my favorite age

Those of you who knew me well in my mid-20's (Auma) may recall that every age was my favorite ("I love 25!" "I LOVE 26!" "Twenty-seven is the BEST!"). Yeah, well, now it's happening with my daughter. Every week, every day - nay, every hour she is around and growing is my favorite. And now that she is almost 5 months old, she is in her best space yet.

Luciya is incredible!! I swear she changes and emerges by the minute. She is at such a fun stage now - reaching out for objects that catch her attention, babbling and entertaining herself quietly in her crib, smiling, laughing, interacting in general. She has discovered her hands and feet and they are fascinating! She has mastered rolling from back to tummy and has almost got the tummy-to-back thing down. She loves to stand up on her feet and has been known to sit all by herself for up to 3 seconds! She is moving from blob to baby. What a fun trip!



I think she is beginning to teethe. She is a super-drooler and has been sucking on her upper and lower lips (which makes her look like a funny old man). And she has been sleeping horribly. Yes, I still adore everything about her, but seriously, since Labor Day weekend she has been waking up no less than 7 times a night. Eek. But I am experimenting with other reasons for this, and last night she actually slept for 9 1/2 hours straight!! I'll keep you posted on the progress.

We have been having fun in Boise -- going to the zoo, the park, downtown, on strolls around the neighborhood, to a fun festival called Art in the Park. She is alert and observant. We went on a camping trip over Labor Day weekend with our friends Trisha and Colby and their son, Jenner (Luciya's future husband). She was a champ and loved looking at all the trees.



Luciya and I have also starting taking a mommy-and-me class at this place called The Little Gym. Yeah, we're in the Bugs class. At first, I thought the class might be a little overstimulating for her mellow demeanor, but now I think she loves it. We play with balls and parachutes and bubbles. She gets to interact with other babies her age. It's really fun to watch.

And she likes to help with the laundry.