Papa Smurf

The Smurfs are my all time favorite cartoon, which is why I was so excited to snap this picture of Gabriella lookin' an awful lot like Papa Smurf himself :)

Spa Day

Gabriella had her six-month checkup today. She weighed in at 16 lbs 4 ounces and measured 27.25 inches. The doctor declared her perfect, with the exception of mild cradle cap, and wrote a "prescription" for a warm oil scalp treatment.

Well, here she is, Miss America, after her very first at-home spa service:

Merry Christmas

Gabriella's first Christmas got off to a late start because she slept until 8am, waking only once during the night to eat. I'd like to believe she slept through the night as a gift to me, but she probably just didn't want to interrupt Santa.

Once Miss Lazy Bones woke up, we spent the morning in our pajamas, opening gifts and eating homemade coffee cake. Gabriella quickly got into the holiday spirit!

Then we got dressed and went to her grandparents' house for more gifts and food. Gabriella was on her best behavior, obviously trying to get a headstart on Santa's '08 list. She just loved the endless attention and affection.

Santa Claus is Comin' To Town!

Gabriella had the chance to meet him over the weekend. She tried to convince him that, though she started off in this world quite naughty, she has since made up for it with plenty of nice. I vouched for her and think we won him over!

Houston, we have a tooth!

After weeks of chomping on anything she could get her hands on--toys, fingers (hers or mine), washcloths, clothes ...

(Exhibit A)

... I felt Gabriella's first tooth yesterday! It's the bottom right front one.

Winter Wonderland

While I was in Dallas for a few days on business, Boston got hit with by a huge snowstorm.

(view from our master bedroom)

Somehow, my flight home was the only one *not* cancelled and I made it home to my baby girl.

I used to tell Michael that, for Mother's Day, I wanted an upscale hotel room for the night so I could check in alone, take a bath, slip into a comfy robe, order room service, and sleep uninterruped for twelve hours. Well, after spending three days and two nights away from her, I know that the last thing I'd ever want for Mother's Day is to be away from her.

America's Most Wanted

Gabriella Faith: International Terrorist, featured in her first passport picture.

Daddy's Little Girl

I've done a lot as a mom that I'm proud of. Exclusively breastfeeding despite sleep deprivation in the early days and an insane workload as of late. Sleep training without crying it out. Giving up all dairy, including my beloved pizza and ice cream, to ease her tummy. But I think the single best thing I may have done for my daughter is to choose Michael as her father because he just loves her to pieces.