Eight Months - Zee

 My beautiful girl is 8 months old. Eight whole months this stunning creature has been with us earth side, but sometimes it feels like it's only been eight minutes. She has the most amazing eyes, they bore right in to you. They follow you around the room. And then, when she smiles, they light up with pure sunshine.


I forgot just how hard I found this age with Punky. It's a frustrating age for both mama and baby. Baby is frustrated because she can't do all the things she wants to do, and while she has gained a lot of control over her body, it's not quite up to speed with the brain. Stuff hurts. Mainly gums. Two teeth down the bottom are through now, and the top ones are so close, causing much grief. Separation anxiety has well and truly stuck in and I can barely move a few metres away without hearing cries of protest.

It's hard. I feel worn out. There isn't a lot you can do but just go with it, but it's hard. Some days I just long to go to the toilet without hearing her cries of protest because I dared leave the room. It doesn't help that she isn't crawling yet, and so can't follow Punky around the house like you can see she so desperately wants to do. So many babies born at the same time as her or younger are already crawling like pros. I know from experience that crawling is both a blessing and a curse. I'm not worried about it though because I know she will get there, and then I'll be wishing she couldn't crawl again!

 The differences between the two girls are becoming more pronounced every day. Punky was a super active baby, crawling at 6 months cruising around the furniture with ease and confidence by 8 months. She was also incredibly curious and got her hands in to everything she could reach.

Zee is curious but in a different sort of way. She's a watcher. She loves to see what is going on. When I am cooking or doing some other activity she watches intensely, taking it all in, committing every move to memory, or so it seems. She is quick to smile, not just for those she knows and loves, but for anyone who is generous to give her a smile.
She adores bath time now. Swimming lessons have made a big difference in that regard, and it's lovely to watch her eyes light up when she hears the water running. She knows what that means. Bath time has become my favourite time of the day, both girls are in their element and it's the perfect chance for all three of us to just be together, with nothing to distract or rush off to. 

It's become an important part of the bedtime routine now, and Zee is visibly more relaxed after a bath. It makes it much easier to then get them both dressed in PJs, and she is content to sit for a few minutes with Punky while she watches the Night Garden, so that I can get everything ready for bed.

 She still sleeps well, only waking once, sometimes twice through the night for a feed and cuddles. She puts herself to sleep 9 times out of 10, and it's nice to not have to stand and pat her to sleep for ages like we did with Punky. Even during the day she settles herself, grizzling for a few minutes while she rolls around and find the perfect, comfortable position for sleeping.

She loves to eat what everyone else is eating, and lets you know how unhappy it makes her if you're not quick enough with her meal! She has gotten the hang of drinking water from the sippy cup now too, which is cause for relief for me. Her being able to drink from the sippy cup means that I can confidently leave her for a longer period without the worry that she will be thirsty or get dehydrated. It also means that we are a step closer to her accepting other liquids (ie. formula or breastmilk) in the sippy cup, which equals even greater freedom for both of us.

 The baby babble has been steadily increasing these last few weeks too, and I am totally claiming her first word as Mum! Which is nice, because Punky's first words were Duck and Dad! I feel like there's a chance she will be talking sooner than Punky was. Punky was/is so much more concerned with physical development, with the language coming slower, but I think Zee might just be the opposite. Pop is putting huge pressure on her to be a lefty, and it's a real possibility. Punky showed a preference for her right hand from a very early age, however Zee is quite ambidextrous, with a favouring of the left hand when first reaching for and manipulating things, so we'll see what happens.

The relationship between the girls continues to grow and is still a source of so much joy and happiness. Punky is much more interested in playing with Zee now that she interacts so much more, and I'll often walk past them playing together in the loungeroom, Punky leaning in to show Zee how something works, or pulling a face to make Zee smile. I also catch Punky trying to hug the hell out of Zee, and Zee doesn't mind one bit. The closer she is to Punky the happier she is! I have a song that I sing to Zee and Punky has started to sing it with me and it's the sweetest thing. I'm still really not quite sure how I got so mother-flippin' lucky to be blessed with these girls!

