Letters To Tory: Seven Months

Tory,

Happy seven months! You are so much fun these days and I truly enjoy every single second we spend together (OK, well, except the moments you're throwing a tantrum in your car seat or melting down as bedtime nears. Those moments aren't always so fun). Mostly though, you're a joy to be around and are always smiling and happy to play toys or jump in your Jumperoo.

Your personality is blossoming. I love when you burst into "conversation" with us as you babble sounds and hums. One of your favorite phrases is Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay and I often repeat this saying back to you: "Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay. I am a Frito Bandito." It's an old advertising jingle Nana and Papa always sing and somehow it's stuck around. Sometimes we repeat that sound to one another, over and over, and it always works to calm you when you're upset. I love these little signs that show you really can understand the things we say to you and you're learning how to talk back to us too. The other day, you signed "all done" to me after you finished your dinner. I was so proud of you! I wondered if I had imagined it, but your nanny said you signed the same phrase to her the very next day.

Speaking of meal time, you're really starting to enjoy solid foods and get so excited when we're preparing purees for you. You definitely prefer vegetables over fruits and peas (peas of all things!) are by far your favorite food. If there's something you don't want to eat, you're quick to press your lips together and shake your head 'no' if you don't like a particular variety.

Tory Girl, you have so much energy and are constantly bouncing in our laps and rolling around to get where you’d like to go. In fact, the two most common things people say about you are “look at those beautiful eyes” and “wow, she’s a wiggly one!” We have to hang on to you tightly when you're in our arms because sometimes you literally try to jump out of them! You're thisclose to learning how to crawl, just as soon as you figure out how to get those knees up underneath you. Sometimes you seem so focused in learning this new skill, yet other times you bat your eyes at us as if you're saying "could you just grab that toy for me?" Daddy is particularly smitten by those sweet expressions you make. To say he's wrapped around your finger is an understatement.

This month we flew to Austin, Texas for a weekend getaway and to Nebraska to see Nana, Papa and the rest of the family. You continue to be an excellent airport traveler although getting to and from with all of your stuff has proven to be more challenging. I'll never forget how much Daddy and I laughed as we tried to feed you food purees in an Austin hotel room or the look on your face when we plopped your car seat in the back of a cab after getting lost during the trip. Our life is always an adventure, that's for sure. You'll get used to all of our crazy antics, don't worry!

You started swimming lessons this month and so far you really seem to enjoy them. It's amazing how quickly you've picked up on kicking your legs, floating on your back and splashing in the water. We hope you'll enjoy the water just as much as Daddy and I.

Our life is so much fuller because you're in it, Tory. I can't wait to see what your eighth month will bring.

Love,
Mommy