Such a Big Girl

James snapped this picture on his phone the other day and I just can't stop looking at it.  I love how she is sitting Indian style with her hands on her legs like a big girl.  

I don't know how anyone could ever deny our God.  It is absolutely amazing to me how we prayed for her, God created her, and we have been able to watch her grow from a teeny tiny cell in my belly to where she is today. She is a true miracle from God and it makes life worth living every single day to watch her grow and learn.

Day Trip to Fort Smith

We went to Fort Smith Sunday afternoon to see both grandparents and celebrate Josie's Birthday.

Marlee started the day off by showing Ma & Pa her new crawling skills

 Ma gave her a stuffed bear to crawl after

 And then gave her a pot and spoon

 Marlee had a blast banging away on her instrument

 And she always has a good time hanging out in her crib with all of her toys

 Then we headed over to Memaw and Papaw's house where Marlee got to play some more

 This toy was so interesting...so many parts.

She had a good time eating all of the puzzle pieces

 And of course she had fun playing with Josie.

 We didn't get any pictures of Josie's cake or presents because our sweet Marlee was exhausted.  After a failed nap attempt at Memaw & Papaw's house, we decided to just hop in the car and head home.  Marlee was out like a light by the time we got on the interstate.  Hanging out with Ma, Pa, Memaw, & Papaw is a lot of fun, but all of that playing can sure wear a girl out.

Farmer's Market and Birthday Party

I'm a little behind on blogging (as usual), so these pictures are from the Saturday before last.  We went out to the Farmer's Market on the downtown square Saturday morning and bought some fresh tomatoes, okra, and some of the best grapes I have ever eaten.  Marlee spent the first part of the trip just strolling around the square with Dad (Dad looks thrilled to be on the square bright and early and the lady behind him LOVED the grapes.  She was going on and on and on about them).

 And then decided she would rather Dad hold her so she could really soak in the sights.  

Marlee had so much fun watching all of the people.  I'm so glad to live in a town that has so many events like this.

After lunch and a good long nap (LOL....I wish.  She of course did not have anything to do with a nap until we pulled up at the party), we went to Peyton's Birthday party.  Peyton is the daughter of some of James' college friends who currently live in Kentucky.  We cannot wait for them to move back to Fayetteville so Marlee will have a girl friend!!  All of our current friends in Fayetteville have boys!!  Gina made Marlee a matching bib for the party.  How cute is that?!

Marlee was SO GOOD at the party.  Especially for not having a nap. 

 Maybe one of these days my little goodness will look at the camera with me...

The highlight of the party for Marlee was playing with one of the gift bags.  She had the best time.

"Hey Mom, have you seen what Peyton got?!"

"Whatever it is, it just makes me want to scream!"

 "Seriously Mom, this toy is so cool I can't stand it!!  Can I have one?"

 "No way...I can?!"

 "Wait a minute...are you serious?  Or are you just pulling my arm?"

We had such a good time with our little family of three that weekend.  It feels like we are always out of town or going to Fort Smith for something.  It was so nice to just stay put, have some quality family time, and get a few things done around the house.

Look who is crawling!

Our little overachiever has decided that she is ready to move around!

She is not moving very fast yet and is still pretty shaky, but if she really wants something, she knows how to get it.  Sweet thing. ;)

I'm sure our life is about to get way more exciting!  And yay for being able to upload videos now!

4th of July

Memaw and Papaw went to Bernie this week, so we spent 4th of July with the Gradys.  We started off the day with a little swimming at Ma & Pa's house.  Marlee prefers the steps over her floatie or the open water.

 We went to visit Hadley and Marlee was all smiles

  until we sat her next to Hadley.  Then she decided she it was nap time (aka started sucking her thumb).  So, no pic with Hadley.  Maybe next time.

Then we went over to the Colman's for a 4th of July BBQ

 Look at this sweet girl and her Ma 

Marlee didn't quite make it up long enough to see her first fireworks.  And there was a burn ban anyway, so she didn't miss much.  I think it was the first 4th of July ever that I went to sleep without hearing fireworks all night...very strange.  Anyway, I can't wait to show her some sparklers next year.

7 Months Old

"Seriously, Mom...what is this on my head?"

"While I'm sitting here, I might as well see what this bunny tastes like."

"I don't know what to do with my hands."

"Okay, okay, I'll smile if we can move on and do something else."

Marlee weighed 14 pounds 12 ounces at the doctor last week.

Graduated to 6-9 month clothes and still wearing a size 2 diaper

Sitting up like a champ!!

Puts anything and everything in her mouth.  We sit down at night and give her lots of objects in all different shapes, weights, textures, and sizes so she can explore them all.

Sleeping 10 hours at night.  Has started waking up at 6:00am instead of 7:00am and Mom is not a fan.

Still drinks 6oz every four hours/four times a day and is now eating breakfast and dinner.  She is such a good eater.  She liked everything the first time around except for green peas.  However, she tried green peas again last night and ate all of them.  She made a face at first, but continued to eat.  They aren't her favorite, but she knows they are good for her. ;)

Has a new bath and absolutely LOVES it.  She can play with her toys in her new bath and splash, splash, splash!

Has grown out of her swing, bouncy seat, and jungle gym.  Her Ma bought her a new jumperoo because she loved the one at Jack and Jill so much.  She never quite got the hang of the johnny jump up.  I think she is just too petite for it.

Said "mamamamama" for the first time July 4th.  James and Paula were so excited.  I was kind of like "eh" because I know she is just babbling.  I'm saving my excitement for the real "mama".

We still read a book most nights (depending on her crankiness).  But, she is most interested in getting the book in her mouth.

She is doing so good at school.  She is finally taking good naps (she took two one hour naps today!!) and she loves it when I drop her off in the morning.  James and I absolutely love her school and we are so excited about everything she is going to learn there.

Loves belly kisses from Dad and I just love to hear her giggle.

Had her first cold last week and it broke my heart.  We snuggled on the couch.  A lot.  In fact, our entire house has been sick for the past 14 days (which is to blame for my lack of blogging).  We are finally on the mend...thank goodness!

Has started getting up on all fours and rocking back and forth.  She even practices in her bed at night after we lay her down.  She is such an overachiever. ;)  Here she is at Jack & Jill showing off her skills.

Constantly "feeling" of everything.  She will stop what she is doing and rake her fingers across something just to feel it.  I know all babies do it, but the way she does it makes it one of our favorite things.

Is really interactive these days.  She will peek over at us while she is playing and just grin from ear to ear.

Loves going swimming at the neighborhood pool.  I think she likes it better than any other pool because she can touch her feet.  She likes to feel big. ;)  Here we are on our way to the pool yesterday.

We love her more and more each day and we can't wait to see what the next month brings.  James and I talk all the time about how we don't understand people that always say their babies are growing way to fast.  I know that one day I'm going to look back and it is going to feel like it flew by, but I honestly feel like it really  has been 7 months since she was born and I can't wait to watch my baby girl grow up and become more and more independent.  It is just awesome.