6 Months!?!?!

....and 29 days. Better late than never, right? At least she is still technically 6 months (until 7:24 pm tomorrow.)

Emma's 6th month has been filled with lots of fun, joy, giggles, and learning (by both she and her parents!)

We started off the month with a not-so-good check up at the Pediatrician. We knew Emma was small for her age and hadn't grown very much since her 4 month check up. But, since she was happy and meeting all of her milestones, we just figured she was on the "peanutty" side. Well, the doctor was a bit concerned that she had only gained 8 oz. in 2 months, and when she heard a small heart murmur, she was even more concerned. Ugh. Not what you want to hear as parents. Luckily, I am very familiar with pediatric cardiology from my time in the PICU in Albuquerque, so I know that even if there is a slight cardiac defect, it's not one to be too concerned about considering she is a warm, pink, happy 6 month old. (Hello, run on) However, we are taking her to a pediatric cardiologist tomorrow just to make sure this murmur is as innocent as it sounds!
In the meantime, we started supplementing with a little bit of extra pumped milk or formula after I nurse her and, go figure, she gained 2 pounds in 3 weeks! Poor hungry baby :(Sadly, I either make skim milk or not enough.

Anyways, enough of that- on to the fun stuff!
Emma has been so much more active this month! She is learning to like being on her tummy a lot more and is rolling more than ever! She is getting so close to being able to sit up on her own. She can do it for about a minute at a time, but not long enough to be left alone.

She has started eating brown rice cereal and oatmeal. She is not the biggest fan of the rice but loves her oatmeal! She has also tried butternut squash. That took a few days to warm up to, but now she is a big fan!

At her 6 month appointment she weighed 13 pounds and was 25 in. long. She is still in 0-3 month clothes. I finally (though, reluctantly) put away all of her newborn clothes. I can't believe how much I already miss those itty-bitty days. I wish she could keep growing, yet every once and a while go back to being my 5 pound newborn!

Emma's great Aunt Jan sent her a "half-birthday" card. It was the cutest and sweetest thing!

To celebrate her half birthday we took her to Sea World (I know, spoiled already!) I'll tell you more about that later :)

 Picture taking is starting to get a bit difficult. Someone is way too interested in the world around her to sit still for a picture!

This is so typical Emma. She will stretch her neck out as far as it goes so she can see as much as possible. This is what she does while nursing, and probable why she needs a few extra ounces in a bottle- so she can face OUT while eating!
Silly girl!

Sweet Emma,

Happy half- birthday! You have been such a joy to us during your first half year of life. Every day is a new adventure and we love teaching you new things while also learning from you. You LOVE living life to its fullest and exploring your world. As long as you are with mommy, you are happiest either outside or in a new environment. We just love watching your beautiful eyes light up as you see a new sight; taking it all in.

You have the most fun loving little personality and bring a smile to anyone who sees you. You light up a room with your big, beautiful smile. You love listening to music, especially the song "Fearless" and love when mommy sings along. We think you are going to be quite the little singer as well.

Recently, you have discovered the 4 legged person who lives in our house. We often catch you smiling at your puppy and letting out a little giggle. It is precious.

Daddy had to go away for work for a week this month, and boy did you miss him! You gave him the biggest smile when he got home and melted his heart.

We hope you are enjoying every minute of your life the way we are. We always want you to be happy and keep your sense of wonder.

We love you; you are our sunshine!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy