life with Lola: 16 months

Oh, man, it's been a year since I last posted. Since then, we moved to the beach! We adore our new place, and it's nice to finally feel settled after such a whirlwind of a time. Our new town has such a nice small-town feel, and Lola has made lots of new friends already. It feels like home.

Lola is growing up so fast! She's talking (12 words and counting...) and at the cusp of walking. My favorite is when she walks into my outstretched arms, shrieking with excitement at the hug and twirl that's to come. She's such a ham, and it's fun seeing her little personality shine through. She LOVES people and new things. She's always laughing, but quick to cry in complaint. She's stubborn and a little cautious, and very curious. Our little firecracker!

Life is so full, and we're truly treasuring every minute. Between work and Lola, I still rarely have any time for anything else. But this is such a short season in life, and I don't want to miss any of it!

life with lola: five months!

I know I start every blog post with "how is already..." But seriously! How is it already October, and how is Lola already five months? Erik laughs at me for talking like a Hallmark card sometimes, but our love for this girl is infinite — and it just grows and grows. She's getting cuter, chubbier, and more responsive and interactive by the day.

It's funny that, before she was born, I halfway assumed that we'd fit a baby into our life. I'd be that cool, easygoing mom with a baby in the Ergo at the beach, concert, or restaurant. Sometimes I am that person, but not without a dossier's worth of planning. The reality is that Lola has completely changed the orbit of our lives. Everything revolves around her now, and we're over the moon about that. On to the update...

How's Lola doing? I may be biased, but she's the best. She's developing so quickly. It seems like every day she's doing something new; it's so cool to see the little wheels turning in her mind. Right now, she's grabbing her feet, eating her hands, and *thisclose* to sitting up and rolling over. She loves bouncing in her jumperoo, which is hideous-looking but by far the best baby purchase we've made. She's still sleeping in our room, but we're rolling with it. If there's anything that I've learned as a parent, it's to read all the books and get all the advice...and then do what works for you!

How are mom and dad doing? I'm still around-the-clock busy, but loving life. I even made it out to surf (twice!) with a supportive and inspirational mom friend. Of course, the waves were a mess both times, but it was so wonderful to be in the ocean -- and to do something for myself. Every day, I count my lucky stars that we're both able to spend every day with Lola. It's definitely a scramble, but it's worth it.