Nearly 8 months with this one. What a gift. 

Hard to believe there was ever a time without her.

I kinda dropped the ball on pictures this week, except for a Saturday morning selfie (below) and these others that I just took right now so I'd have something to post... :)

...since I realized this morning that this was the only picture of Jane I'd taken all week-- Jane, looking overly enthused on our family outing to Lowe's. It's obviously been a very eventful week around here. ;)

So while I may not have great photo documentation, I'd like to take a moment to record some observations of Jane's emerging, now (almost) 8-month personality...

Dear Jane,

As weeks pass by and you continue to develop into a beautiful little girl, I love discovering more and more of who you are. What a privilege to spend my days watching you grow. 

You are peaceful, content, and so so sweet. Certainly you have your less sweet moments, as all babies do, but then you look up at me with those big, gray eyes and stroke your hand ever-so-gently against my cheek, and I wonder how in the world I got so lucky to be your mama. 

You are independent. You play contentedly all by yourself, in your exersaucer or on a mat on the floor, mostly in silence with an occasional squeal of delight. And when I walk in the room you flash me a big smile and my heart swells.

You are observant, and I think you've got your daddy's brains. You study your toys with such intensity, carefully turning them over in your little hands or pulling them close to your face for a better look. You are fascinated with zippers and notice the little tags on every blanket, shirt, or toy. You seem perceptive of new people and environments. You don't demand to be the center of attention, but prefer just watching, taking it all in. I think you'll be a compassionate, thoughtful friend and a great listener.

You are endearing. As soon as you came into the world, it took a whole two seconds, I think, for you to steal our hearts.

You are loved. We absolutely adore the sweet baby girl God has made you to be, and we can't wait to see the Jane you will become. We love you to pieces, Janie Bear.

TWJ 33

Picnic in the park. That crinkly, crescent-eyed smile melts me every time!

The girl sure loves her daddy. I'm so glad he's in her life because he makes her light up like no other!

We've started volunteering at a local elementary after-school garden club. It's a fun way for me to get out of the house and give back in some small way to our community, and Jane is a big hit with the kids. :)

Jane is also a big hit with her Uncle Brian, who is great with kids and happens to be single. ;) He's preparing to take a travel nursing position in Colorado next month-- we're so excited for him, but we sure will miss him here!

TWJ 32

I couldn't resist. Best Goodwill find EVER.

Jane has been in a really fun stage lately, laughing and squealing and "talking" so much. She's generally content & peaceful, but my goodness does she light up when she sees her daddy! In the mornings after I feed her, we walk toward the kitchen where Daddy is making coffee, and she kicks her legs with anticipation, puts on that pursed-lip, twinkly-eyed, "shy Jane" smile, and erupts into giggles as soon as she sees him. It's a pretty great way to start the day. :)

Speaking of Jane's daddy, he knows just how to make me smile too. Came home from work last week with this gorgeous fall bouquet, "just because."

Apparently the guy behind him in the grocery store line said, "Trying to get out of the dog house, huh?" to which Danny replied, "Actually, no, trying to stay out of the dog house!" And doing a marvelous job, might I add. Husbands, take note. :)

TWJ - 7 months

Baby Jane turned 7 months (!!!) last week, and I think we're done with the stickers, as everything MUST go in the mouth these days. Oh well, I tried. ;)

We had a fun week of travels. Jane enjoyed a break from the car seat at Hershey's Chocolate World (if only she could eat chocolate!)...

...and hanging out at the hotel while Daddy worked.

Room service? Why yes, please.

While in Pennsylvania, Jane got to spend a night on the farm with her second cousins, Tiger, Bear, and Grace! They were all just thrilled. ;)

Thank you, Barry & Leslie, for being such willing & wonderful hosts. We loved being able to visit your sweet family!!

And then, we finished off our north-eastern tour in Ohio, where Jane's Aunt Audra & Uncle LT showed us the best of Cuyahoga Falls.

Maybe Jane has some "Hoosier" in her blood after all... :)

Aud & LT, thanks for such a wonderful weekend! We love you guys!!!

P.S. A few corrections to the previous post: 

1) Jane earned her first mean looks from fellow travelers yesterday. And we swallowed our pride & regretted not bringing chocolate chip cookies for the entire airplane. Oh well.

2) She is now saying "dada" and we even heard a clear "Ah-da," which we are just sure was for Aunt Audra. She is still working on "LT." ;)

TWJ 30 - Good Morning, Baltimore!

This Tuesday, Jane is on the go again! A last-minute business trip popped up for Danny, and his two favorite girls decided to tag along...

Jane is a great little traveller, and we are no longer afraid of mean looks as we board an airplane with a baby. :)

On a side note, Jane also said her first word this week! Don't want to brag, but despite Danny's best efforts, it was "mama." Take that, Jimmy Fallon. ;)