Piggy

Who knew that a child could become attached to a toy at such an early age. This is something that Clara has been doing for a while and I've just recently thought to record it. She loves "talking" to and holding her Piglet because he is light and soft. Maybe she likes the color too; who knows. Mommy likes that he is washable and if the need ever arises, a Piglet doll can easily and undetectably be replaced. Maybe I should buy a couple back-ups just in case we lose, flush, or rip him in the future.

Pretty Bows

One of my earlier posts entitled "Tiny Tennies" talked about how baby shoes, though ridiculous, are adorable. Here is another article of clothing that I'm sure Clara could do without. If she had more hand coordination she would rip them right off because she finds them obnoxious; but, she doesn't so, "Ha, ha, haha"! Introducing (drum roll please) Humongous Hair Accessories!!! No, it's not enough to have a clip or a head band, we need monstrous bows and tropical flowers that dwarf baby's head. I can hear my male readers chiding me "Poor little girl, take that stupid thing off," but I can't, they are just too CUTE! Here are some pictures.

I call this one her Minnie Mouse bowTiger LillyRed PosyLemon-LimeMovies get to show their out-takes at the end so here are some photos to make you laugh - not her best.

"Duh-wha?"My favorite - "What the . . .!!!!"

Jumpy-Jumpy

I hope that whoever invented the Johnny Jumper is rolling in dough because that thing is pretty awesome! It's like a Space Camp moon-walking simulation in your very own home. It's got the fun of bungee jumping without the danger or the death-wish. If they made Johnny Jumpers for adults, you can bet I would buy one. In the beginning Clara was really unsure about this new contraption and didn't quite understand the point; she would spend all her energy trying to grab the support strap and get really frustrated when she couldn't move it to her mouth. Now she is realizing that this thing BOUNCES and allows her to turn a full 360 degrees. This video is a little lengthy but the bouncing is near the end (not big bounces, baby bounces).

Deer in Headlights

Lately I've been trying to catch Clara's personality on video by placing the camera near our rocking chair. Unfortunately I really haven't caught much - except maybe her curiosity. She is so involved in figuring out this strange object that talking and interacting with Mom is old news. It is also kind of dark since I placed the camera on a closet shelf. It will probably bore the average reader/viewer but I'm posting it anyway; maybe the grandparents will enjoy seeing how big she is getting. It is actually two different clips; the first one is really short then the second will start automatically. Someday I will figure out how to dub over the sound with some music or something because I get kind of embarrassed listening to myself.

Chicken Fingers

My precious girl. She thinks that she is a big girl and should sit up or stand all the time. This Boppy pillow is perfect for propping her up but I still have to watch her to make sure she doesn't get stuck slumping forward while inspecting her toes. Toes are tricky. This next photo is only funny if you know how hard Momma has worked to prevent this very thing. I've tried mittens on her hands, swaddling her so tight that she can't move her arms (though she could definitely show Houdini a thing or two), and introducing a pacifier (because a pacifier can be taken away, a thumb cannot - at least not in this country). In this photo she has wiggled her way out of Mom's straight jacket, and discarded the pacifier. I guess my next move is that stuff that makes your fingers taste bitter?

Clara Smiles

My beautiful girl! She is such a happy baby. I'm so grateful to be fortunate enough to stay home and care for her (thanks to a wonderful husband who backs that decision 200%). This video is typical of Clara when she is fed and well rested. Just ignore the babbling crazy person in the background. Honestly, why is it impossible to speak like a normal human being when one is talking to (or about) to a miniature human being?

Getting behind on the blogging stuff already. Not a good way to start the new year. My excuse is that the computer is located in Clara's room. The only time I can find to blog is nap time but . . . the computer is in her room; I don't want to wake the baby . . . and the cycle continues. Nothing really to report except I love the smiling and cooing. It is so precious and makes my heart sing. I am trying to get it on video tape. Here are the pictures we have been taking. Most of them are from Christmas and New Years.