Keeping Busy

I recently started watching my friend's son, Jackson while she goes back to work. It is a challenge to take care of two children under 1 year, but it is also rewarding. Jackson is a fairly mellow little boy with lots of smiles, cuddles and cooing. As long as he is well fed, rested and clean, he is generally happy.

Daniella is fascinated by Jackson and is very concerned whenever he cries. The week before he came to visit, Daniella's favorite babble word was "Dude" which she used for everything and would often say quite distinctly "Hey Dude" when looking at her Dad. Now, we talk about the "little Dude, Jackson" who visits during the week.

Jackson's second day visiting with us he saw Daniella get up in her pajamas and frizzy hair and this is the look he gave her.

Daniella loves to come and sit next to Jackson or lie next to him while eating so that she can check up on him easily. He also takes a few swings and kicks at her when she is close. So far there have been no injuries from either baby and I hope to keep it that way.

Eight Months!

Pictures

After talking with my sister, I realized I needed to post more pictures and videos for my family. I have not been as good at taking pictures as I was a few months ago, but here are a few favorites from the last 2 weeks. I'll try and post more soon.

Daniella just discovered her butterfly rocker. It helped keep her still for a photo shoot.

She thought the wings were fascinating-

Kissing the butterfly-

I love this hair!

I've mentioned before how Dani's hair is changing colors and many people have recently commented on how blond she now is. She still has the dark ends, but most of her hair is now blond.

Last week I was able to put her hair up for the first time into pigtails. The only trick was to keep her still enough to take a picture.

After her baths I like to play with Daniella's hair. Just the other day I noticed that I could curl her hair by wraping it around my finger and her ringlets would stay. So, here is her hair all curled at bedtime.

Clapping

While visiting my parents I was able to video Daniella clapping, but I never got around to posting it. About a week ago, however, I was able to get this video. Though she is not always compliant to my requests, I can tell she now understands quite a bit.

Baby Doll

Today my mother bought Daniella her first baby doll. After exploring the doll's facial features, Dani decided to give her kisses.

Roses

Daniella was introduced to roses for the first time today. Grandpa picked a purple rose that matched her dress and when he put it close so she could smell it, she decided she would taste it instead. At least she did not try to eat or touch the roses still on the bushes.