8 Months

We're about a week late on our 8-month post and pictures. It seemed that we just didn't have a good night to get the girls changed into their white onesies to pose for a picture. I had the best of intentions to take their pictures yesterday, but Lia pooped all over her white onesie, and I attempted to feed Zadie applesauce without a bib while she was in her white onesie--so, no pictures yesterday. Today, I found myself waiting in between naps and feedings to get the girls in the perfect mood for pictures and for a swim. We squeezed the swim in after Zadie woke up and before Lia fell apart. Then, after Lia woke up from her post-swim nap, we decided to try for the monthly ritual. Both girls were in their clean onesies, we had a purple ribbon tied around their heads, and even moved the rocking chair to make sure the light was decent for the pictures.

Zadie cooperated for the most part. She always smiles with her tongue hanging out.

And gives some very funny expressions.

But then we added Lia to the mix, and she just clammed up, staring out the window...

...or looking at us like we were complete strangers to her.

We clearly pulled out all the stops, and were being quite funny--as Zadie reacted accordingly.

Zadie even looked at her and inquired as to what her issue was.

To which Lia responded by returning the favors to Zadie...

So, we finally gave up and settled on this picture. Sorry, future Lia. We tried.

When it was time for just Lia's picture, she gave us a bit more expression, but not her normal ginormous smiles.

 I was hoping for a shot of her two bottom teeth, but got raspberries instead.

So, here's the closest thing to a decent 8-month picture for Lia.

In other news...Lia is approximately 21 pounds and Zadie is about 20 pounds now. They both love to eat--so long as it is completely pureed food. We tried just mashed sweet potatoes, and that did not go well. Zadie rolls all over and can scoot forward if she reaches hard enough. Lia would prefer not roll, but will do it to get a toy just out of reach--or to snatch something from her sister. They both like to sit up and reach forward as far as they can until they topple forward. They are happy most of the time and sleep for 10 hours each night with very few off nights. Lia has two teeth on the bottom with two ready to pop through on the top. Zadie still has none. Lia consistently says DaDa, and sometimes says MaMa...but we aren't sure if it has any meaning behind it just yet. Tonight, we were pretty sure she signed "more" when we were feeding her...but, it could have been a total fluke. Zadie loves to play peek-a-boo, and will cover her face until you say "Where's Zadie?" at which point she peeks through and smiles at you. aIt is fun to watch how much they learn and grow each week. In fact, it's starting to get scary because we can actually see that we influence them now.