Clara's 8 months

Clara's 8 months

Well, my dearest, I've missed your 7th month post.  

Alas.  Eight.  Months.  

Wow.  

You are becoming this little person.  Your personality is booming.  

You are about to be mobile.  And we can't get enough of it.

 

This past month you weighed in at 16lbs 7oz and 26 1/2 inches long.  We have size 3 diapers on the way from Honest.  You are wearing all sorts of sizes in clothes right now.  Some of your 3-6mo stuff still fits, rompers and such.  You are into 9mo in Target-brand stuff and Carter's.  In Gap and Old Navy, you are wearing 6-12mo.  I'm really holding on to the under 12mo stuff, I really can't image you graduating to the 12-18mo.  Ah!  I don't even think I can utter those words out loud.

Our house is full of your fun little squeals and screeches.  You haven't mastered your Ms to say Ma-ma yet, but you definitely have the D-sound down pat, as well as most of the vowels sounds.  Your most vocal time is while pounding your fists on your highchair tray--we just can't seem to get the food in your mouth fast enough!  We get to hear lots of little giggles when we show you stuffed animals of any kind.  Also, your dad has started putting you up his shoulders and you can't seem to get enough of this--squeals galore.

Tummy time has been taken to a whole new level now that you can get up on all fours.  We've extended the quilt out like a runway, but your little motor seems to only go in reverse so far. No rush though--what do I do with this teetering bookshelf in the hallway?!?

In the past week you've also started to pull up while holding our hands and even once on your own in the crib.  Daycare tells me you just sit and giggle at one of your buddies as he has just mastered pulling-up on his own.  Giggling and learning some new tricks, I see.  Well, bring it on.  We love normal, healthy milestones around here.  And speaking of milestones, you are also getting pretty good at your two-finger grasp.  Lots of practice at dinner time with HappyPuffs.

You had your first ear infections this past month.  And with that came your first round of antibiotics.  But at seven months old, I feel like we are pretty lucky in the illness department.  Knock.  On.  Wood.  Your sleep was a little disrupted during this time, but we got back on track.  Back on track, that is, after a good stretch of night terrors.  I certainly didn't expect you to have these crop up this early.  But, sure enough.  Screaming.  Rocking and rolling in bed.  All with your eyes closed.  We made the mistake of picking you up the first time it happened.  Didn't make that mistake the following nights.  Then you seemed to work your way through this and we've been terror free for a week.  Fingers crossed that was the end.  Though, I have a feeling they may rear their ugly heads again...

We've all been enjoying the neighbor pool this summer -- its been hot.  Ugh.  You love sitting in your floaty playing with toys.  I'm still amazed at your ability to entertain yourself; I know we are really lucky you do this.

Overall, we've had a really great summer.  Our trip to Minnesota was a success.  I'm looking forward to completing Level 2 of Boards in two weeks.  A little extra anxiety around the house, but boy does a happy 8 month old help me de-stress at the end of the day.  That happy, smiling, giggling face can cure anyone's ailments.

A few {ok, more than a few} pictures from our trip to Minnesota at the end of June.  Clara was great on the plane and we couldn't make enough memories while we were there.

Clara's 6 months

 

 

Clara's 6 Months

You celebrated your half birthday on June 9th, 2013 and I {finally} realized time just isn't going to stand still for us, Clara.  I want to bottle you up so I can savor you at 6 months forever.  

This was a month of accomplishments.  You started sitting up a little last month, but you've mastered it now.  No more tipping over, you know how to put your hands out to catch yourself.  I imagine it won't be long until you start crawling; you've begun to reach out your hands when we put you on your tummy.  You are also beginning to push up on your arms during Tummy Time.  I wouldn't mind you waiting a bit in this department - we haven't baby-proofed the house yet and maybe we need to clean the carpets???  Oh well, our house the petri dish...

Ok, so one more tip-over.  Bad, Mommy.

The day before you turned 6 months, we tried some "solids".  First up, avocado.  I'm not sure if you just didn't like it or that this was just a drastic change from your all-milk diet.  Subsequently, you have tried and liked carrots and bananas.  New this week, apples, which, I think you could do without.  Maybe too sour?  Or because they are the pre-packaged kind [I've been just mashing up table food otherwise]?  Bo says I'm crazy to be making this food, but it isn't that hard, so I'm going to give it a go for now.  Although I did just buy some pears and broccoli for our upcoming trip to Minnesota. 

You are still sleeping and eating great.  Playing with you changes daily and gets more and more fun for all of us.  You are jumping like crazy in "The Command Center" aka activity-gym-bouncy-thingy and are starting to like the Johnny Jump-up, too.  Toys are still going immediately into your mouth, with Sophie still being a favorite.  We've also been having fun with Bo's old Jack-in-the-Box [see Instagram video].

We started a new daycare at the beginning of June and are really liking it.  It's quiet and has less babies per room.  More your style {and mine}.  Miss Alissa and Miss Memory love you to pieces even despite your almost daily blowouts...solids are helping with this a bit.  Ha.  Sorry, Clara, you'll probably kill me for this when you get older!

It's been getting pretty warm down here!  We enjoyed heading to the beach at the end of May.  The pool was fun, though you didn't much like being down by the ocean.  A bit too windy while we were there.  So, we set up camp in a nice quiet spot by the infant pool and it suited you just fine.  Since this trip, we got a little blow-up pool and put you in it last weekend.  What fun!  Splashing and kicking and screeching...

As I finish up the last two months of my third year of school, I can hardly believe the changes our little family has gone through in the past year.  It was only a year ago I was sitting in this chair, pregnant and studying for Boards.  I'm STILL in this chair studying for Boards Round 2, but this time with a bouncing baby girl to show for it.  All this hard work and no free time and bills to pay and things to learn and place to go and where are we going to live in a year and what kind of doctor will I become, oh man, one thing at a time, right?  Whew.  Deep breaths, Mommy.

Clara's 5 Months

Clara's 5 Months

{May 9, 2013}

This month got away from us, Clara!  

You are continuing to amaze us daily with your personality, growth and milestones.  We are so thankful that you continue to be a such a good sleeper - though we still need some work in the nap department at daycare.  

No more size 1 diapers, you are growing like a weed.  Which means we've also had to pack up your 3mo clothes.  This was so emotional for me, I can't believe how attached I'd gotten to some of your little outfits.  I guess I just want you to stay my little peanut.  

You are still only getting mommy's milk, but I guess at some point in the next month we'll have you try some veggies or fruit.  I'm just not ready yet - Ah! I wish I could keep you this size for just a little longer!

You are still loving your Bumbo seat and will happily play there while I cook or during dinner.  You are so good at entertaining yourself!  Sophie the giraffe and your stack of nesting cups are at the top of your favorite toy list currently.

So far you are hitting your milestones on the nose.  You began rolling from tummy to back shortly after turning 4 months.  You are very close to going from back to tummy - but I don't want to rush this one, I've been warned it will wake you up at night!  We are getting to hear those baby belly laughs more often, though, I still call you my silent observer - you are constantly assessing your surroundings.

This month I celebrated my 32nd birthday, and Sissy was nice enough to come down to watch you so we could go out to dinner.  We hadn't had a date night since before you were born!

I also got to celebrate my 1st Mother's Day.  What a special day.  We all gathered in Brookhaven for a crawfish boil on Saturday and had a quiet Mother's day on Sunday.  The weather was perfect, couldn't ask for a nicer weekend to celebrate being your mom.

We went to visit your Great, Great Aunt Lucy.  How fun was that!?!  

How sweet it is to be loved by you, Clara.  We are a happy, happy trio. 

Sleep, it does a body good.

It's really amazing how a good nights sleep just does a body good.  I got one last night.  Feeling rejuvenated after a week of getting up every 3 or so hours to do the mental debate - to nurse or not to nurse - that is the question.

Oop! I hearing some sweet little coos coming from the nursery! Happy Tuesday.

