August 27, 2010
Age 9 months, 1 week

Brianna took her first steps tonight! She is growing just so fast- Stew prefers to call her "4 wheel drive" because she charges through anything/everything to reach her desired destination. She also continues to be a fabulous eater. She has yet to decline any food that is offered to her. Tonight she had some blueberries that were fairly tart. Every time she put them in her mouth she wrinkled her nose and puckered her mouth in response. She clearly didn't like them... but that didn't stop her. She ate all of the blueberries.

She enjoys making cute noises and will try to mimick us with sounds. I have to say, she's pretty darn cute!!

Talking

August 16, 2010
Almost 9 months old

Brianna continues to be a joy and shocks us everyday with her developments! The other day she "cruised" for the first time - she walked while holding on to the couch. We also suspect that she is saying "Da da" and "Ma ma" directed, appropriately, towards Stew and I. Tonight her speaking abilities were confirmed. Tonight she saw one of our cats and she said, "Ki-Kah." I was floored! I tried to videotape it, but of course she stopped when the camera turned on...
Our little genius.

July 2010

I asked Gabriella to sort her laundry in her bedroom. She happily agreed to do so. I was so proud of her. When I heard Brianna begin to cry I quickly came in to scoop her up so that Gab could continue to do her laundry.

My angellic and responsible 3 year old apparently decided to put her baby monkey sister in a cage. Brianna was miserable. Sorry baby sister.

Age 8.5 months

Brianna is such a fabulous baby. If I had to pick two words to describe her, they would be: calm and curious. I hope these qualities stay with her throughout her life. She is also persistent. As she explores our home I may try to gently redirect her to something else. She may placate me for a few minutes, but soon enough she is crawling back to the forbidden area. I can't help but smile at her tenacity. Similar to when she was a newborn - she hardly cries - still preferring to whimper. Super cute.