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Comments

Kylie Purtell said…
Kylie, she is such a beautiful little lovely. Only having one, I didn't have the opportunity to compare, so I find it interesting reading how different your girls are at the same age. They're so lucky to have each other xx
Kylie Purtell said…
Wow, it's so cool to see the development! Such gorgeous eyes.
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
Kylie Purtell said…
Oh she is just beautiful, Kylie! I love the idea of doing a photo a month
Kylie Purtell said…
Yes I wouldn't be too worried about the not crawling, it will happen soon enough and then BAM, you'll be at the chasing her everywhere stage! You are very lucky - they are uber gorgeous! Such a lovely tribute to them Ky. A shame I'm way too lazy to do this x
Kylie Purtell said…
Hayley just started crawling a week before 8 months old (only a week and a half ago) and shes already climbing all the furniture and follows me when I leave the room crying mum as she comes after me. Im excited shes crawling, but I kinda wish she was still immobile too. I'm glad shes not the only one that tries to rip the stickers off the onesie too. I have to be real quick to snap my pics before she destroys them or tries to eat them.
Kylie Purtell said…
Those eyes really do pierce right through your soul! Beautiful baby and beautiful photos. And it's interesting to see how our children can have such different personalities despite growing up in the same environment... which just shows how each child is their own unique individual
Kylie Purtell said…
Oh what a darling heart!! She has the most beautiful eyes!!
I recall Baby Vick being very frustrated at 8 months too. Mostly because he wanted to be getting about (after his brother) but couldn't. I'm happy to report come 9 months he is on the move and has 2 teeth through and he is much happier. I hope this separation business subsides for you. Sounds not the best. Hang in there Mumma xxxx
Kylie Purtell said…
She makes my heart sing too - so cute . I was blessed my two would keep each other company if I left the room.
Kylie Purtell said…
Happy 8 months baby Zee! She's been outside nearly as long as she was inside now!
Kylie Purtell said…
Look at those eyes! She's a little angel.
Kylie Purtell said…
Love the new look, love the sentiment and just shared that first Abbott meme on fb. Often I read you and think our writing styles are twinsies x
Kylie Purtell said…
I freaking love the word tosser - it is one of my faves. And I am liking the new look blog too.x
Kylie Purtell said…
I'm neither here nor there on the knighthood issue, really there's more pressing issues. As for your new blog look - love it!
Kylie Purtell said…
What I would like to know is why our Prime Minister thinks its ok to give the Navy Deployment People a pay cut half way through their Deployment? The powers that be have decided that its NOT dangerous enough to be overseas in the water catching the bad guys and drugs so their "Benefits" have been cut in half - well Mr Prime Minister who sits in a air-conditioned office all day with a suit, when will you take your pay cut?
Kylie Purtell said…
Hahahahaha *snort* ALL OF THE YES!!!

Nailed it!!

The new look is also bloody awesome Kylie. I loves it!

MC xo
Kylie Purtell said…
Kylie, I don't think I've ever read your blog before, and I stumbled along from #FYBF today. I just want to say I think I bloody love you! You should be first in line for the Grouse Sheilas award and I'd like to buy you a glass of champagne. Hilarious and spot on - what a knob. Top stuff. :)
Kylie Purtell said…
Yes def MUST be a lefty!!!!
Kylie Purtell said…
He is a grade A tosser. Can you include Christopher Pyne too? And Rupert Murdoch? And Clive Palmer? And Gina Rinehardt? All very worthy future recipients... Love the rants and I have to say I miss Holly's blog too - glad you've stepped up to take charge!
Kylie Purtell said…
LOVING the new site. It looks so good Kylie. As for the whole knight and dames thing I believe there are more pressing issues to put through than this, although I don't mind recognizing people who have made a valuable contribution to society.
Kylie Purtell said…
Ha so true!!! Where on Earth he got it into his mind that knights and dames were important in Australia beats me. We're not that way as a nation at all!! He is clearly a very loyal monarchist!!! Love your website, so bright and colourful! Nice to find you x
Kylie Purtell said…
He is definitely a worthy winner. I think I'm shaking my head in disgust/surprise/shock/embarrassment virtually full time. Nights and Dames? Do we live in the dark ages? I wish he would focus his energy where it's actually required.
I love the idea of the Tosser Trophy. You will never have trouble awarding it.
And.... I had no idea that Good Golly Miss Holly had stopped blogging... it makes sense, I had been missing her posts.... :(
Kylie Purtell said…
Completely agree - this Knighthood thing is completely inane. Malcom Turnbull must be foaming at the mouth at this one unless of course TA has offered to make him Sir MalTurn.... Meanwhile Kyle Sandilands for the second award. :-)
Kylie Purtell said…
I knew you'd been keen for that Kate. We'll have to wait and see, I kinda hope she is!
Kylie Purtell said…
Thanks Stephanie, she scrubs up alright! ;)
Kylie Purtell said…
I must admit to getting lost in those eyes at least once a day! xx
Kylie Purtell said…
I know! I was thinking the same thing as I was writing the post. It's not fair how long the pregnancy seems to take, and then how fast it goes once they're here.
Kylie Purtell said…
Thanks Trish. She is slowly getting better every day, just gotta convince Punky to keep her company some days!
Kylie Purtell said…
Thanks Vicki xxx
She is getting so close to crawling, she does manage to use her feet to push herself forward when she is reaching for something, she just hasn't figured out what to do with her arms and they tend to get a bit in the way. Would it be wrong to admit I find it hilarious sometimes and push things a little further out of her reach just to see what she will do? I can't be the only mother who has done this, surely?!
Kylie Purtell said…
Thanks lovely, I know, I remarked to Dave the other day how it's amazing the way two sets of genes from the same parents can create such different people.
Kylie Purtell said…
It's amazing how quickly everything happens once they finally get mobile, hey! I'm trying to enjoy the stationary baby as long as it lasts, especially as I keep seeing things and thinking about how I'm gonna have to tidy more once she can really get around!
Kylie Purtell said…
Thank you xxx I am so glad I did it, it's really great to be able to look back over the first year in pictures and see how much they change.
Kylie Purtell said…
I love it too. So glad I've kept to it, and have Punky's to compare them with too.
Kylie Purtell said…
Thanks Lisa xxx


