I didn't buy Clara a costume since she goes to bed so early - too early to trick or treat - and we didn't have any other Halloween plans. Of course this horrified everyone else, so my mom got her a pumpkin tracksuit (sorry mom, no pics, but it was cute!) and my friend Pamela got her some fairy wings and a pink tutu. Behold, our sassy fairy/kitty/princess:
Our sweet girl turned 9 months old today, and celebrated with kindermusik and chik-fil-a [deconstructed grilled chicken sandwich] with dada :)
She is such a blast these days. Eating everything in sight, even weird stuff like feta, pesto and balsamic vinegar. Very close to walking. Still only saying dada (all the time... see below). Playing independently, which makes me both proud and sad - my baby is almost a toddler.
She now loves to sit in your lap and read books, especially Baby Einstein "Violet Sees - Birds and Nests." Her favorite toys range from a silver rattle, which she drags all over the house, to the Wii controllers/TV remote, to her stuffed Clifford.
I can entertain myself now, Mommy
Her first two teeth came through (together) about a week ago. It was no big deal other than her having a bad runny nose. She goes to the doctor in a couple of weeks for her 9-month checkup and I'll update with her stats then. She's wearing 12-18 months in Carter's and size 3 Pampers.
check out my chompers
She's just figured out how to take off loose pants when she's tired of being in her crib (a hilarious rebellion), and won't tolerate socks. She's learning how to "pet not pull" the pets' fur, and reportedly is now "petting" other babies' hair in her music class.
Finally, Grandma Swafford has requested some videos of Clara's vocalizations, so here you go :)
Clara is about to turn 9 months old and is doing all kinds of awesome stuff (and has two teeth!)... I'll do a substantive update later this week. For now, hope you enjoy these recent pics :)
blocks, toy car? no thanks.
I'd rather play with my carrier's strap.
why don't you get lost Mommy so I can pull this lamp down?
who, me?
Daddy they are having some good sales on milk and toys today...
she was born in January, I wrote the birth story in July, and finally added a couple of pictures and posted it (as a page - see above) in October! also see the new page about our breastfeeding experience, if you're interested.
one year ago today, this was (a very flexible) Clara:
scott said the other night "who knew having a baby would be so awesome?" truthfully, even though we badly wanted a baby for so long, we had no idea it would be so awesome. some snapshots of our sassy girl today:
cramming apples and cheese in her mouth like they're going out of style
I want to smile but my mouth is full...
who are you calling chipmunk cheeks?
I like spending mommy's money...
and tearing up daddy's exercise book
why do they call this a cat door? it's just my size! bye bye!
