National Aquarium in Baltimore

If you've been reading this blog for any significant length of time you know that Cole and I are regulars at the Memphis Zoo.
While I love our zoo, truth be told, I long for a nearby aquarium. Like the one in Baltimore. Or Atlanta.
When we were in Maryland my dad told us that he had two free tickets to the National Aquarium.
We had to go!

When we got to the aquarium we were surprised to learn that strollers are not allowed.
Conveniently the aquarium provides a stroller check and loaner baby carriers.
We borrowed one of the carriers.
So that worked for about twenty minutes.

As we strolled the Australia exhibit we found out our timing was fortunate. Or unfortunate. Depends on your perspective, I guess.
For twenty minutes every three weeks, you can see the snakes eating.
Wouldn't you know it? We happened upon the snake exhibit at meal time.
Watch a snake feed is now crossed off the bucket list.
(Yes, I have pictures of the feeding. No, I did not feel compelled to post them. You're welcome.)

Admission to the dolphin show was included with our tickets.
The show was no longer than 20 minutes which provided the perfect opportunity to nurse baby girl.

Cole was completely mesmerized by some of the sea creatures.
She banged on the windows and screamed with delight.
I'm not sure the other aquarium guests appreciated her enthusiasm.

Back when Aunt Lisa was in Memphis we decided we'd visit the the Georgia Aquarium next time we're in Atlanta.
I can't wait. 

Cole :: 8 months

Today Cole is eight months old.

This month she's become more independent.  She's taken to feeding herself snacks and exploring our house with a sense of boldness. She's pulling up on everything and even taking a few brave steps from one support object to the next. 

Cole still isn't much for sleeping. She's started to take more regular naps but they are rarely for more than an hour. Every morning, she's so excited to start the day she gets up before the sun. She is a big fan of eating. Cole enjoys her solids though maybe not as much as she enjoys nursing. Cole still nurses about six times a day. This month she's started to sign a few words like milk, mommy, and daddy. The most frequent sign she uses is "milk."

At school, she finally got over the separation issues. So much so, that now she loves school. Cole's daily reports in the last month have been extremely positive.  She doesn't even cry when I drop her off. It's lovely. 

Swinging

I've been hunting for a playground nearby with a baby swing.
It's been harder to come by than I imagined.
Yesterday my girlfriend told me about one.
So after Peter got home from work last night we went to the playground.

Cole liked swinging. She liked it a whole lot.
Her whole face was smiling! 
I took a million pictures.

And I decided to use minimal discretion and post five pictures of the same thing.
I'm sorry I'm not sorry.
Is there anything sweeter than a happy baby?