Making It Mediterrasian: Happy Half Birthday!

Our little nugget is officially 6 months old. I could talk about how depressing it is that she's getting so big, or how I can't believe how fast time flies, but that would be cliche' and hardly interesting at all. While those things may be true, I want to talk about how I am excited for the future. It seems like every week now, she surprises us by learning how to do something new. I am excited for those things. I am excited to take her to the zoo or to the park to swing. I am excited for finger painting and swimming lessons and letting her try new foods. Eva is becoming more independent, less dependent, more interactive, and more curious. She brings Andy and I so much joy in our already blessed lives. Marrying Andy was one of the best decisions I have ever made. He is my rock, my best friend, my supporter, my counselor, and he makes me laugh ... when he's not trying to make a silly joke. Before Eva, being with him felt like our life was complete. I couldn't imagine loving more or having room for more love in our life. However, Eva has expanded our "love bubbles." I never realized how much you could love someone so small and dependent on you. And I thought I loved my dog .... Man, was I dumb!

At 6 months, Eva Charlotte weighs in at 14 lbs 9 oz. She is 25 1/2 inches long and is still rockin a big head at 17". She can now sit up unassisted without needing her hands propped in front of her. She is getting better each day at jumping in her Jumparoo, and can pull herself up while holding onto my thumbs now. The pediatrician gave her the okay to start more solids, including finger foods. I went out this past weekend and bought her some puffs. She loves them! It's endearing watching her concentrate so hard and get frustrated as she tries to pick them up with her little uncoordinated pinching fingers. Luckily, Apollo is always nearby to catch any stray puffs that she drops.

Our days are so full and hectic and busy, from the time she wakes up at 6:30 am until the time she goes to bed at 9:30 pm. But they are so so so much richer. There is a complete shift in the focus of your life when you have kids. Everything centers around their needs and their schedule. I always knew that having kids would change your lives and how much time they were going to require. I never realized how little I would care about my own petty desires. I can definitely see how people can neglect their own needs or wants in order to give their kids everything that they need. Lately, I haven't been able to get my workouts in until around 9:30 or 10pm after Eva is in bed. While it's extra hard to drag myself to the gym at that hour, I am always glad I go. It's my alone time, my healthy time, and my time to regroup my thoughts. I need to make a list of priorities for myself and for our family, so I don't neglect my own mental and physical health. I want Eva to have everything she wants, but I don't want her to be spoiled either. Saying "no" to her sweet face is going to be hard! I think I need to start practicing now.

Lastly, I will share some pictures from the past couple weeks. We've been busy, but there's always time to capture a smile on that cute chubberz of a face!!