8 Months Old

Kendall is 8 months old. Wowza. I feel like she should be 3 months. I remember when she turned 2 months, I thought she should be 2 weeks. So I suppose this means when she's 25, we'll finally send her off to college ;)

Disposition: Kendall is a relaxed, easy-going little girl. She is a happy camper the vast majority of the time and only gets fussy when she's tired. She is getting so much more comfortable with new people and doesn't cry when I drop her off at childcare for Bible study or ECFE class. Kendall LOVES a friendly face; she shares huge smiles with anyone who catches her eye. She is such a pleasant little peanut and is the happiest first thing in the morning!

Sleeping: Kendall still loves her beauty sleep and goes down between 6:30 and 7:30 pm. She *almost* makes it through the night, but usually wakes to eat between 4 and 5 am, then goes back to sleep until 7 or so. She generally takes two naps a day - mid-morning and early afternoon (this one usually coincides with Katelyn's - no accident ;). Her naps are catnaps at about 30 minutes each, but the way she wakes refreshed, you'd think her naps were a few hours long. It's amazing what some rest can do! She loves to sleep on her tummy and I can usually tell which cheek she rested on because it's always rosy and warm when I get her :)

Eating: Kendall nurses 5-6 times a day and is making a little progress in the baby food department. Sweet potatoes are her "favorite" in that she will actually consume about 2 ounces instead of 2 tastes (which is usually the case with fruits). She also doesn't mind carrots. I think she likes the orange colored foods because they kind of match her hair. Do you see that? Kendall's hair and eyebrows are showing a bit of a reddish tint. Will we have a little ginger on our hands?!

Development: Kendall loves to grab anything she can get her hands on. She reaches for things and if she can't quite grab them, she'll roll her way over there. No real crawling movements yet, but she can barrel-roll with the best of 'em! No teeth yet either, but lots of gnawing on toys. She loves to "dance" (bounce up and down in a seated position). Whenever she hears anything that sounds remotely like a beat, you better believe she'll be bouncing to it. So cute. Kendall is becoming more and more vocal. She blows raspberries, babbles, and chatters with "mmm-ma," "bah-bah," and "dah-dah-dah." She is also notorious for growling/roaring sounds too. Lots of vocal exploration going on these days! 

Whenever we ask, "Where is Katelyn?" she looks directly at her or looks all around for her if she can't be seen. Kendall has been waving too. It's not consistent, but a few times we've waved to her and she'll open and close her hand in response (or maybe it's just a reflex - ha!) Either way, we cheer and she smiles just like this...

Kendall's signature smile is a wide open mouth with her tongue out! Glee! She simultaneously makes a "haaa" sound as if to say "hi" to whoever is on the receiving end of her smile.

Likes:

- Bath time. She gets so excited and bounces up and down in my arms when we enter the bathroom.

- Pulling hair. Ouch.

- (Loves) Katelyn. Whenever Kendall even hears her voice, she smiles. Even when we approach Katelyn's room to greet her in the morning, Kendall grins and bounces in anticipation. 

- Snuggling in really close to necks and grabbing cheeks to give sloppy kisses.

- Being held. My back can tell you all about it.

- Teether toys, the xylophone, board books with touch and feel pages, and anything that plays music (so she can dance!)

Dislikes:

- Being tired.

- Being hungry.

(That's it. Really!)

Kendall Jean, you are an absolute joy! What else can we say? Your place in our family was perfectly chosen and you're a blessing beyond our expectations. Thank you for sharing your love and infectious happiness! We love you.

Now, let's talk about not growing up so fast, little lady...