seven months

At seven months old, here are some of Gwen's favorite things:

• Board Books.  Especially small ones that she can hold (and chew on) easily.  Her favorite bedtime book is "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?".  I usually read 2 or 3 books to her each night, and just about every night, this is the last book that we read.  She loves the bold pictures, the repetition, and she loves helping me turn the pages.  The other night, when I took it out to read, she squealed with delight!

• Water.  Put a water bottle in front of her and she's happy as a clam.  She also enjoys sippy cups, cold glasses of ice water at restaurants, and small cups of water (just a little) to practice with at dinner.  I don't let her drink much of it, but sometimes she's happy just to lick the glass or suck on the water bottle.

• People and Other Babies.  Make eye contact with her (on line at the grocery store, in a crowd of people, walking down the street) and she expects your full attention.  Lately, she smiles shyly, giggles and talks to anyone who gives her any sort of attention at all.  Turn your back on her after you've become friends and she'll yell at you, demanding your attention again.  She's always loved other babies too, squealing, and reaching out to touch them (or poke them in the eye).

• Baby Einstein Music.  A yoga friend of ours burned 2 Baby Einstein CDs for us, and it was probably one of the best gifts we were given. They're magic.  Fussy baby in the car? Flip to CD #4 and within the first couple of notes: insta-quiet.  Anne and Kristen can attest to this during our Maine day trip-al la-constipation.  I keep the other CD in the house and if she doesn't want to nap, the CD goes on and within minutes she's in dreamland.  It's probably not meant to put her to sleep, but it does, and I'll take it!

My big girl is standing unsupported!