Adriana Leigh is Eight Months Old!/Measure Up Monday - 35 Weeks

At 8 months old, Adriana can do all of the following things:

• chews on objects
• reaches for utensils when being fed
• turns head away when finished eating
• rolls all the way around
• sits unsupported
• gets on hands and knees in crawling position (and is THIS CLOSE to actually going somewhere)
• has specific cries for various needs
• babbles enthusiastically (she LOVES her da da da da da)
• tests gravity by dropping objects over edge of high chair
• responds to own name
• has different reactions for different family members
• shows some anxiety when removed from parent
• reaches for toys
• drops objects and then looks for them
• becomes interested in grabbing the spoon during feedings
• goes from tummy to sitting by herself
• picks up tiny objects
• begins to identify self in a mirror's reflection
• gets upset if a toy is removed
• transfers object from hand to had
• stands holding onto someone (or for about 5 seconds without holding on)
• pulls to standing
• starting to wave (it's kind of a weird little wrist turn right now)
• takes 2 - 3 naps per day
• walks with adult help
• "dances" to music
• interested in books
• pulls off socks
• extends arm or leg when getting dressed

In addition to all the stuff that the book says Adriana should be doing, I've noticed lately that her personality is really starting to develop.  I've always had fun with Adriana, but in the past month, I've noticed how much more fun she is because she's becoming her own person...and I really like her.  :-)

She's a little head-strong.  She will let you know, without question, when she likes or doesn't like something.  Sometimes she does this by crying, but most of the time it's by screaming (such fun!) or using her body to tell you.  If you aren't holding her the way she wants to be held, she will turn herself the other way.  If she doesn't want to sit down, she will stiffen her whole body so it doesn't bend.

But she makes up for her occasional attitude by being so sweet.  Adriana loves to give kisses, and most of the time, she will give you a kiss when you ask.  Everyday, when I leave for work, I ask her to "give Mommy kisses."  Adriana will lean forward with her mouth open and "kiss" my cheek.  She does the same for Grandma everyday when she leaves, and for Daddy when he gets home or when she goes to bed.  She also gives hugs.

She loves to cuddle and talk.  She plays in the bathroom in the morning while Scott and I get ready for work.  She talks to us and her toys the entire time.  She also yells at the hair dryer.  She wants to make sure that she's still being heard over it.

She really likes to eat, and if you feed her something she likes, she's your best friend...for the time being anyway.  Yesterday, Grandma Coley gave her frozen yogurt and Poppy gave her Cheerios.  They were the best of buds.  She didn't even care where Scott and I were at that time.

Adriana loves to play with her toys, and she's starting to get her favorites.  She will play on the floor for a long time, and occasionally come check in with me to make sure I'm still around.  She's getting better at playing by herself, but she still loves to be around people the most.

As Adriana continues to grow, I'm excited to see how her personality will develop more and more!