41 weeks

The Fourth of July is my favorite holiday. This year it was also Sloane's inside out day -- marking that she'd been on this earth outside of my belly for just as long as she'd been gestating on the inside.

This day of national freedom also seemed to celebrate Sloane's growing independence. In her 41st week, she started feeding herself finger food. In fact, once she got her hands on finger food she was never again willing to be fed purees.

She started crawling like a champ -- really picking up speed -- and improved on her ability to pull herself up.

And I noticed how well she plays by herself. She's happy with a bucket of toys or exploring the ground as she crawls around. She's also totally content being passed from stranger to stranger at a party.

But by 6 p.m., she makes this face if mommy's not around.

And this one when she sees me, which makes every day feel like a reason to celebrate.