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: