Summer fun

Believe it or not, Clara is now four months old! She seems to be learning new skills every day (recent ones include sitting up in her Bumbo, rolling over, laughing, and singing) and I am constantly amazed at how much of a little person she is, sharing opinions and affection, absorbing the world around her with wide eyes, and responding with skepticism, bemusement, and joy, in turn.

The Clara says: "You're Fired!"

Clara was not sure what to think about Erin (actually, she was thinking about lunch).

Chillin' with Reider.

And Tad.

Clara was delighted to meet Mrs. Richman, her friend and Alice in Wonderland benefactor, who has over time contributed most of the nursery decorations.

June brought us to Richland for First Cousin Once-removed Becky's wedding. Clara brought her date (in pink, with floppy ears), and partied down with her Paddy,

Uncle Porkchop,

Bam, (we will have pictures of Bam's big birthday bash up soon)

and Nana Pete.

The reception was held at the same location as ours was, which was special for Heather and me. (Does anyone recognize the park in the background without all the snow?)

Hiking at Rancho Penasquitos Preserve on Father's Day. Beware the headless hiker.

Bunny and a warm lap. It doesn't get much better than this.

Clara got her first real whiffs of fried "fill-in-the-blank" at the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar, earlyJuly. Somehow even the giant hamburger stand couldn't hold her attention.

Tummy time, and playing with Mom and Dad.

Look out, Ringo: Clara is now playing the drums (with a little help from her Dad) on her Tupperware drum kit.

The Gallopin' Fun Horsey Jumperoo is the latest addition to our family.

So there's the catch-up. We're having a lot of fun, trying not to get too stressed out, learning as we go, and celebrating the little things. Thanks for celebrating with us.

Clara's Daddy

This is my first posting as wife of Drew and mother of Clara. But as father's day was last month and Drew's birthday was just a couple of days ago I wanted to take a moment to celebrate my wonderful husband.

The picture you see above was taken in the delivery room just a few moments after Clara was born. For me it captures a bond between the two of them that has only grown over these past months. Fatherhood came naturally to Drew, as I suppose I knew it would. His ability to be strong for me, combined with his gentleness and general amazing go-with-the-flow attitude has made me so grateful, yet again, to be married to this wonderful man.

Some facts about Drew that you may or may not know: he is an expert diaper changer; he always got up with me for the middle of the night feedings (those are done now--thanks Clara!); he writes songs for Clara that (I think) could be recorded for "Wee Sing Silly Songs"; he has a wicked sense of humor; he is a great cook; after nearly five years of marriage he still brings me flowers just because; and he loves me well.

Happy Birthday, Andrew. Your wife and daughter love you lots.

Pictures from way back when

Thanks for going through the login process! As a special reward for your perseverance, here is a little collection of photos of Clara waking up in the morning. They are a throwback to the end of May, but think of them as "vintage" rather than "old." To remind yourself how much she has grown up in the last month, just have a glance at the previous post from Heather's defense. We have had a busy last month, so I'll add in some catch-up posts soon.

Hey- I'm awake!

Hi Mommy- You're funny!

Look- I'm a supermodel!

Don't tell Mom, but we might need a diaper change...

Yeah... definitely a diaper change...

Is it nap time again yet?

Guys, I'm getting pretty hungry- Can we put down the camera now so I can eat?