Hadley's 8-month update!

I guess since I wrote Hadley's last update two weeks late, it would only be appropriate to write this one a bit early! Hadley has continued to amaze us this month with the things she picks up on and how quickly she learns (including how to get what she wants, when she wants it!!)!

This month, Hadley went on her first camping trip with Mommy, Daddy, Aunt Jenna, MumMum & Pops at MumMum & Pops's cabin in Pine Glen. She was an ok sleeper there (for the most part) and she also learned (while camping) that her stroller isn't half bad! Mommy's friend Stacey came to visit while we were there, along with her husband Seth & their daughter Mady.

Since we were just a few minutes away while we were camping, we also went to Hadley's first parade in Snow Shoe (where she scored a nice, big bag of candy for Daddy). She loved watching the bands and twirling groups go by, but she wasn't as thrilled with the loud firetrucks.

We spent Hadley's first fourth of July at the shore (we had an early picnic at MumMum & Pops's house the weekend before), where Hadley was her usual non-sleeping self!

We went to the beach for a little bit while we were there, but Hadley (again) wasn't too sure of the sand or the water! Aunt Jenna went on this trip with us, as well, so that was fun for everyone!

While we were there, we drove over to the Cape May Zoo! Hadley loved looking at the animals & she did a great job in her stroller, despite the fact that it was so hot! As a special treat before we left, Hadley, Mommy, & Aunt Jenna rode on the carousel (Haddy rode on a zebra)!

We also took Aunt Jenna mini-golfing (Hadley slept almost the whole time, which was super!) & Haddy had her first lick of a lollipop after we had breakfast at Uncle Bill's restaurant!

Mommy and Haddy went up to MumMum & Pops's house to stay for a few days while Daddy was playing softball. While there, Mommy introduced Haddy to the finer points of central PA yard sales! It worked out great for Hadley since she got a nice start on her fall-winter wardrobe! Mommy also took Hadley to her old church's annual picnic, where Haddy got to go on her first hayride! She also got to meet Mommy's friend Jen & her son Cody that weekend!

As far as new milestones, Hadley is getting so strong! She still hates to be on her belly, but will occasionally push up onto her hands and knees. She doesn't rock or attempt to creep really (maybe a little) because she doesn't like being there, so she just cries and then rolls over! She does, however, love to walk & gets frustrated when you hide your hands from her, because she just wants to take them and walk all over the house (particularly when she can chase the cats at MumMum & Pops's house)! She likes to stand beside boxes or furniture & is slowly starting to get the hang of holding onto it! She is starting to pull herself up onto furniture, etc, so I feel that lowering the crib will be in the very near future (like today!)!!

Hadley also waves at herself in the mirror (and occasionally at people she sees) by raising her arm and sort of slowly turning her hand over (like a beauty queen!)! She also likes to kiss herself in the mirror!

Hadley continues to be such a great eater! Mommy has gone a little crazy making baby food this month, so Hadley has eaten green beans, carrots, pear/blueberry/banana, peach/banana, as well as chicken and turkey blends (though Mommy didn't try her hand at making those last two yet). Haddy eats pretty much everything, which makes this Momma happy! She even tried a little lick of an ice cream cone and (like her Daddy!) loved it!

Haddy also got to meet her Aunt Kasia (from Poland) this month! Here she is with Aunt Kasia and Uncle Robbie (Haddy likes to play with Uncle Robbie's beard).

And a special shout-out to Hadley's "Uncle" Nicholas who is bravely serving in the Navy in Afghanistan! Go Navy!