Mila walks and my hair is the shortest it's ever been..

Mila explores.

Mila is now walking. Correction: Mila is now RUNNING. This little girl is 100 mph in every direction. She continues to amaze me and her father with her acute since of adventure. I say that because she's figuring out ways to out smart us. Squeaker can tell if we leave a door open, ever so slightly, and will proceed to sneak her way into the "unknown territory of mommy and daddy's room". She is figuring out that climbing opens a whole new world of possibilities. Much to our distress, she still seems to have no depth perception and seems oblivious to the fact that the back of the couch to the floor is a long way down for someone 30" tall.

Curiouser and Curiouser..

Mila's other new thing is talking. Of course, our mere mortal ears cannot decipher what she is saying, it does not stop her from looking right into our eyes and with the most serious tone and look, say, "Bah-bah, deedadda. Buhdee, doa dea ba." To which we must reply, "Really?" or "Is that so?" or "Wow, that's amazing!"

There are two words which she has down pretty well: Da-da and Kee-Kee. The latter is her name for our cat and derives from us saying, "Look Mila. See the kitty-kitty?" Da-da because she is a total daddy's girl. He swears she said "gam-pa" yesterday when his dad was over. I suppose my time will come sooner or later.. Until then, I must live with the smug look of satisfaction all over "Da-da's" face.

The Poster Child of "Daddy's Girl"

In other news, I cut all my hair off. Not a planned event, though I have been thinking about it quite often. I realize it is just a hair cut. And I hate to keep talking about it. However, because of an intuitive co-worker's insight, I find the subconscious reasoning for the change extremely interesting. Without divulging personal specifics, let's just say that I have been craving change in other areas of my life and seem to be unable to attain any of them. . I'd like a better job and that has been frustratingly difficult.. I'd like to buy a house but that too seems beyond my reach... But what is the one thing I can change? The one thing I have control over: my hair. I can do anything I want to it. Cut it, color it, perm it... How amazingly simple and yet extremely liberating it is to do something out of the ordinary. As a woman, I put a lot of emphasis on my hair and I seriously doubt that I'm the only one. With a few little snips of a scissor, I feel classier, more stylish, more sophisticated and more mature. With my new "do" I feel like a new woman. I feel like I can change my life. I have the power to change my circumstances. I have a new sense of determination and feel that I have the patience to work every day towards my end goal. I will finish school; I will find a better job when the time is right; I will buy my dream home and I will raise my daughter to be grateful for every privilege and opportunity I am able to provide for her. All that from a haircut? Yes.

So it has been several months since I've posted anything to this blog.. My apologies. Apparently babies are time consuming. ;)

Mila was born September 3, 2009 at 6:18 a.m. She was 7 lbs, 6 oz and 19 3/4 inches long. My God, she was beautiful.. still is of course. But I was just amazed with her the first time I laid eyes on that little pink creature. Her skin was perfect, no rashes or wrinkles. She had a head full of dark hair (the hair has since, become a beautiful red-auburn color).. Her eyes were open and alert, she scored a perfect 10 on the APGAR, by the way. ;) My little Snow White.

My labor lasted 32 hours. When it came time to push, I did it. No complications, she was out after about an hour of pushing. It hurt. Bad. When I saw her, I was absolutely mesmerized. This little life force came out of me? It was the most spiritual and emotional moment I had ever experienced. And boy, was I tired when it was all said and done.

She is just over 8 months today and I have remained in a constant state of exhaustion. But, man is she worth it. She is the funniest little baby ever. She is trying really really hard to walk, but still has not mastered her balance. We're guessing in another month, there will be no stopping her. She makes faces at us and we can see the look of recognition in her face when she sees either of us. My favorite part of the day is getting home and seeing her reaction to me walking through the door. No one has ever been that excited to see me and it feels great! She is so busy. Interested and curious about everything! She keeps us on our toes. Life is so on-the-go these days, I wonder what the hell I used to do to occupy my time before being Mommy. If I had any empty voids of nothingness before, she has filled them to the point of bursting. I love her so much for that.

It was really hard coming back to work. I am working 4 days a week 10 hours a day. I have a three day weekend with her which is nice, but it is difficult leaving in the mornings. Bryan is her primary care giver and they have such a bond because of it. She has him absolutely wrapped.

I had my first Mother's Day this past weekend. Mommy's present: sleeping in until 10:30! I got a really sweet card from both of them, Mila even signed hers... she is very advanced.

All in all, life has been busy and will only get busier. (I'm starting school again in August) But I am immensely happy with my family. My love for Bryan has only grown since having Mila. It is such a precious moment when watching them play and laugh with each other. She has brought out the very best in both of us. They are my world.