Tatum Leilani Madrid: 8 months old

My uproar of a baby. 243 sweet, sweet days with you. 

Tatum Leilani, you continue to be a dream come true. Sometimes I look at you and I get lost in your sweet smile and your infectious giggles. I can't believe I get to be your mama, sweet girl. I literally can't. Everything about you is pure perfection and watching you grow is such a privilege. Watching your siblings and daddy bond with you and love you makes my heart swell with the utmost joy. This Christmas season has been so magical with you here and watching you learn new things and hit your milestones is a blessing.

Feeding:  "Table food" or solids, as some say, is a go! You prefer to eat what the rest of your family is eating and I absolutely love it. Making food for you is a labor of love and you try all kinds of textures and types. Lately, we've been using toast for exposure to foods -- avocados, eggs, yogurt, etc. It's a great way for you to have a grip on your food but also an awesome introduction to your palette with the array of food we have chosen. You love sweet potatoes, spaghetti noodles, strawberries, prunes, and blueberries. Turkey and chicken meat are top choices too but you sure do love your fruit and grains.  I freeze solid foods and put them in your teether for easier eating (especially if you are teething) and it's also another great way to expose you to food.

Sleep:  We've had a total of 3 or 4 nights in your entire life that offered up some restless sleep but other than that, you continue to sleep like a dream. Your bedtime is a little earlier than it was in your first few months but we have adjusted and made sure that your bathtime routine and dinner have been adjusted as well. You still co-sleep with mommy and daddy and have actually never been in your crib, once. You take two long(ish) naps during the day. One is always in the morning and the other is usually in the early evening. You'll take a 30-minute nap in between lunch and picking up your older sibs from school and sometimes even right before bed. 

Milestones:  You can say mama now and I swear my heart did backflips!  You are in the beginning stages of crawling (rocking and making slight crawl movements), you can wave backward, and you are expressing yourself through different consonants and baby talk, OFTEN. You graduated from purees and you now just eat table food. We also think you might be cutting your third tooth pretty soon here. Lots of big changes and growth these past four weeks.

Things You Like:  Music continues to be something you enjoy (much like all of your older sibs). You love all kinds of music and you love it most when it is time for a bath, bed, or in the car. You love playing with your siblings' toys and random items from the kitchen. Measuring cups, silicone spoons, and baby plates are your favorite things to chew on. You love the fresh, cold, crisp air and often look up to the sky when we are outdoors, especially if it is snowing. You love when Ava holds you and twirls you around. You also love pulling on her long strands of hair. You giggle every time Olivia takes your hand in hers and plays peek-a-boo in the car. You think it is hilarious when Liam talks to you in your high chair and tells you funny jokes.

And there it is. Our monthly update on all things, you. This Christmas season is going to be our best one yet and I know that is in large part because you continue to remind us that you completed this family. I can't wait to see what next month has in store for you, tater tot. We love you so much. Happy 8 months.