What happens when....

...the almost-four-year-old is in charge of hanging ornaments.

Well, baby...

...it's been six months. That means you got a whole bunch of shots today. We're also not telling you that we're taking you back next week to finish up with a double flu shot... but it's all because we love you.

Claire's six month well-baby check up was today, and although she is small she is healthy enough that she kicked me (sometimes in the face) during the physical exam. She also tried to grab anything that was attached to Dr. Johnson, including the odoscope and his face. He said she is right on as far as her motor skills, social development, etc. So far, so good.

(harrassing her older brother-- she really, really wanted that fire hat!)

Height: 27 inches (90th percentile)

Weight: 15 lbs. 9 oz. (10th percentile)

Today I am thankful for... (day 10)

Today I am thankful for parents -- both mine and Alan's -- who are still so supportive, willing to help when we need it, and involved in our daily lives. We love you and our kids love you. We are starting to understand where you were coming from for all those years.

I've gotten a little behind on this. It's been a busy few days. But I am still as thankful today as I have been for the past two days.

Seriously -- Six months?!

Likes: chewing on stuff, grabbing her toes, grabbing in general, wiggling around, throwing herself backward (especially in a Bumbo or walker to make it move), talking, being tickled, being tossed, reading and chewing on books, chewing on her index and middle fingers, eating, snuggling into her Piglet blanket to sleep (more on that later, I think it's a mom's worst nightmare in the SIDS era), snuggling at all, kicking her long legs, the ladybug that used to hang from the carseat handle, rattles, "lovies", sneezing, listening to music, Samson and his whole-face kisses

Dislikes: being more than arm's length away from someone, being hung upside down by her feet, being in her carseat, having her nose wiped or "sucked"

Claire is growing fast, but is still so tiny. (Case in point: in the picture above she's wearing 0-3 month pants with room to grow, but not length!) I might have to buy her a new carseat not because of weight but because of length. She is doing well sitting up on her own, but tips over frequently just because she squirms so much. She laughs almost constantly when the boys are around to tickle her and is starting to enjoy more physical playing, like being tossed in the air. She babbles and coos, and likes to "sing" while she eats which makes for a long mealtime. She has also started on solids, and is loving oatmeal, bananas, and pears so far.

Today, I am Thankful for... (day seven)

Today I am thankful for a warm house to stay inside of while the stupid snow is out to play, and excited to start some fun "first snow" traditions with Mason. I really hate the snow, so I'm trying hard to find a way to make it fun. I would like to avoid ruining his view of a winter wonderland, because he is so very excited to go build a snowman.

I would be extra thankful if he would stop the tantrum throwing so we can have some fun. If he does, I will be back to post some cake pictures on the food blog later today. Also, I have finally finished one of the projects I wanted to do for Claire's room, so maybe I'll get pictures of that up as well.

Today I am thankful for... (day six)

Today I am thankful to be the mom of a sweet, beautiful daughter who loves to sing while I'm trying to feed her, enjoys being rocked to sleep, and grabs my shirt so tightly during either activity that she is always attached to me (no need for a sling at our house).

I also love watching her adore her brother and dad. She has always been quick to give them a big smile, bu she's starting to not mind when they play a little rough with her. Beyond that, she loves it enough that the little giggle she gives is infectious.

I'm grateful we decided to have another baby. She completed our family in a really fantastic way and I'm so excited for the opportunity to watch her grow, to get to know her better, and to be her mama.