Always the Princess

As the shirt says (thanks, Sara, for the sassy shirt!), little miss Abby Kate is definitely already the princess. And, since I haven't had a post just about her, I thought I would share way too many pictures of her playtime today.
Today, she is eight weeks old. And, boy, is she FUN. I don't know how birth order works, but I've always been fascinated with it. I mean, do we, as parents, create these "stereotypes" and therefore the children follow them? Or, do the "oldest", "middle", and "youngest" really act a certain way? My sisters and I spend hours talking about our different personalities, and I always wonder how much the order of our birth dictates what we are like.

I can honestly say that Abby Kate already personifies the "baby of the family" in our household. And, it's definitely because of the way we treat her. We've named her cry "the Diva cry" because it does not come very often, but when it comes, it is intense, as if she's saying "I'm the baby around here and I deserve your attention NOW!" She is so laid back and sweet, and tolerates way too many hugs and kisses from her sisters (and her parents!). But, she also has a somewhat "high-maintenance" side to her too, in a funny kind of way. She doesn't want to be in her carrier if it's not moving or if her straps are on. She prefers naps in her dark, quiet bed and will sleep for hours if she is given her space. She knows when mommy is holding her and when it's anyone else. :) When she has been left alone in a room and wants to be playing with people, she does a distinct "whine cry" to get us to come in. As soon as we do, she is all smiles. (see below).

This was right after I came back from getting the camera. She says "Mommy, you're back! And, aren't I cute?"
She smiles. She laughs. She has discovered her toys and mobile. (I wish you could hear the conversation she was having with her mobile in this picture below. And, I also wish you could see how fast those little legs were kicking too.)

She is absolutely beautiful and perfect and we are smitten by you, sweet Abby Kate. You are an absolute sweetheart and joy to our family. It's hard to remember 8 weeks ago when we didn't know your little face or your expressions or your Diva cry. You are my baby girl. How will I ever tell you "no" or yell at you like I do your older sisters? I'm sure I'll find a way....but for now, you ARE the princess. And, I think you might know it. :)