{Miss Maylin} 8 Months Old

 And just like that, another month has gone by. As I sit here and reflect on the past month, I'm filled with memories of spontaneous afternoon trips, Thanksgiving with family, park visits, new discoveries, and many, many laughs. I realize I'm a week late with this post, but oh well. I was late posting last month, too, so this may be a trend! I admit, it's pretty hard to get this mobile 8 month old to stay in the same spot for pictures. But that just makes it all the more fun, right? Here's what's been happening this month.

At 8 months old, Maylin::

~ grabs my shoulders or neck while I'm carrying her. I wondered when the "hanging on" would start! Also, she gives pressure around my waist with her legs.
~ pinches the skin on my neck and chest for comfort while nursing, falling asleep, or when upset. This is a very painful habit she's picked up, which I am desperately trying to break.
~ still loves her Green Ring, also now called "Greenie" {see all pictures as evidence}
~ traveled to Hot Springs, AR for a spontaneous afternoon trip.
~ LOVES meal time. She cries when I say "last bite" at the end of the meal.
~ eats meat. I put it off for a couple months, but she now eats {and loves} deer meat and organic chicken.
~ eats table food, such as spaghetti, baked potatoes, french fries, grilled veggies, etc.
~ has eaten two dairy products: yogurt and cheese.
~ tried raspberries and raisins, they were both a hit!
~ is now self-feeding certain foods, such as raisins, small chunks of chicken or fruit, and cheese.
~ eats solids 3 times a day with us.

 ~ makes the sound "mmmmma mmmmmmma" when upset or wants to be picked up by me. I wouldn't say that she's talking yet, but she definitely relates that sound to me.
~ reaches for me when she wants to be picked up.
~ is becoming much more mobile, has crawled a few paces on a couple of occasions, nothing consistent yet. She tends to scoot on her belly when she really wants to get somewhere.
~ nurses 3-5 times a day, depending on nap schedule and solid meal schedule.
~ wears diapers size 2.
~ wears onesies size 3 months, 3-6 months, 6 months.
~ wears leggings and pants size 6 months and 9 months.
~ wears footie pajamas size 6 months and 9 months {girl has long legs}.
~ wears dresses size 3 months and 6 months
~ naps 2-3 times a day
~ consistently sleeps 6:45 PM to 7:30 AM {yes!}
~ weighs about 12 1/2- 13 lbs.

Maylin, you are our ray of sunshine, and our love for you is limitless. Happy 8 months, sister.