We haven't had our new camera long...but we can already tell that we're both really going to like it!! We really enjoyed our old camera...but it took longer to take a picture and didn't always catch moving objects very well. These two reasons alone did not go well with having a very busy baby that we are constantly taking pictures of. Our new camera seems to capture Kaelyn moving very well. It also takes the pictures quickly...which is another nice option when you have a busy little bee like we do! One of our favorite features is the fact that it can zoom up really close to things that are very far away. Not only that...but the pictures remain clear. These pictures are ones that Scott took of Kaelyn from across the room....no too bad.

Having gone to school for education and worked with many young children I already knew that teaching our children some sign language was something that I wanted to do!! Before Kaelyn was born we had already even received the "Baby Signing Time"dvd as a baby shower gift...which I couldn't be happier about! Kaelyn watches that dvd several times a week and her little face lights up every time. Even if I just start singing one of the songs from it...she turns towards the TV anticipating for it to start.

Just recently Scott and I both started noticing that Kaelyn was starting to understand much more of what we said than she has in the past. You could tell that she was starting to learn who certain people were as well as things. It's so neat to see their little minds working...they're SO incredibly smart!! Anyways...around this time it became aparant to me that some of the signing that we've been practicing and watching on the dvd had sunk in. One day while feeding her I said "Do you want more Cheerios" and she put her hands together (almost like a clap, but she was wanting more). Her fine motor ability to put her finger tips together isn't quite there yet, but it's SO neat to see her trying. Just having her put her hands together lets me know what she needs and that's the whole point.

As time goes on I'm really starting to see the benefits of baby signing. It's a great way to eliminate the stress of not knowing what your baby wants, or your baby not knowing how to communicate with you what they need. Having a young child who has very few words be able to tell you that they need something is incredible. As a teacher I also know that it's a great way to start language development skills. I could go on and on with the benefits because there are so many. Do you sign with your baby? How do you like it?? If you never have....it's definitely worth trying. My mom always says little ones are like "little sponges" and soak everything in...and she's absolutely right. That's why signing works so well. It's honestly as easy as teaching your baby to wave "bye bye"!

The following is a clip taken of Kaelyn as she signs for "more"at 8 1/2 months old....

Have you ever seen or used those little baby calendars where you can fill in everything your baby is doing throughout their first year? We got one before Kaelyn was born at a baby shower...and I absolutely LOVE it!! At first I didn't know how much I would use it, but with time I see that it makes keeping track of her milestones so simple! We have a baby book...but it's easier to jot things down in the calendar and transfer some of the information to the baby book later.

Anyways...as I was writing in her calendar the other day....I came to realize what an eventful and significant month it has been! Out of any other month....Kaelyn has learned more and has done more in July by far! She is becoming her own little person and really showing us that she understands so much already! Not only is she doing the typical large motor things like standing up along furniture and taking a few steps, but she's also doing things like clapping, waving, blowing kisses, signing "more"....and even going and getting toys that we ask her too. For instance, she knows what her puppy is, what her baby is, etc. It's SO much fun to see her learning new things and becoming more independent. Aren't babies smart?!! Wow!! I enjoy each day and watching her change and grow. It is such a privelege to be a stay at home mom! I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!!

It's that time again when I need to find some time to stock up on some of the homemade baby food that I make for Kaelyn. Even though I don't have a lot of time during the day...it's still something that I really enjoy doing. I like knowing what she's eating and that it's not artificially flavored or full of preservatives of some kind. Even though it's a bit more time consuming that going out and buying jarred food....it's so worth it when it means giving Kaelyn the absolute best and most healthy foods. It's also a lot cheaper, which is great too! If you've never tried making your own baby food, definitely give it a whirl! It's easier than you may think, and a lot of fun actually! As long as you have the food and some sort of a blending machine...you're set!