Miss Madeline – Seven Months Old

So every month, I’m probably going to say “I can’t believe Madeline is fill-in-the-blank months old already!”  And this month is no exception.  But then again, I can’t believe that Nicholas is six years old already either, or my stepdaughter 14(!!), so this could go on for awhile.

And speaking of Nicholas, what a stand-up big brother Miss Madeline has in him.  Some of his actions can totally and completely bring me to tears, and I’m not that sort.  Good tears.  Remembering this latest event in my head is starting my eyes welling up already.  A few months ago, when we were in the baby section of Target, he spied some packages that had matching sets containing a plate, silverware and a cup for little kids.  The first time he saw them, Madeline was only 3 months old, and he asked if we could get it for her.  I told him no, that she wasn’t old enough yet.  He then asked how old she’d have to be, and I said 6 or 7 months would be good.  And since then, every time we are in that section of Target, he goes over to look at them, and reminds me of what I said.

So today we celebrated her mini baby birthday, as we call them here.  Knowing that it was today, last night, as I finished his bedtime story, he asked me to take him to Target today.  “Why?” I asked.  “So I can get Maddie those plates, Mama.”  It totally warms me to my core that he would not only have this generous thought to begin with, yet even more so that he’d hold onto it for this long.  There we go … eyes welling up.

So after I picked him up from school today, we headed over to Target.  I was pushing Maddie in the cart, heading towards the baby section and as we got near the aisle were the packages were, he made me stop. 

“Why?” I asked.

“Because I don’t want her to see what I’m getting her.  It’s a surprise, Mom.”

He went into the next aisle by himself and minutes later, emerged with three sets.  He couldn’t decide which one she’d like best.  He wanted my opinion, but he made me cover her eyes first so she couldn’t see.  We weighed the options of each and he eventually picked one, hiding it carefully under the cart’s other items so she couldn’t see.

Already making plans to wrap it when we got home, he wanted to know who was going to open it. 

“Well, she’s old enough that she can tear the paper, and you can help her, and then open the package for her.  Does that sound good?”

He nodded enthusiastically.

Unfortunately, when we got home, it was time for homework, a quick dinner and then he was off to a Cub Scout meeting with The Husband.  By the time he got back, she had fallen asleep and he was upset that she didn’t get to open it.  Tomorrow, I promised, first thing when they wake up, before he goes to school.  I assured him she wouldn’t know the difference. 

I just can’t put into words how proud I am of him.  He was all about her.

So … the seven month mark.  Let’s see … last month she had mastered sitting up.  A week later, she started pulling herself up to stand.  First she would do it just if I was lying on the bed and she was playing.  She would crawl over to me and grab onto me to pull herself up.  She’d get completely upright, and then topple over.  And giggle.  And then start over.  Now when she does it, she lets go, hands free and looks at me.  As if to say, “I did it!”  When she falls, she gets upset and very frustrated with herself.  Poor thing.  Now she’s pulling herself up to stand in her playpen and her bath tub too.  I’ve still got my money on early 8 months for walking, but we’ll see.

Food.  Seriously.  The girl likes food.  I’ve taken to calling her Dirty Girl because every time she’s fed people-food, she is wearing it head to toe.  No skipping bath night around here.  Tonight she had elbow macaroni, shredded cheese and pineapple.  She loves pineapple, and I think it’s because of the coldness on her gums (serious toothage breaking through).  Every time she takes a bite or two, she plays with her hair… so you can imagine the state of her hair when she’s done.  Out of all the food she’s tried, the only things she doesn’t like so far are potatoes and squash.  No one can say that she’s not a good eater, I assure you.

Two months ago, every time one of our cats would come near her, she would stick her hands out and grab fistfuls of fur, much to their dismay.  Now if they are near her, lying down, she’ll go over to them and bury her face in their fur.  She likes trying to grab their tail to suck on it, unfortunately, and they haven’t learned enough to stay clear from her yet.  Blech.

She is completely fascinated by Eli, our dog.  And he by her, especially the treasures she leaves underneath the high chair for him.

And if Madeline is seven months old today, it means my niece, Sophie, turns 11 months old today.  I cannot believe she’s going to be a year old next month!  Man, did that time fly by.  I saw her down the shore recently, and she is getting good at cruising, and before long, she’s going to be off and running.  Another very happy, smiley, giggly baby.

Life is good.

P.S.  The 100 Book Challenge … Book 5.