It's hard to believe that seven short months ago I had this:

and now I have this:

In her first seven months of life, Bailey:

• Has been a very happy baby. She smiles at everyone and will go to almost anyone.
• Drools a lot - no teeth yet though.
• Loves to eat and has liked everything we have given her so far except for tonight - I now know she does not like avocados.
• Gets very excited when she sees her bottle.
• Loves her pacifier.
• Was slow to gain weight at first and is still small for her age, but perfectly healthy.
• Slept through the night at around 3-4 months old.
• Has four grandparents, two aunts, and two uncles who are crazy about her. 
• Has celebrated three major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter).
• Has been to three birthday parties, one baby shower, two funerals, one graduation, and in the next few weeks will go to two weddings and go on two plane trips.
• Has had one haircut.
• Has been in the swimming pool and liked it.
• Has made several trips to Louisiana to see her family and friends there.
• Loves to swing in her swing outside.
• Can sit up well by herself at 7 months and does not show much interest in trying to crawl yet; however, she does show interest in trying to stand up and I think she would take off running if she could.
• Loves dogs.
• Has an extensive wardrobe.

The last seven months have been full of firsts. Here are some of our activities (warning: lots of pictures coming up):
                                                                    

                                                                    November

Ready to come home from the hospital and so tiny in her carseat 

First week home - taking a nap with her lamb



She loved to be swaddled as a tiny baby

Meeting Natalie for the first time





First time in her swing





We celebrated our first Thanksgiving with Bailey





December 



Bailey and Daddy on his 29th birthday



Bailey with all the Christmas deer...and Maddie



Bailey and her Grandaddy





We made Bailey a reindeer onesie for Christmas - it required her handprint and footprint.
She was not really into it.



With some paint on her nose



It was worth it though - cute finished product!
Also, her deer-in-headlights expression matches the deer on her shirt!

Our first Christmas with three stockings





First time meeting Santa



Christmas with Cousin Greg





Family picture on Christmas Eve in Pineville





Christmas morning hairdo

Bailey and I spent the week after Christmas in Pineville, and she got to meet quite a few of her friends and family there:



Great-Auntie Linda



Cousin Marlo



Cousin Paige



Cousin Lanny



Cousin Lauren



Carrie

 



Shea



Hanging out with GrandBob (aka G-Bob)


January



Bailey had her 2-month checkup. She had to get shots.
She only cries when she gets stuck and stops soon after.





Bailey with her doctor, Dr. Yu, and nurse Anna



Some of her first real smiles

Some crazy hair shots:


February





Bailey's first Pebbles Flintstone hairdo



Bailey in disguise






Side view of the hair

 




Hanging out with Uncle Adam in Lafayette






We found out that Bailey is going to be getting a little cousin in September.






With Uncle Andrew and Aunt Amy






Bailey with her Valentine's present from Nana.
She plans on making lots more memories with Minnie in the future.








March



She is getting good at pushing herself up on her arms.





She also likes to sit in her bumbo



Bailey with Nana, Aunt Lisa, Mama, and Aunt Amy at Beth's baby shower



We went to Pineville to celebrate Uncle Adam's birthday and made him a birthday cake.



Bailey and Bebe



Bailey got to meet her Great-Auntie Carol





First time walking to Sonic for ice cream.
There was so much to choose from, she couldn't decide what she wanted!


April
April was a busy month.
 



Sweet pea in her sweet pea outfit






Her first fort









Hanging out with Aunt Lisa



 
We went to Lake Charles for Luca's 2nd birthday party:





Bailey with Bebe and Maw Maw





Bailey and cousin Luca





Being cool with Uncle Adam

Bailey celebrated her first Easter.



Helping us dye Easter eggs



Checking out her Easter basket




Then we went to Pineville host a bridal shower for Natalie:




Her first time at Cajun Catfish



She can sit up pretty well by herself now







She loves to eat!



                                               May



I celebrated my first Mother's Day.



She loves to swing!





She also loves to jump! Thank you to our friend Kaylee for letting us borrow your jumper!


Bailey got her first haircut (by Mama and Daddy)



Before



After



Most of the hair that we cut off



Later that day...at the pool with her new summer 'do






Bailey loves to play with Maddie and thinks she is so funny

I can't believe how active and playful she is now. She smiles and laughs all the time. Every day is a joy with this happy little girl. She is so much fun, and I can't wait to watch her learn and grow even more in the coming months and years.