8 Months

I'm 8 Months old!

 Our sweet Mackenzie just keeps growing and changing by the day.  I can't help but notice how incredibly fast time seems to be going.  I know before long I will be posting about her first birthday.

I'm a little late on posting.  She turned 8 months back on the 25th.  Here are some highlights...
Squeezing into 9 month clothes.  Comfortably wearing 12 months.  We put her in a size 4 diaper a few weeks back.  I was worried they would leak since they are roomy, but so far no leaks. :)  She is still going down around 7pm but lately waking around 5:30-6am. to start her day.  Mackenzie still wakes once a night to eat.  I know she doesn't need to eat and it's a habit.  Probably my fault.  I know that we will have to do some cry it out nights when I take the night feeding away...not looking forward to that.  She now has 7 teeth.  She is continuing to new chompers...lots of drool and chewing.  I think tooth number 8 will be this month.
Mackenzie can now pull up all by herself to stand.  She loves to pull up on kitchen chairs and the couch.  I don't think cruising furniture is too far. She is learning so much about her toys.  I love watching her hit buttons, open little doors, and truly act like she knows that is supposed to happen.  She does a great job using her sippy cup at meal time for water.  She can be super grumpy at meal time quite often.  It's almost like she doesn't like to be confined to her chair.  She is getting better this week now that she is beginning to master her pincher grasp and is getting small bits of food to her mouth.  We have also enjoyed teaching her some sign language just like we did for Morgan.  Mackenzie always gives us a big smile when we sign to her.  She seems to really enjoy learning them.  Hopefully she is starting to understand the signs too. 
For some reason she loves hearing Morgan sing jingle bells.  She still loves bath time with Morgan and squeals happily as the bath water starts.  She is still jabbering away and she is so loud!!  She hasn't officially said mama or daddy yet, but I know it will be coming soon.  I look forward to that!

Your giggles bring a lot of joy to your mama. daddy, and sister.  We love our sweet smiling Mackenzie!

She has figured out how to open and climb into our oven warming drawer. (Don't worry no baby buns were warmed in this photo!)

Hey there big stuff!

Pushing the doorbell to make the light come on.  So smart!

Baby's first Christmas!  She loves the tree and is very gentle when touching it.

Actually happy during this meal time.

A new favorite... she loves playing with the letters on the fridge.

Crawling through her play house.  SO BIG!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for my two sweet girls, my wonderful husband and our good health!  I am very blessed!
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed time with family.

Special Person Day

 Morgan with Grandma!

 Morgan with GiGi and Papa!

 So brave...signing with her class.

 I am thankful for this preschooler!

 Cupcakes = yummy!

 Her note says she is "thankful for Mommy, Daddy, my baby (Mackenzie), blankie, blue doggie (stuffed animal) , my bed and pj's." So cute!

 Teacher Morgan

Morgan's preschool had "Special Person's Day" today.  Both my mom and Andy's parents were able to join us.  The kids sang some songs, took pictures with their special people and then showed everyone their classroom where the work, learn and play.  Morgan was pretty nervous singing in front of the huge crowd of people.  I was proud of her for making it through the performance...she even sang a little and did the actions. :)

Alber's Thanksgiving

We enjoyed our annual trip to Cuba, MO for the Alber's Thanksgiving.  Morgan had a blast playing in the leaves and with her cousin Meghan.  It was windy the whole weekend so we couldn't do the tradition of the bon fire and burning leaves.  We still had a lot of fun and ate some delicious food.  It was great catching up with some of Andy's family we don't get to see often.  Thanks to Roger and Janie for being wonderful host!

Pediatric Ophthalmologist Appointment

Mackenzie had her appointment with the pediatric ophthalmologist today.  Andy and I thought her eye was looking better the past few weeks.  I was hopeful going into the appointment the doctor would say her eye looked fine.  Luckily, my prayers were answered!!  He said he didn't notice her eye turning in at all.  Mackenzie was such a good baby during the appointment.  She had to have her picture taken with a special camera with a bright light, then her eyes were dilated, and finally the doctor did his exam.  She barely cried when the doctor made me hold her hands as he held her head still and used a variety of lenses to look into her eyes.  He said her vision looks good and he didn't see any sign of astigmatism.  The previous eye doctor thought she had astigmatism.  I am glad we went to see this very respected ophthalmologist.  We will still do a follow up visit in 6 months.  We feel very blessed that her eye self corrected over the past few months.

Ball Pit Fun

 Cracking herself up!

 Cheese!

 Always more fun playing with big sister!

I got the ball pit out this past week.  Actually this is a different blow up baby pool then last time.  The one Morgan had as a baby got a hole in it.  I kept an eye out at the end of the summer for baby pools to go on clearance.  Once they did, I picked up this cute one.  Mackenzie LOVES the ball pit.  She laughs, throws balls, rolls around and crawls in it.  She can't get enough!  Her favorite part is when her big sister jumps in to play too!

Happy Halloween!

 We stopped by my Great Aunt Verlee's in the morning

 Then over to my mom's.  My Aunt Linda and Uncle Jim were also there to see the girls all dressed up.

 Cutest Kitty and Puppy Dog!!

The girls had a great day visiting family in the morning.  Then that evening Papa and Gigi came over for dinner.  Then the girls headed out to trick or treat while Andy and his dad stayed behind to pass out candy.  The weather was perfect!  Morgan didn't even need a coat outside.  She had so much fun going door to door.  Mackenzie just went to a few of our neighbors houses and then went to bed.  We had a great night!