It's really quite amazing to me how different they are. I think it was what I took longest to get used to after Zee was born, wrapping my head around the fact they were different babies and weren't going to do the same things.
Kylie Purtell said…
Oh, that's a good one. I will add him to my list!
Kylie Purtell said…
I know, I reckon I'm pretty safe with plenty of people worthy of the award!
Kylie Purtell said…
Thanks Carla! I'm so glad I found your blog too, I've really been enjoying it.. xxx
Kylie Purtell said…
Thanks Bec! I do agree, I think it's nice to recognise people's hard work, I think maybe they should expand the Australia Day-type awards with more citizens award.
Kylie Purtell said…
I could include Christopher Pyne just for his face, I don't mean to be a complete bitch, but there is just something that looks sneaky about his face!
Kylie Purtell said…
Thanks Carolyn, I will gladly accept the title of Grouse Sheila! KJust don't call me Dame Grouse Sheila! xx
Kylie Purtell said…
They certainly do have their priorities backwards that's for sure!
Kylie Purtell said…
Thanks Jodi. Totally agree, there are certainly way more pressing issues to be thinking about.
Kylie Purtell said…
Thanks Sonia.


When I was thinking up a name for the award I kept coming back to tosser, it's just so perfect!
Kylie Purtell said…
I love Bollocks as well! It definitely gets a workout in this house!
Kylie Purtell said…
You would think in this day and age with all the bloody technology we have they would be able to find a missing plane quicker than this!
Kylie Purtell said…
Thanks Lisa xxx


P.S. I haven't forgotten about you, just trying to think of a topic I can do real justice too!
Kylie Purtell said…
My new course is definitely coming in handy and I am loving it. It's really hard not to spend all day immersed in design stuff!
Kylie Purtell said…
Hahaha, now that's an idea!
Kylie Purtell said…
I reckon I could name about 10 things right off the top of my head that are more important! Tossers!
Kylie Purtell said…
Absolutely! There should definitely be merit awards, they should just be more democratically given and not involve the government focusing on silly things!
Kylie Purtell said…
Thanks lovely lady xxx
Kylie Purtell said…
Thanks Lisa xx


I know, I reckon I could give out a tosser trophy to a person on both sides of politics every day of the week for a year and still need more!
Kylie Purtell said…
There are certainly no rules against that. In fact it would be a shame to waste my obviously amazing photoshop skills by only using his mugshot once! Lol!
Kylie Purtell said…
I reckon you could come up with a few cracker nominations for me Em xx
Kylie Purtell said…
Thanks Jess!


I think it would bother me less if it wasn't such a silly thing and done without even consulting the rest of his government. That's a tosser move if ever I saw one!
Kylie Purtell said…
Hahaha, you've give me a brilliant idea now for the end of the year, a Hall of Fame of Tosser Trophys! Love it Lisa! xx
Kylie Purtell said…
I know, it's one of those things where if you didn't laugh you'd cry!
Kylie Purtell said…
I really do have a lot of source material to work with but I had to limit it otherwise this post would never end!
Kylie Purtell said…
LMAO! I can so totally picture that in my head and I reckon it's exactly how it came about. Either that or some journo suggested it to him jokingly one day and he thought they were serious!
Kylie Purtell said…
You've summed it up in one beautiful sentence!
Kylie Purtell said…
"ones dons his suit of armour, rides in on his high horse and blows it all the smithereens"


I think I love you Teegs!
Kylie Purtell said…
No indeedy. We set out little challenges for Baby Vick on an hourly basis virtually! It's nice watching them figure it all out, despite the bad case of the grumps x

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