Happy Half Birthday, my sweet baby girl

My dearest Julia, 

It's hard to believe it's been six months since I first held you in my arms.  Hard to believe because in some ways it seems like it was just yesterday when my doctor held you up and Daddy and I gasped in shock, "It's a girl" - but in other ways the time that's past since vast.  How in just six short months have you grown from a teeny tiny newborn into this happy baby?  How in just six short months have you learned SO much? 

I'll be honest with you, before you were born, Daddy and I worried, "would we love our second baby as much as the first?"  Our hearts were bursting at the seams with love for your brother.  But then you entered the world.  And it was love at first sight.  Somehow our hearts doubled in size.  And that love has grown oh-so-much over the first six months of your life.  And it will continue to grow.  Your beautiful smile lights up the room and your joyful laugh makes my heart sing.  You are such a happy baby girl and I just can't get enough of you.  I could listen to your sweet little babbling all day long. I could smell your sweet baby scent all day long.  I could snuggle with you all day and all night.  You are precious and I love you so much, sweet pea.

Happy Half Birthday!

Love Always, 

Mommy

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A few days prior to Julia's 6 month milestone, we made the leap and introduced her to solid foods.  Her first taste of the real stuff:  broccoli.  Let's just say it wasn't love at first sight, but it's sure grown on her.  

Up until now, I've been bathing Julia in the mornings but along with the introduction of food at dinner time has come the need for evening baths.  I decided to brave it and do both kiddos at once in the big tub.  Aside from a few minor instances, it's working out well - and Julia loves splashing around more in the big tub!

Solo bath time in the big tub

Julia is a talker.  And Daddy's little girl.  So, how appropriate that on Father's Day, a bit before her 6 month half birthday, she started saying "Da-Da".  

She is sitting like a champ and especially loves playing with her brother's toys.  (The feeling is not mutual.)  

Julia's 6 month stats:

Height:  25 inches (24%)

Weight:  14 lbs 6 oz (19%)

Head: 16.5 inches (34%)

And here's a side-by-side comparison of my two babes at the 6 month mark:

Thomas the Train

Frankie is a pretty big Thomas fan - I'm learning that most boys are.  But not every boy is lucky enough to be named after the train.  You know, like Frankie Thomas the Train DeMarco.  When teaching him his middle name, one time I said "Thomas, like Thomas the Train".  Well, that sure stuck with him.  Every time you ask him what his name is, he replies "Frankie Thomas the Train".  Maybe by the time he heads off to college he'll figure out it's just Thomas. 

Anyhoo...

Because of his love for the train, we decided to do a Day out with Thomas in Strasburg, PA.  We made a little vacation out of it and stayed at a great resort...

Pool fun

What's a vacation without ice cream?

and chocolate donuts for breakfast?

Like father, like son:  Their expressions in this pic make me laugh

We spent one day at Dutch Wonderland - really, more like half a day.  Frankie was pooped by 1:30ish so we headed back to the hotel.  But not before he got to ride plenty of rides and catch two shows!  It's a really great, small amusement park that's totally geared towards the little ones.

  

Our last day was dedicated to Thomas - Look at their excitement when we gave them the tickets ;) 

It was really, really hot that day, but they did a nice job with the event.  Other than the train ride pulled by none other than Thomas himself, we got to meet Sir Topham Hat plus their were lots of train related activities for the kids.  My, how our vacations have changed, but the smiles on the kids' faces makes it all worth it.  

Frankie was actually scared of Sir Topham Hat (look at the guy!)

Julia LOVES feeling Frank's hair, so riding on his shoulders was her favorite ride ;) 

Let Their Be Light!

Guess what!?!  We have electricity in our house!  Getting the utilities turned back on is a major milestone.  It took weeks and weeks for Dominion Power and Washington Gas to terminate our service and remove the lines prior to demolition and we knew it would take weeks and weeks to have them restore service.  But our new gas line is in and as of Thursday, power is on!  The remainder of the work in the house is contingent on power, so it came in the nick of time!  On Monday our hardwood will be installed and stained and finished throughout the week.  We are in the homestretch, people!  And it's SO exciting!

Over the past few weeks, our cabinets & granite have been installed, tile work almost completed, siding hung, porches framed, stone work started...Things are happening!  Now that we have our utilities and all of our site work decisions have been finalized, we are eagerly awaiting a settlement date, which should be towards the beginning of August.  We are so anxious!

Home, sweet home

Kid's Bathroom

Our Bathroom

I heart my kitchen!

Our Baby Girl is 5 Months!

Julia Ba-dulia...

At 5 months old, you're really starting to support yourself sitting up.

You still LOVE your brother.  He can get good belly laughs out of you and if you're in a bad mood, we just ask Frankie to act silly and you're puddy in his hands.  I love watching you watch him.  I can see the amazement and adoration in your eyes and hope it never fades.

You join Frankie and Mommy in our 'dance parties'.  While we dance around the living room like lunatics, you sit in your swing and kick your legs like crazy, laughing and smiling with at us.

Your little legs are getting the cutest pudgy rolls.

We just introduced you to the jumper which you enjoy...for about 15 minutes.  Your overall attention span doesn't last much longer than that no matter what you're doing.

You've started joining us at the table for dinners in your high chair, which you're not the biggest fan of.  I imagine once there is food on the tray, you'll come around, though.  Speaking of food, you are a grabber!  If you're on my lap while I'm eating, look out!  My plate has almost ended up in my lap on several occasions.  Not to mention the countless times your hand has ended up in my food.

You are the sweetest, happiest, most talkative little baby girl with a smile that lights up the room...and my heart.