Pretty Baby

Sorry for the long time between posts. This time I was not procrastinating. This time it was Blogger's fault. I tried to post twice earlier this week and both times the program refused to let me import/upload pictures. And really who likes to read, right?

Here are some pictures of Lucy hanging out in her Pampers. They should make up for all the text you'll be reading later on in this ridiculously long post.

Goose, Geese, Ducks, and Rabble-Rousers

Tuesday afteroon Lucy met up with a few friends at the park to feed the ducks and geese. She and I had a great time. The weather was perfect (high 70s, blue skies), and the wild animals seemed tame enough. L-R: Em, Mal, Jen, Preston, me, Lucy, Lacy, and Ethan.

The lake was small and kind of dirty, but we managed to get a decent photo op of the backs of our heads, the geese, and the doodoo stained cement. Ah, Spring...

Lucy's friend Ethan was kind enough to share his snacks with her. At first she just stared at it and turned it around in her hands.

Then, without any prompting she licked it. If I hadn't of taken it away I believe she would have gummed it to death. It's genetic, she's a natural eater.

We left the park after we ran out of bread. The geese didn't seem to understand this and chased us to our cars. I will admit, I was a little frightened. That scare worked up our appetites and Lacy, Ethan, Lucy, and I headed over to the golden arches. We stuffed our faces and they played. As we were leaving Lucy noticed a sign on the netting of the big toy. She whispered in my ear that it would be funny if we did what the sign said not to do. She's such a troublemaker and I am so easily coerced. Unfortunately for Charles and I, I believe that's genetic too.

Cereal, At Long Last!

This past Sunday, we broke down and finally started Lucy on cereal. It's not that we were ever opposed to her eating solids, but one: we weren't looking forward to the change in her poopoo, and two: Darn it, we're lazy. Well, it wasn't bad at all. In fact, it was kind of fun. Since then she's been eating it every night. She gets it down for the most part and actually seems to enjoy herself. Last night we tried green beans. It didn't go over too well. Rest assured if she's anything like her Mom or Dad she'll be eating everything in site (once she gets more teeth).

Lucy getting acquainted with the cereal.

Lucy unsure and apprehensive of what lies ahead.

Lucy after her first bite; definitely not enjoying it.

Lucy recoiling in fear of having to eat more. She's using her eyes and begging Dad to stop.

The torture continues...

Busy weekend

Grandma J and Lucy hanging out in our joint sitting room.

Aunt Peg and Goose. I'm not quite sure what they're both looking at.

We drove up to Des Moines this weekend for Chris and Holly's wedding. As a bonus we also met up with Grandma Judy and Aunt Peg. The wedding was absolutely beautiful, as was the reception, and the visit with Grandma J and Aunt Peg was so much fun that we have decided to "Spring Break" every year. We couldn't remember to take any pictures, so these are the only two we have from the whole weekend. As soon as Aunt Sue sends us the pictures she took we'll be sure to update this post.

Visit with Aunt Amy

Amy came up to Kansas City last week to visit with her favorite six month old. We had a good time hanging out at Oak Park Mall and then lunched at the always tasty Olive Garden.

Six Month Check-Up

Lucy had her six month check-up today for another round of immunizations as well as a flu shot. She is developing normally and appears to be in good health. The only concern we had was the small red spot on the crease of her neck. Apparently, my daughter developed a fungal infection from the excessive drooling that accompanied her new tooth. So, basically, she's got athlete's foot on her neck. I was a little grossed out until the doc reassured me they were quite common for babies. A simple topical ointment should clear her right up. Here are her six month stats: Head circumference-17 inches (75%), Length-27 inches (75%), and Weight-17 lbs, 10 oz (75%). Her growth has slowed down, but she is still quite healthy!

It's a Toof!

Our normally laid back girl was very fussy last night. She had a runny nose and felt feverish. After twenty minutes of crying, I thought "Hmm, maybe she's teething." I stuck my finger in her mouth and found the culprit. It was a sharp little tooth. Charles administered the baby Ambesol and Motrin, and in less than five minutes she was giggling and smiling. God bless modern medicine! The picture is a little out focus, but the little white mass on the bottom right is her tooth.

Poor Ted

Yesterday evening the temperature was in the low 60s, so I wrapped Lucy into her Moby, and she and I took Ted on a walk. It was so nice to be outdoors without a winter coat on. Ted had an extra spring in his step and didn't act like a wackadoodle when we came in for the night. I can't wait until the weather warms up for good.

Lucy loves Ted so much. Every time she sees him she squeals in delight. Poor Ted is so starved for attention that he'll patiently sit and let Lucy pet him. He doesn't even seem to mind Lucy's gentle "Love pats" or hair pulling, but as soon as he's had enough, he takes off running.

Lucy also loves to hug on Ted. I never realized how much bigger he is than her until I saw this picture. He looks huge! Right now he seems to be tolerating her at best. Ted used to be the "baby". Fortunately for us he quickly adapted to his new role as "boy/dog". Lucy has really matured our little man.

Piano Lessons

Charles and I were hoping to get Lucy into piano lessons early, we just didn't expect her to want to start this early. At least we'll know lessons will be affordable, if not cheap. If only her teacher was a little more qualified! I think Alison was teaching Lucy how to play "Chopsticks".

