Highway to the Danger Zone

• Today, we are celebrating 8 months for Aolani, which has turned out to be a big milestone for two reasons. One: While staring into my eyes Saturday morning after she had nursed, she said "Mama." Ricky was with me, so I have proof. It was exhilarating! I realize that she was mimicking the sound I had made earlier, but it was elating all the same. Two: She crawled on Friday for the first time. Yes, forward. That morning she had combined three techniques to move forward, but she learned to alternate arm and leg by the afternoon. So, we have spent the weekend watching her crawl. It is so cute that I can't contain myself! I will get a video up of her crawling soon. [I took one already, but she is wearing a dress that kept getting caught under her knee and causing her to slip.]


• This was great timing because Nonna (Ricky's mom) and Aolani's great Aunt were visiting this weekend to witness her accomplishments. She got to get dressed up three days in a row, so here are some pictures:

I love this video of her and Ricky flirting ;)

• Last week, I laid down a towel in her crib, stripped her, and started eating a banana in front of her. Of course, she snatched it away quickly, put it to her mouth, discovered it was food, and gave me her "Mommy that was sneaky" look, and wouldn't eat a bite. Oh well. It was worth a try. At least it made for a fun, messy picture :)



• Ricky and I went on our traditional date last week. Traditional meaning it involved chess and Where's Waldo? However, looking down at the book hurt my neck, so I suggested that we go home and find Waldo propped up in bed. Yeah, we fell asleep in no time like that. Lights on, clothes on, and Waldo was still missing. We learned our lesson.


• Aolani has begun this thing where she will nap briefly and then awake. I get ready to go get her (she plays by herself in her crib just fine) and by the time I'm ready, she will fall back asleep for a long time. So funny!


• Another cute behavior: Now when I open the crib, she crawls over and out the door to me!


• Changing her has become impossible! It now takes me twice as long and requires all the skill I can muster. I feel like I am wrestling an alligator! I need to listen to some workout music during this time. Right into the Danger Zone...


• Verse to memorize this week: Romans 12:17 ~ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.

Active Little Servant

• I just cannot get over the gorgeous weather right now! Fall is my favorite season. Yesterday, we took advantage of it and played Boccé Ball together in the backyard. Boccé Ball (pronounced Botch-ee) is one of the few games I can play outside. It's been a great gift! However, I have resorted to wearing rubber gloves while I play, so that I can get a better grip - is that cheating? ;)
• I meant to acknowledge this earlier, but Aolani can sit up by herself quite well.
• So, Aolani doesn't really like food or water (baths, swimming). I think most babies do. I sure did and do still. Not quite sure what this oddity means, maybe nothing.
• Just like her daddy, she would much rather play than eat or sleep. Not me! She is ready to forgo having these basic needs met if it means play time. And, she associates Ricky with play and Mommy with the "boring" stuff. No wonder she's a Daddy's girl!
• We let Aolani feed herself all week, hoping that was the answer. Did it work? Nope :(
• There is a website that you can go to and make clicks with your mouse to help the poor and needy. It is free and takes 20-30 seconds! I do it everyday. Check it out and don't forget the tabs at the top of the page: www.thehungersite.com
• I can't stop thinking about how thankful I am that my firstborn is a girl. Because our firstborn is going to have to be Mommy's Little Helper with a servant's heart! She will have to help me with all the household chores and future children. More so than other families (with my being in a wheelchair). No offense to the male race, but girls are (usually) more attentive, sacrificial, and overall sweet. Thank You, my Provider. This is just one drop in my ocean of gratitude.
• It is time for some videos. The first one is of her getting ready to crawl. Seriously, she rocks the crib so hard that I am just waiting for it to break! [Don't you just love how she rocks so hard that she sets off the musical bear in her crib ;)] The second video is of her jumping in the Johnny Jump Up. Her legs are definitely getting stronger.

• Verse to memorize this week: Hebrews 4:13 ~ Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

Our Labor Day Weekend

Ricky's parents came down for a visit, and here are the results :)

• They brought her a Bumbo, which is very handy!

Is she practicing the sprinkler?

• Her first dip in a pool (didn't love it, didn't hate it)

The water was too cold for Mommy to join.

That's my old bonnet!

• Aolani and Nonna (Ricky's mom) played a coughing copycat game that is hilarious!
• Her buddy, Grandpa
  




• Progress: Her bald spot is gone, her second bottom tooth debuted, and she can sit up for a good while :)

• Stranger anxiety has made its appearance this past month. This is when a person she is not familiar with gets in close proximity, pays her attention, and then she starts frowning and crying, gets scared, and curls up to the person holding her. So far, she has only done this with men. It's really sweet and endearing, though.

• We got to see our niece, Kylie, walk a little on her own Sunday... too cute!

• I can't read and nurse when I'm away from home. So after being out this weekend, I have another lullaby for you. Yippee!

Glory, Glory to the One (to the rhythm of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)
Glory, Glory to the One
In six days He got it done.
All He made was very good,
Only add His precious Blood.
Glory, Glory to the One
In six days He got it done.

Glory, Glory to the One
In six days He got it done.
On day seven take a rest,
for He knew it would be best.
Glory, Glory to the One
In six days He got it done.