Summer Fun

Clark caught Clara and I playing with our "blocks." Okay they are not blocks they are empty plastic cups but they are still stackable and PRETTY. They also make great noises when you knock them over. At the time, Clara wasn't quite sure what to do with these things when they are stacked in a big pyramid but now she is very excited to knock any structure mommy builds down - usually before it gets very tall. Banging them together has also proved most entertaining.

I have recently introduced Clara to the pool. We go to the YMCA almost every day (though this week has been difficult with all the rain and thunderstorms). The first day she was a little uneasy but every day since she has played in the water like an old pro. We spend about the same amount of time at the pool as we do PREPARING for the pool but it is well worth it. Pool time = sleepy babies. This is Clara all tuckered out from splish-splashing in the sun. Don't you love to watch little ones sleep; so precious!

Giggles

They happen at the most random times with the most unexpected words and gestures. I'm not sure exactly what she found so funny - the words, the sound of my voice, the toy? I was lucky to have the camera handy because the novelty soon wore off.




On another note, Clara has decided that she is a vegetarian. I tricked her into eating turkey with sweet potatoes but that is just because she LOVES sweet potatoes. Both the chicken and the beef are met with gagging - literally, she gagged. I can't say that I blame her. Gerber chicken smells like tuna ( an acquired taste) and the beef smells like SPAM (or at least what I imagine SPAM to smell like, I don't think I've ever really opened a can). Anyway, she was disgusted. She didn't want to swallow it and she is too polite to spit it out so she just held it there on her tongue, open-mouthed and crying . . . which then led to choking and coughing and pureed beef splattered everywhere! I wish I had a video of that; it was really quite comical if you are not grossed out by SEEfood.

Jabber

This just started a few days ago and I love it; melts my heart like chocolate in the sun. I cannot imagine how I'll react when she starts saying REAL words.

Meltdown

We went to Oklahoma this weekend to see my brother-in-law, Robert, graduate from pilot training. Clara was . . . not herself. It was not her fault, she is only six months old afterall, and didn't sleep well the night before. Rough night + being awakend at 5AM + 3 hour car ride + missed nap + sitting through graduation in a cute but uncomfortable Easter dress + hungry =

MELTDOWN!

Luckily we had a break in the afternoon and Clara was able to catch a 3 hour nap. She was the same happy child we know and love that evening (thank goodness)!

Six Months

I can't believe my baby is six months old. It is so much fun watching her grow and learn. She is sitting up almost entirely by herself. I'm told that once they can sit up, crawling is not far away; time to baby proof. She is kind of a CHUNK. At her last doctor's appointment she was 78th percentile in height and 84th percentile in weight. She has become so playful and is amused by some really random things. For example, once Mommy told her to put her arms up (so that I could remove her shirt and get her in her PJs) and demonstrated by straightening my arms and lifting my hands above my head. She thought that was the most hilarious thing she had ever seen. Needless to say, Mommy spent the next ten minutes throwing her hands up in the air just to hear the sweet sounds of Clara's laughter. She has also learned to press her lips together and make motor-boat noises (I think Mamaw taught her that). It is pretty funny to watch and Clara really likes it when someone does it back to her . . . I need to get that one on video tape.Still no teeth

House Hunting

This post is about three weeks overdue. We are buying a house!!! The second week of April we took a girls trip (My mother, Clara, and myself) to Indianapolis to begin the search. I was set up with a realtor who I really like and who seems to really know his stuff; he is also an expert in purchasing HUD homes (homes that have been forclosed on). We looked at homes for two full days; poor Clara was so good. I was so grateful to have Mamaw there to help with her, otherwise I'm not sure what I would have done! Anyway I found a few that I liked and placed bids and one was accepted! We are still waiting for HUD to sign their portion of the contract - why is everything government-run (with a few exceptions) so inefficient?! - but as soon as they do we will be on our way. Here is a picture of Mamaw and Clara playing in the mirror of our hotel room - Clara likes mirrors. By the end of this trip these two were best buddies.

Happy Easter

On this beautiful Easter Sunday, my heart is filled with gratitude for the gospel of Jesus Christ. When I think of how dearly I love my sweet daughter, I understand better (though not fully) how dearly our Heavenly Father and Savior love us . . . love me. I am grateful for the special experiences, such as parenthood, that make up mortality and the promise that those family bonds can continue beyond the grave. I know that this plan of salvation is made possible through the atoning sacrifice and resurrection of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Happy Easter.Again, some of my favorite pictures are the ones that didn't quite turn out the way you intended . . .