Final 6 month pictures

Here are just a few cute pictures from about a month ago. Grandmom Condon had bought her the little pop up animal toy, and she was very curious to see where the animals went after they were pushed down. She would turn the toy over and look underneath. She's one smart cookie!

Morning Routine

As our exiting routines from the apartment have gotten more complex with all of us trying to get out the door and Clara being so much more mobile now, we've taken to putting her in the bathroom with us while we get ready. Here we were getting ready to go to Church, and we gave her a toothbrush to keep her occupied. She loved the bristled end, and cleaned her two teeth in no time!

"What do I do with this?"

"Oh... it goes in my mouth."

"Is this right?"

"I've got it!"

Big Girl Bath

Clara is enjoying the water during her bath so much that the small sink top tub could no longer contain her splashing and wiggling. We tried her out in the full bath, and she had a great time, though she mostly wanted to stand up holding onto the side. I guess new tricks come with a few drawbacks.

"Wow... it's big in here!"

"In this tub, I actually get to hold the toy?"

"Sounds like a deal to me."

"But I'd rather stand up."

Daddy's Little Princess

Why I love my Daddy...

He rescues me from my crib in the morning.

He holds me as soon as he comes home from work.

He loves me and makes me laugh.

She's been Daddy's girl from the start.

Three weeks old

Final Swim of Summer

For my birthday on Saturday, we went to Sudley Club so we could go swimming with Clara once more before the end of the summer. She LOVES the water!!! She was splashing and putting her whole face in up to her hairline. Towards the end of the water time, I put her quickly under the water twice, and she came up both times without any fuss. She really enjoyed kicking her feet too! We tried to take some video, but something happened with the camera. Chris took these pictures just before we left. Hopefully, we'll be frequenting the local indoor pool this winter.

Crib Times

It's been a while since we've posted, but things have been busy. I went back to teaching on August 28, and my mom has been generously watching Clara during the day. She loves the time with her grandma and has been adjusting well. Clara is much more mobile now and very close to crawling. She loves to thrash around in her crib and play games. Apparently it's hilarious seeing mommy and daddy through wooden bars.

Mmmm... Good thing we have a flavorful crib!

She pulled herself to a standing position for the first time on Sept. 8

Grandma Pretz teaches her peek-a-boo during the day, so she's now an expert.

Meeting Alex

On August 15, we took a day trip to Jacki's house to visit with her, Tiffany, and baby Alex. Tiffany and I were pregnant at the same time and found a lot of support in going through that together, despite her move to Louisiana. This was our first time meeting her little boy Alex who is about 7 weeks older than Clara. They played so nicely together, and Clara was happy to watch all of Alex's tricks and mobility. He's quite a handsome little man and was all smiles and giggles.

Saying hi

Playtime

Ocean City Last Day

August 13 was our last day at the beach, our two year anniversary, and Clara's six month birthday. We went to the beach to attempt some family portraits. It was much hotter than previous days and a little too close to nap time. Thank goodness for Grandmom's shiny bracelet and for Clara's tolerance of sandy pacifiers - all of which saved the day. We finished the morning with a very nice lunch overlooking the bay.

with Mommy

with Daddy
Aunt Jen and Clara (chewing on the bracelet)

Grandmom settling Clara before more pictures

Clara wasn't going to give up her paci

Family by the water

Family by the dunes



Daddy, Grandmom, Clara, Mommy, Grandpop, Aunt Jen

Ocean City Day 3

We did spend another day at the beach, but here are a few pictures from our time around the condo in the mornings and evenings.

Quick snuggle with mom

Listening to Grandpop


Practicing standing



Isn't this why we all go to the beach?


Special moments with Grandmom

Bedtime snuggle with Aunt Jen

Not quite crawling, but getting ready

First time eating squash - no shirt required.

Ocean City Day 2

Our second day was our first beach day. It was amazing how we even made it to the sand considering the baby gear was added to the goods. The weather was perfect with sunny skies, mild temperatures and a very pleasant breeze. We tried to take Clara to put her toes in the water (of course hoping for those perfect first time in the ocean pictures), but Clara did not like the cold water temperature and was a little overwhelmed by the sand and rushing waves. She cried each time we put her feet in. It was a valiant attempt, but she spent most of the afternoon happily playing and sleeping in the shade of the tent.

First Day as a Beach Baby

Fun new toys from Grandmom


The ocean waves and warm sea air were perfect for a nap

Camp Clara

Ocean City Day 1

We all took a trip to Ocean City, New Jersey with Chris's family for our final summer vacation. It was Clara's first trip to the beach and seeing the ocean, but we spent our first day visiting with the Bisignano family in Avalon. Clara went swimming in their pool, and after watching mommy and daddy blowing bubbles in the water, she put her face in voluntarily! We were so proud and happy that she is a water baby. I guess dumping water on her head in the bath has paid off!

Watching Mommy

Trying on her own

Swimming with Daddy


Boogie Boarding will have to wait for next year


She just loved being in the water, and here she could stand on her own step