Six Months!

Bethany at her six month well check-up!

Bethany is 27 3/4" long.  She is just under 28" and in the 97th percentile for height.  She weighs 17 pounds 2 ounces and is in the 75th percentile for weight.  She is a big girl!  Her weight percentile has increased which is good.  She was right smack dab in the middle in the 50th percentile for awhile and it made me worry a little because of how long she is.  She has also been going longer between feedings which was making me a little stressed, but her pediatrician said not to worry and that she is absolutely thriving!

The only thing that has me, Marcus, and Bethany's pediatrician concerned is that Bethany has a very slight heart murmur.  Dr. Ward gave us some recommendations for cardiologists and we're going to have her checked over spring break.  Marcus and I are trying to not be worried.  He and I both have heart murmurs, so I it probably makes sense that our daughter may have one.  We are praying all is well with her precious little heart!

Bethany is doing all the things a six month old baby girl should be doing.  We're thankful for her health and of course, thrilled that she is right where she should be and then some!  She can't pull herself up yet, but she likes to hold her own weight by leaning against the back of the couch.  It makes me nervous, but she thinks it is just great!

Tonight, she decided she wanted to feed herself and play with her food.  She was actually doing somewhat well with the spoon.  Of course, she can't spoon the food out of her bowl by herself, but if I bring the spoon toward her she wants to bring it to her mouth.  I am impressed by her motor skills!  She also wants to grab the puree and smear it everywhere and then eat it off of her hand.  It is very messy, but so adorable.  It is exciting watching her discover the world around her.  I don't know if I will always think these type of eating habits are adorable, but I am enjoying them right now!

These last six months have been such an incredible time of learning, growth, and love.  Transitioning into our family of three has not been free of challenge, but despite any difficulty, it has been a time full of incredible joy.  Joy that surpasses all understanding and sustains us when we're too tired to see straight.  Joy that has truly shown us what it means to lay our own lives down.  Joy that has given us a new sense of purpose.  Joy that draws us nearer to the One who gave us our sweet girl.