Hello World! I'm 6 months!

Dear ClaraWren, You woke up the other day and decided that the entire world was yours to explore. All things hold an allure to your bright blue eyes, and anything within an arms length or rolling distance shouldn't even dream of escape. It all belongs to you: the toys, the food, the jewelry, the arm or leg, or the occasional, far-too-trusting puppy ear (Thank goodness Mercy has a mild-mannered, for-children-only, alter ego). You love to watch the fish in our tank, but especially like their red and yellow container of food.  I can practically see your cogs working on how you will someday get such a magical novelty into your teething mouth. Speaking of teething, you are.  You have days where you are all afuss over mouth discomforts and the only thing that can sooth you is to sit in my arms and gnaw on my _______(fill in with shoulder/knuckle/forearm).  And the sounds you make!  They are enough to make even the most stoic of non-baby loving folk squeal.  While you have made a name for yourself with the ever-present goat sounds, one of my new favorites has surfaced in the last month or so.  Should you ever stir early from a pre-determined nap time, you will sigh with delighted contentment when I return your paci to your mouth.  It's as if you are a paci connoisseur and that one is the best you've ever had.  You sniff it.  You swish it around your mouth.  You swirl it around the crib. Yes, it has indeed been a fine year for paci's.  You are still my cuddlebug and I can tell your mood by the snuggle position. My favorite is when you are very tired and lean close into my chest with your whole body.  You have discovered the wonders of toes (usually your own), rolling in circles, and are fast becoming a pro at pulling off your socks.  Lillian is the adoration of your eye and she rarely cannot provoke a gummy smile.  You hesitate only at men with facial hair, who often bring your sweet eyes to tears. We visited the pool for the first time the other day and you had none of it.  The sounds, water, and uncertainty of all the commotion was far too much for you to handle.  Instead you sat in your car seat  next to Mama and played with your toys.  I'm ok with you wanting to take things slow;  You are growing up too fast in every other way. Dear sweet sugar-darlin', I love you so much.  Your new excitement at all things within reach, and many outside of it, have been so much fun to watch, and have kept me on my toes. 7 months, here we come!