Mary Hardin - 6 months old

Mary Hardin is 6 months old.  She is joyful, smiley and easy.  Her personality at this age is very social, flexible and happy.

I've had the absolute joy of keeping Mary Hardin with me since the beginning of December.  What a treat.  I took her to work with me - she was awesome.  And since then I haven't gone anywhere without her.  I know, this is how normal stay at home mom's operate.  I'm so use to having my separate lives - one that works outside of the home and one that mamas.  It is really nice to feel like I have my baby attached to me.  It feels right.

So, why did I take her to work with me for a week?  Why haven't I dropped her off at daycare to get a little Christmas shopping done?  Well, Mary Hardin's tear duct is still blocked.  And she has been through 4 different antibiotics to kick the infection.  We finally got rid of it - but it was obvious that all the germs at daycare are doing her eye no favors.  So, I decided to give her a break from the germ war and see what kind of progress her tear duct could make.  Unfortunately, it hasn't made the progress I hoped for - but a be part of my "daycare guilt" has been relieved.

Mary Hardin's stats...
15 pounds - 30 to 40 percentile
26 inches - 50 to 75 percentile
50 percentile for head

She feels long and skinny to me!

She is eating 6 bottles a day of at least 4 ounces each time.  We have started solid foods - slowly.  Currently sweet potatoes are her jam.  Mary Hardin normally sleeps from 10pm to 6am (or later if the house is quiet).  She naps based on when we are in the car, but I guess that is the life of a second child!  She enjoys time on her belly, can sit up pretty well all on her own and loves to kick!

I have most enjoyed watching Lillie and Mary Hardin interact.  Lillie has figured out how to make Mary Hardin laugh by singing songs, playing pick-a-boo or "tickling" her.  It is so sweet to watch.

I've done my best to fill this holiday season with my girls.  I haven't worried about Christmas cards or Christmas decorations or even over doing the gift giving.  I've focused on our little family and soaking up our time together.  The past month has been very very sweet time with Mary Hardin.

I'm so thankful for you baby.  You bring your mama great joy every day.