to never sleep again. Our developmental milestones are piling on, and I'm trying to catch up to our new life together. Our latest amazing feat is our new found ability to pull ourselves up to standing. This was quite cute when she was doing this on me a couple of days ago; it is NOT so cute now that she's learned to stand up in her crib and refuses to take naps. We've gone from 0-5 minutes of crying followed by 50 minutes of sleeping to 45 minutes of crying (mostly while standing) followed by maybe 15 minutes of sleeping. Oh, the drama. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I really can't bring myself to read another sleep book, as four is my limit. All of those would suggest letting her cry, cry, cry--which she's doing beautifully. We really have gotten spoiled on having such an easy baby so far and probably deserve this backlash. I think she's also teething. Woo-Hoo!!!
Other than some tears, life has never been more wonderful. I am amazed and ecstatic that we get to spend our lives with this little lady, and with each other. Gracen and I have been going on playdates, and she loves them. She's the runt of our playgroup, but definitely holds her own. There were 7 little ones yesterday, and all of them are gorgeous. Gracen has a tendency to take the others' toys, but she's only 7 months, and it will be a while before she understands that whole sharing thing. She also pulled a little girl's hair yesterday. At first she was petting it, oh so gently, and then pull. Followed by scream. We left shortly thereafter.
And if you were unaware, an exercauser is the GREATEST invention ever. Thank you evenflo, thank you.
Thank you also to my friends and family who have had to listen to me freak out over these past couple of days of baby drama. Your words and support mean more than you can know. Love you all.
And PS--Rylie, get your precious lil' Carr butt out here!! Your Mama has been patient, but deserves to have you out already. So, please, help her.
and from the looks of it, she's not real happy about it. This is one of those photos that I'm sure she'll be angry with later in life. I can't help it. She's just so cute, clothed or not. This is right before bath time, as I'm getting her tub together: water right temperature, toys in place, soap and washcloth handy. She's always been a fan of the bath; indeed truly a McDaniel, or perhaps a Waldroup. We have recently upgraded from the infant bath to a lovely inflatable tub. She can now sit up and get rowdy with her toys without fear of bonking her sweet head on the grownup tub. I try to not let her stay longer than 15 minutes, and she gets mad when I take her out. That's my girl! 
And yes, that is Gracen with a sippy cup, which she is holding and drinking from all by her big self!!!!!! You might also take note of the hair situation. I don't know what to do with it. I've tried it all--headbands, hairbands, clips, products--and I have absolutely no control. It's so long, especially in the back, but not long enough for true piggies or ponies that will stay in longer that 5 minutes. The bald spot is starting to grow back. I kind of miss the Michael Bolton mullet/comb-over we had going there for a while. If anyone has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate them. The hair is in her eyes all the time, and I've been told not to cut it until after her first birthday. I realize that she has an abnormal abundance of hair for her age and should ignore this rule, but something about me holds onto superstitions, even when they're ridiculous. 
You can pretty much count on Adam being in a good mood. That's one of the reasons I married him. But once a year, this jolly guy gets an even bigger boost of the happy buzz. It's when UNC basketball steps foot on the court once again. I try to be a good supportive wife in this, even though I have the attention span of an eight year old and most plays all look the same to me. We did watch Coach Carter the other day, and I feel I may have a new found appreciation for the sport. Of course, I thought that after watching Hoosiers many years ago, and I think that lasted half a season, and I was rooting for Duke (sorry babe). Anyway, this year is an especially special year for my sweet husband. Adam and his big brother Jon decided to get SEASON TICKETS. It only makes sense as we do live in Chapel Hill, really. I'm rather impressed that this is the first year he's gotten them after living here for 4 1/2 years. He deserves them, and Gracen and I love that it makes him so very happy. 
Happy Half Birthday to Gracen!!! November 9th and our sweet thing is SIX MONTHS OLD!! We can't believe it has gone so fast and how much has changed. We've gone from a precious, quiet, tiny baby to a laughing, crawling (sort of: please refer to linked video), talking in her own language, sitting, almost hugging, absolutely perfect and beautiful child. For this splendid occassion, I thought I'd attach a few pictures from that wonderful, and rather painful, day. I'll attach more pics when I get back to Chapel Hill. We're visiting in Weaverville this week, and all I have are Mama's copies.
Now see how we got what we wanted?!?! It's a very exciting time here at the Riggsbee household. Sweet thing is on the constant move, and she's not even crawling yet. We propel. Launch. Grunt our way to our goals. As soon as she figures out that the hands work in this situation too, life will be a changin'! I don't think I'm quite ready for it, but I don't see her slowing down anytime soon.