her new grin...

Maya has decided that she has a new smile. Honestly, every day it makes me giggle. I feel like the picture doesn't do it full justice- but it's the best I could capture so far. She flashes it at any time and sometimes in the most unexpected moments (while nursing, for example.) The wrinkled nose and big smile- makes me feel like she is showing off her little teeth. She's also giving us high-fives on a regular basis, is into waving and is up on her hands and knees- frequently seen rocking back and forth. Hello baby-proofing!

8 Months!

8 Months...and Maya is doing great! She is practicing waving, has her two bottom teeth (and is working on the top ones = ouch), is scooting/crawling everywhere (and quickly) & is really enjoying playing with other babies. Yesterday, at our weekly Mommy/baby group, the kids were especially adorable and it was fun to see Maya rolling around, crawling and playing with all the other babes. She was interested in all the dogs that walked by (that is new) and was especially good at "sharing" toys (read: letting kids take hers and taking theirs from them, too.) We are expanding the variety of things she is eating (trying dairy etc) and she is working really hard at grabbing food & putting it in her mouth on her own (those little pieces can be tricky!) Here is Maya with her Uncle Gabe and another recent picture at the park-

Josh and Maya also had a fun adventure last weekend to Angel Island (I had some much needed & appreciated time to myself.) They had a great time together and hanging with Matt, Heather and Romi. Maya loved her 1st ferry ride!

The calendar always seems to be pretty full. This month we will have another visit from Oma and Gramps, it will be Romi's 1st birthday (unbelievable!) ,we will start a music class & we are hoping to see Sarah and little Parker again in Jenner. More on all of that soon.....

Shout out

Maya has been on two round trip flights and they have both been to Seattle. We love it there but more than Seattle itself, we love the Heitman family. Maya and I went to visit Sarah and her amazing daughter Parker last week. We had a really nice time and a very smooth and easy trip (serious thanks to Sarah- she makes it easy to visit and the fact that they have all the needed baby items made my traveling super light.) The girls were interested in one another and very sweet together and Sarah and I even got a couple nights out on our own, which was great! Above are a few shots from the visit; the girls in the double trailer, bath time and Parker showing us what a good gymnast she is!

Another shout out goes to our friends Karen and Bryan who just had little Brooke Ashlyn on Aug 10th. We're super happy for them and are excited to add little Brooke to the group! Much love to you guys. XO

Playing ball...

Maya- our little ball player!

Along with new games like "catch," Maya is working on clapping, signing 'more' and is honing her traveling skills- we just returned from Seattle! More on that soon.....

Maya is 7 months old!

We just had a really nice visit this week with my parents. It's always so nice to see them and it's so good for Maya to have sweet time with them, too. Thanks for the fun visit, Oma and Gramps!

Maya is babbling tons, giggling lots, so so curious about everything, eating so well and is even into sipping through a straw. She loves reading stories with us (and turning the pages herself) and she is moving all the time. Seriously- she does not sit still and is working hard at getting around on the ground (no crawling yet but lots of rolling and scooting.) In general, she is doing a good job with sleeping (so proud of her sleep turn-around) and I'm excited for the two of us to head to Seattle next week to visit Sarah and Parker (happy 1st bday!)

*For some reason, I'm unable to format the page here so that I can add pictures in the middle of my posts....so, for now, you just see a bunch at the top of the page. I'm working on it. Till I get it though (anyone have some advice?)- pics at the top of the page; Maya & Romi, fun with Oma & Gramps, Maya with pals Ethan and Elise (in strollers) and hanging on the couch with little friends last weekend.....

summer fun

While its been colder, windy and foggy at our house this past week, it's been hot around the Bay and we've been getting out for sunshine. We've been walking more and hitting the park-scene, for sure. We also went to the pool at Grandma Sandy and Grandpa Richards house last weekend.

It took Maya a little bit to get used to the water but after she got comfortable, she loved floating around with her family all around her. Leah, Joe, Grandma, Grandpa and of course Josh and I were there for the inaugural swim. So much fun....

Above are a few recent photos...

6 months!

Maya Rose is really getting the hang of sitting on her own, she loves to play peek-a-boo (where she is actually covering her face) and (dare I even write it....) is getting more sleep! We have embarked on teaching her some sleeping skills and she is doing a great job! (I know, you'd think babies would just sleep when they are tired- well, we've learned that's not the case!) So, we are feeling a bit more rested and refreshed around here. Time for some summer fun!

Here are some recent photos. These are some things she loves right now: carrots, getting her tummy tickled, playing with blocks, walks (facing out to see everything), playing in front of a mirror, the swings, playing peek-a-boo under a blanket & hanging with other babies (she is totally into them and seems to be pretty social)...and while she is not crawling she is really good and scooting around and rolling everywhere!