Clara's 4 months

Clara's 4 months

 April 9, 2013

What an eventful month this has been, with some ups and some downs.  Let's start with some ups:

• You were 12 pounds 3 ounces and 25 inches at your 4 month check-up.  You are a tough-girl and took those shots like a champ.  I will say, I'm not one of those lucky moms that has a baby that sleeps all day after shots.  You were pretty playful until a little fever set in when the sun went down.  A little Tylenol and you were contented.
• We still have you in size 1 diapers, though our next shipment will have to be upgraded to size 2.  You are wearing 3-6mo clothes; I can't wait to get you into some summer clothes soon.  The weather is warming up and I'm getting to see more and more of those adorable little toes.  No more hiding them in pesky socks!
• You are still eating only breast milk, four or so ounces every four hours.  I'm not ready to rush into giving you anything else, but we've been asked a couple time when we'll be starting rice cereal - maybe we won't?
• Your sleep is ever changing.  After you got sick [more on this later], you kinda stopped sleeping through the night.  You've been waking up between 1am and 2am.  For awhile, you could be appeased with the pacifier, but now your on to me, and you've added another meal to your diet.  We're just rolling with it, no need to stress, you'll work it out and let me get a full nights sleep one of these days.
• Your poopin' habits are pretty variable as well - you've been going every other day for a bit now.  And there been some epic outcomes!  You're so sweet and have saved them for your dad and I; your sweet little daycare teachers are virgins to the blowouts.

• Playtime is ever evolving and so much fun.  You are beginning to grasp objects with both hands, put everything in your mouth and even reach for things that aren't right in front of you.
• You rolled over for the first time on your 4mo birthday, from tummy to back three different times.  We've only been able to replicate this event once more - but you get yourself going during tummy time, so I know there is more to come of this fun little milestone.
• You've started loving teething rings and your Sophie the Giraffe.  We got you a light-up turtle for Easter which you like to bang on a bit.  I also set up your activity gym, you are still a little too small for it, but you tolerate sitting in the seat for a little while (even though your feet can't reach the ground).  

We had some not so great 'milestones' this month as well.  As I said last month, we started daycare this month.  This was really hard on the whole family.  Your dad and I didn't sleep well that night before taking you and it was even worse dropping you off - just setting you down and walking out the door.  Heart breaking.  You must have been so confused - ah - tears well up just thinking about that day.

After only fours days, you woke in the middle of the night with a 102 temp.  I was not ready for this so quickly after starting!  I guess I was jaded.  So, we kept you out of daycare for the rest of the week and a little into the next week - we couldn't get rid of that fever!  And thank goodness for those nasal aspirators, you were one snotty little munckin.  This, the NoseFrida, was recommended to me, it just came today - so we're armed a ready for the next virus to strike!

[I've waivered as to whether or not to mention this, but its what happened and we've moved on from it now.  All amends have been made.]

After you finally recovered from your first virus, we took you back to daycare.  On your second day back, you got a blistering sunburn.  It was not pretty and I will not be posting pictures of this horrible sight.  This was quite upsetting for all of us and your teachers were a little lost on words - we all were, really.  Changes were made at daycare and we're all doing a lot better.  Your sweet little face is almost healed, just one little spot where a blister popped is still smoothing itself out.  You are learning to love sun hats and having sunscreen lathered on your face. {A side note, just so you all know, with each blistering sunburn you double your chances of melanoma.  Please, please, please wear sunscreen and stay out of direct sunlight whenever possible.  It will save your life.}

Little Girl and her peeling face.  This is one tough cookie.

With that said, a few more highlights from this month.  My mom, Mommu [pronounced Mom-Mooooo], came to visit for a week.  We-had-so-much-fun.  You and Mommu experienced your first crawfish boil together at Keg and Barrel.  You also took Mommu to have her first Po'boy.  And the two of you had a blast together during the day while your dad and I were at work.  The week, of course, went too fast and we can't wait for her to come back!!

Don't mind this crazy outfit, sometimes you just need a little color in your life.

Crawfish Boil at Keg and Barrel.  I think I ate 20 pounds of crawfish...

We celebrated Easter in Memphis.  This was your first overnight trip and you did great!  Your cold was still lingering, so sleeping was not perfect, but we all managed.  Sissy hosted a 'sip and see' for you - Brunch with the Brady Bunch - the day before Easter, this was really fun.  You got to meet all your Memphis family and friends.  

