8 months.

It has come and gone so quickly, yet the months before you were here with us seem so distant. You just fit into our family as if you've always been here...

At just under 11lbs, it's hard to view you as 8 months old, though you are only 6 months by your adjusted age. People often look shocked when they ask your age and find you are much old than you appear. Your personality would show otherwise, though. Yes, you are petite but your personality is big and strong.

I love to hear you coo, babble and laugh. It melts my heart when I hear you giggle out loud. Your new thing is sticking out your tongue and blowing spit everywhere. You do it when you get excited, and you're quite good at it. You're proud of this new trick of yours, and you are quick to show it to anyone who is watching.

Your sister is still your favorite person to watch and she can still get you to laugh like no one else. She is loving that you are interacting with her more now, and you get so excited when she talks to you and plays with you.

You still sleep in our room with us. Not because you couldn't sleep in your crib, but because I simply like to have you close to me. You and your sister share a room now, even though you have never actually slept in there together. Occasionally you wake up during the night to eat, but for the most part you sleep right through.

You are eating a variety of fruits and vegetables now, but you really prefer your cereal. Your favorite food is bananas and your least favorite food is applesauce. You pretty much like all of your vegetables, though you don't take carrots as easily as you take the rest.

You are doing so well at physical therapy! Your therapist is always amazed at how well you're progressing every time she works with you, and so are we! You are using your arms more to push yourself up off the floor and you're rolling everywhere now. We can't put you up on the couch anymore, because you'd be sure to roll off! You are also getting very close to sitting up. We are so proud of you and the improvement you've shown. You're such a strong girl! I know there will come a day when we will never know you were born so early.

As much as I love watching you grow and learn new things, there is a small part of me that says "Just take your time. no need to rush." I know this time is fleeting, and I try so carefully not to push you to that next milestone. I'm enjoying this moment with you.

Happy 8 Months, Lillian Faith!