The first tooth!

So, Meredith is 8 1/2 months old and is just popping her first tooth. As expected, it is the bottom front (right side). It must be a weird feeling in her mouth because I've noticed her sticking her tongue out like she's feeling it or something. It really cut through the skin this past weekend and it was kinda funny because our babysitter was convinced that it happened yesterday while she was keeping her. At least I was there to see this 'first'. It really bothers me to think that someone else gets to see (or thinks she sees) her other 'firsts'. I know I can't be there for everything, but this whole work thing really stinks because I feel like I'm missing out on so much. She still LOVES to say mamamamamama though...very loudly too! (funny note: when she says dada it is really quiet, almost like a whisper, but with mama she is hollering!) I'm sure there will come a time when I won't want to spend as much time with her, but it's just not here yet.
It's really interesting how different babies are in getting teeth. I work with a girl who's son is over 2 months younger than Meredith and he has 3 or 4 teeth on the bottom and it already cutting the top teeth too! Meredith has done a great job so far...not getting overly fussy or really bothering her eating or sleeping. Of course, I suppose that could be yet to come, but she has been so good natured so far that I would be surprised!
Another cute thing is that lately when she sees other babies, whether on tv or in person, she gets so excited! She just starts wiggling, smiling and 'talking'! Chris had her at Lowe's last weekend and there was another little boy in a stroller nearby and Chris said it was the cutest thing ever because they were both so enthralled with eachother. She is so aware of her surroundings and she doesn't miss a thing!
Another funny note: I had to buy her new socks this weekend because all of her infant socks are way too small and the heel ends up in the arch of her foot and basically fall off. I ended up buying them from the girls department and they fit like a glove! They are for shoe size 3-5! This baby has some Smith blood for sure!

I'll try to get a picture of the tooth soon....if she'll cooperate!

Just a Wednesday

This has been a pretty crazy week so far. Our babysitter is on vacation this week, so my mother in-law & step father-in law have been here keeping Meredith for the past 3 days. They just left when we got home from work today. Chris has teacher workdays tomorrow & Friday. They took her to get some pictures taken today and it sounds like they turned out really cute.
Meredith has been doing so well. I can feel one of her teeth really cutting through her gum now, so it can't be far away. Her newest favorite thing is making raspberries ( I think that's what you call it when she slobbers and blows bubbles, while making noise!). She also kindof huffs & puffs when she gets upset now. Almost like she's making a put put sound while blowing air out at the same time.
Chris got her a walker the other day since she is so determined to pull up and stand up. She doesn't really like it yet because we think she thinks it is too much like her exersaucer, which no longer appeases her for any amount of time. She has stood by herself for a few seconds at a time and is just determined to be on the move all the time.
Nothing else too exciting going on. School is really hard. No surprise there. I didn't even get to see her awake on Monday because she was sleeping when I left at the crack of dawn and was in bed for the night when I got home. That totally bummed me out. Just to see her for a few minutes makes my day. These are the sacrifices I'm making I guess. Better be worth it when I get this stupid degree.

8 Months old!

I can hardly believe Meredith is 8 months old! Chris was out of town this weekend (took his dad to NYC to see the Yankees) so it was just the two of us. I had a lot of fun just playing with her and trying to keep up with her! There is no longer any time of the day that she isn't mobile. She will sit still long enough to eat, but then it is off to the next adventure. Another favorite thing right now is seeing her reflection in our stainless steel trash can! It is so funny because she'll be crawling through the kitchen and see her reflection and she just giggles and cackles and pulls up so she can bang on it. I have a picture, but still need to upload it.
I think she has also entered the separation anxiety phase. The babysitter says she has been quite fussy during the day, but she is totally fine at home. There could be some other considerations there too, but I think it is mostly the separation thing. Chris kinda took over when he got home last night so that I could study for my Finance exam that I have tonight (UGH!) and she got all fussy when I left the room. I guess in a sick way, it makes me feel good to know that she is attached to me and definitely knows that I'm her mommy, but then again I don't want her to be upset either.
Oh, I figured out a way to keep her semi-still on the changing table. Give her a book to chew on! If I move fast, I can get her changed without having to wrestle with her! Not every time, but close.
I know I'm kinda behind the boat on this, but I've really just recently started giving her finger foods. It just makes me so nervous that she's going to choke! This is when I'm looking for the owner's manual that should have come along with her!