Celebrating Six Months with Mila

Mila is about to turn 8 months, but my OCD just won’t let me skip writing about months six and seven.

So, here we go: a shorter version than usual because, well, it was forever ago, and there’s only so many details I wrote down in my phone.

Around six months Mila became far more interactive. For example, she’s learned to throw her toys on the floor from her high chair and will belly laugh every single time, waiting for me to pick them up. It’s quite amusing – for now. I’m sure it’ll get real old real fast, though, when I’m doing it 1,230,482 times a day. But right now, I love it!
During tummy time, she will raise her legs and arms and twist herself around on her belly. I am told this is typically the first step to crawling, so very exciting times ahead!
She can also scoot herself backwards on her tummy and has started wiggling around in her crib. I’ll put her down with her head in one direction, and she’ll wake up having turned herself 180 degrees.
Since we’re on the topic of physical developments, Mila can now sit unassisted for a bit longer than last month, but I’m not rushing her. She’ll do it when she’s ready. Besides, I’ve read (and heard) that girls typically sit unassisted at an older age than boys, so there’s that!
For several weeks this month Mila went through yet another developmental leap, so we struggled a bit with nap time. Fortunately, I’ve been able to put her down at night without problem, so I shouldn’t complain.
She officially said, “Mama” and “Papa” – I say officially because up to this point she would repeat “mamamamama” or “papapapapa,” but now it’s different – as if she realizes these are actual words, and more importantly, actual people.
Speaking of actual people, she seems to have a better understanding of the fact that she is Mila – and will typically turn when you call her name.
Mila loves peekaboo, loves when daddy plays the guitar and sings, loves playing with and munching on her feet and toes, splashing during bath time, and laughing when everyone else in the room is laughing (even if she doesn’t fully understand what is going on), chewing on her fingers and, really, anything else she manages to get her hands on.
There were several occurrences where she somewhat waved at the camera, but I think that may have been accidental – although I am trying to teach her these sorts of things.
Mila’s been extra lovey this month. I’ll put her on my lap, and she’ll wrap her little arms around me and lean into my chest – it makes my heart explode with joy.
Speaking of sweetness, she also likes to play with my hands. Whereas before she was obsessed with watching her own hands, now it’s as if she understands that mine are just a larger version of hers. It’s very interesting to watch her realize these sorts of concepts!
She’s a big fan of her walker, although for now she’ll only walk backwards for some reason. Every now and then, though, she’ll get really angry when it moves – I have no clue why! Again, though, we’re not rushing with the walker just yet – just experimenting and letting her get used to the idea little by little.
She still won’t take a bottle but will occasionally play with it like it’s a toy. The fun thing, though, is that she holds it with her own two hands like a big girl, so that’s something new!
Her hair is finally long enough to put hair clips in (as you can see), although she is not a big fan of them just yet.
We missed her six-month checkup, but I estimate her to be right around 20 pounds. I’ve moved her up to size 4 diapers soon after writing her 5-month update.

If you have any questions about anything I mention in these monthly posts, I’m always happy to help! I am by no means an expert but am always open to sharing our experience if it helps someone else. So if you’re wondering about sleep training, or helpful apps for a first-time mom, or our favorite gadgets and such, let me know and I’ll address your questions in a future post!