, we went to my cousin Aaron's first birthday party.

This is Aaron opening the present I got him.

Mommy and me in our shades.

Do you remember my first set of shades? My new ones are much better!

On Sunday, we had 2 more parties for my uncle's birthday. To wind down that night, I took a nice long bath. I kick so hard in my bathtub that I get Mommy soaking wet....and I think it's so funny.

I was so exhausted from all the partying that I slept until 11:15am this morning! Well, I woke up at 7 to eat but went right back to sleep. Now I'm all rested and getting ready for another weekend of fun!

Playing

I love my lion.

Talking to Mr. Lion.

Sitting in my pod.

Playing with my pod toy. It's so much fun!

Mom liked this picture but has no idea why it posted sideways. Oh well.

Is it summer yet?

Ever since mommy's friend, Holly, got me this bathing suit, we have been dying for summer to get here! We still have a few weeks yet, but mommy wanted to make sure it fit me. It's size 6-9 month and fits great! It will be perfect in a month when I start swim lessons! Thanks, Hol!

By, the way....I don't look fat, do I?

My new seat

Since boycotting my bouncer, my mommy has tried to come up with places to put me while she gets stuff done. This worked out well while she got ready the other morning.

Buh-bye bouncer

It's about that time to say buh-bye to the bouncer. It just isn't cutting it anymore. We'll miss the old guy. I don't know how we'll manage without the rain forest sounds and songs as our dinner music each night. We often find ourselves humming the annoying tunes even after it has been turned off. Addison used to sit in it when I would shower, fold laundry, cook, eat...and she liked it. However, over the past few weeks, she has developed an aversion to the bouncer, each day becoming more severe. Since she's a big girl now, she wants to sit up rather than be reclined. Today, I was stripping the bed and folding laundry. I turned to our dear reliable friend and placed Addison in it only for her to scream within 5 seconds. So, this is where she ended up for the next 20 minutes. (Notice she kept one of the rings that she likes to wear as a bracelet.)

Then we thought it would be fun to play in the down comforter. It looked like she was floating in the clouds. I just had to include these pictures to show off her curls!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!

I love you so much. You are the best daddy in the whole entire world.

XOXO,
The fairest princess in ALL the land. :)

Big kid swing

We went to the park after Daddy's birthday party and I tried out the big kid swing for the first time.

I wasn't sure what to think at first but my cousin, Aaron, told me that it would be okay.

Then mommy reassured me and I was all set.

Okay, Mom, I'm ready.

Oh my goodness, heeere weeee goooooooo....

Can you tell I was having fun?

Okay, how about now?

Oh, that was great. I can't wait till next time.