Check out these four Brady Monkeys.

You are the highlight of our day.  We couldn't ask for a better baby.  We love you to pieces.

Postagram

I've been meaning to share this fun Instagram app - Postagram -  I found out about here.  

You get your first 5 post cards free - we sent ours to the grandparents and great-grandmas and they loved it!  

Here's the one I sent to myself to see what they looked like:

Little Girls sure has grown into that outfit in a hurry.

A nice 4x6" postcard with the picture of your choosing that can be popped out to stick on the fridge or frame or what have you.  

I wish there was more space to type a note, they limit the characters you can use so be brief.  

Other than that, it's a fun why to make someone's day.

We've also tried and really like the Postal Pix app.  

The 4x4" prints are good quality and a nice size.  

Clara has a nice little shrine beginning in our entry way; 

this will be fun to add to as we take more pictures.

Any one else have favorite ways of printing their iPhone pics?  

Do share.

Clara's 3 months

Clara's 3 months old

I'm sure with each monthly post, I'll be saying how fast the time is going, how much you are changing, and doing all this with only what I make for you - its all just so amazing.  I'm in a constant state of wonderment.  Clara, you've become a fixture in our lives.  The love I have for you is overwhelming. Intoxicating.

You are three months old today, March 9th, 2013 and growing like a weed.  We went to the doctor to have you weighed last week (paranoid-med-student-mom), 11 pounds 9 ounces - nothing to be worried about.  You've put on just about 5 pounds!

Since drafting this post, your eating habits have changed on me or I'm getting more lax...previously, you had been eating every four hours and sleeping from 10pm to 6am - awesome.  However, the past 3 days have been a bit different - you've reverted back to eating every three, maybe three and a half hours PLUS waking up at 3:30am for a little chomp.  Maybe your right on schedule for your 3-month growth spurt, either way, you are a bit of a scheduling nightmare for this type-A-likes-to-schedule-everything-mom.  Oh well. You are pretty sleepy in the morning and seem to eat less, but once the sun sets, let the feeding frenzy begin.  I guess you'll probably be a night-owl, just like your dad or maybe you'll take after me - a little bowl of ice cream before hitting the hay.

You are still in size 1 diapers.  We're finishing our last box of Pampers because we just received our first shipment of Honest diapers this week!  Ah - the patterns.  Hook.  Line. And Sinker, Honest Company.  You had me at "hello'.

Oh, the smiling and the cooing.  I'll never get tired of it.  You are extra vocal after diaper changes, laying on your changing pad looking around the room or watching us as we wave a rattle in your face - begging to hear your sweet little noises.

Thank goodness for your activity mat!  You've begun to reach for the hanging toys and love looking at yourself in the mirror.  You also love having something next your fingers, a blanket or stuffed animal, just something soft to feel.  Tummy time is more enjoyable now.  Again, you like to look in the mirror or at the houndstooth pillows on the couch.

When you get fussy, you need something to sooth you - your hand or your paci.  Distraction works well too, you love to look at the bookshelf or the pictures on the refrigerator.  And we still sit and bounce on the exercise ball, too.

We've begun working on a bedtime routine this month.  Since you like baths so much, we're doing this daily.  Then we bundle you up in your jammies and have one more feeding before you nestle down to sleep.  Nursing usually puts you into a deep slumber, but some nights are easier than others.  Your dad is pretty good at putting you to sleep in the rocking chair with the white noise going.  You're a great little sleepr, My Darling, I really can't complain too much - even if you wake up at 3:30am once in a while.

You still haven't started daycare!  We are so thankful for all the visitors that have come to help take care of you.  Sissy has come down quite a bit from Memphis to fill in while I finished my rotation in the ER.  Then, your Aunt Emi came last week while I started my psychiatry rotation.  And now, Mommu is in route from Minnesota to take care of you next week!  I never would have thought you'd be three months old before going to daycare.

You amaze us daily, Clara.  I pinch myself to make sure this is all really happening.  

You're the best thing I've ever done. 

Period.