Easter Preview

Today, Vadsana and I went to the store (always a bad idea), and we got the girls matching Easter outfits. When we got back home, we had them try on their dresses. You know, just to make sure they fit. Well, they did and they all looked soooo adorable. I just had to take a picture. Ignore the tags, we didn't want to rip them off, just in case they had to be exchanged for different sizes. So, here is what they will look like on Easter Sunday, except maybe not so disheveled.

Lucy's dress came with bloomers to cover her diapers, cause a lady should never show her undies ; ) Maybe she should send Britney and La Lohan a pair... Here she is modeling her fancy pants. And just in case you can't see them well enough, the last two pictures should suffice.

Six Months Old Today!

Our little Goose is six months old today! I cannot believe how fast these last six months have flown. She is such a big girl now. She isn't crawling yet (thank goodness for me), but she sits up unassisted, rolls from side to side, and gibber-gabbers all day and night. She's riding in the baby seat of the shopping cart, and just yesterday sat in her stroller, facing out without her carseat installed. There's a whole new world from where she's sitting now. She is a people watcher and could beat anyone in a stare down. She is very content and mellow, and she's not a fan of loud noises. She loves to jump, and she loves to sing. Just a few days ago she really started perfecting her laugh. Mom and Dad were laughing about something, and she heard us and starting giggling. We laughed harder and she did too. It was funny. I wish we had it on video, but there is always time. All in all, the last six months have been wonderful and we have truly enjoyed watching her personality develop!

Family Visit

Lucy's Aunt Katie and Uncle Iain came to visit from Minnesota. Both were sweating profusely from the 40 degree weather on Sunday and Iain was considering wearing his 'out of season' bermuda shorts outside. Needless to say, Lucy turned on the charm and had them wrapped around her finger within 24 hours. She was so glad that they came down and is looking forward to seeing them again soon. Since Lucy hasn't had a b-m in a week, she had some lethal farts that caused her to get passed around frequently. I think she let one go right before this picture was taken.


After the photo shoot for the picture below, Lucy noted to her dad that Iain's biceps were 'considerably smaller' than her dad's and Iain seemed to suffer from bouts of weakness followed by moments of extreme wussiness. This is consistent with Charles' observation of Iain during childhood and basically up to this point. When probed of her thoughts of her Aunt Katie, Lucy noted that she was 'great' and is looking forward to spending more time with her. This interview was recorded during a diaper changing session but the recording was somehow misplaced and not available for reproduction.

Here is Lucy with Katie and the annoying toy Tad. Good thing Tad is about out of batteries and will not be getting recharged anytime soon. I will have to find a way to explain to Lucy that Tad made loud noises at inappropriate times and is now 'swimming with the fishes'. Maybe I should ask Lucy's Aunt Supavan (Suzanna Sue) since she is completing her PhD in psychology in a few months.


"Does this flower on my head make me look fat?"


Um....

Here is Lucy with her Grandpa. I guess there is a lot of competition for names and identities for grandparents given today's family structure...and the fact that we live in Missouri. When I was a kid, it was just Grandpa and Grandma - but now it is much more complicated. For example, there is Pa-Pa (pronounced paw-paw), O-Pa, G-money, Grandmaster Pa, The Dutch of Gramps, Grandizzle, and the like. Not to mention that we have gotten in the habit of giving close friends the moniker of 'Uncle' and 'Aunt'....but only if it is recriprocated. For instance, Lucy can call Shawn her Uncle Shawn, but only if his kids call me Uncle Charles. If it stops at any point, Lucy will need to be sent in for reprogramming...and if you don't have kids, you can forget about the title. But I digress - below is a picture of Lucy with her Grandpa Walter - which is not Lucy's 'best side' but still a good photo.

Centerfold

Lucy's wants to wish everyone a belated Happy Valentine's Day with these two shots. She's ready for her close up. Don't tell Dad!

Joann's, Valentine's Day Party

Saturday morning Lucy and I met Jen and Preston at Joann's. Jen and I were looking for fabric for drapes, as well as fabric for "crafty stuff". We decided to document the children's first trip to crafter's heaven with these pictures. Just for the record, they did not cruise through the store sitting next to each other. This was actually my first attempt at putting Lucy into the child's seat of the shopping cart. She did well and seemed really impressed with the view.



Grandma Penn and the girls came up to visit with Lucy this past Saturday night. She brought Lucy a Valentine's Day present, a stuffed animal. It looks a little creepy in the picture, but it talks and it's tail actually wags. Super Cute! We all watched Over the Hedge and had a really nice visit.

Lucy hosted this week's playgroup and threw an early Valentine's Day party for all of her friends. In the picture below Lucy had just received her first ever Valentine's day gift. Preston gave Lucy and Mallory stuffed animals for the big day. At this age it's okay that they're non-exclusive. I guess Preston's still playing the field. The more boyfriends/girlfriends the better! It looks as though Preston doesn't want to let go of the gift he gave Mal. She doesn't look too happy about it either!

Every time we have a themed playgroup we dress the kids accordingly and try to get a picture. I can't wait for the day they all sit still and smile at the same time. Still, they're all pretty gosh darn cute. Left to Right: Preston, Lucy, Mal, Ethan, Zach, Oliver.

Lucy and I had a busy day today. We had a party and then cleaned up. Immediately afterwards we started dinner. Lucy's new thing is to sit in the kitchen in her high chair and play while I cook. I set her in the chair and turned around to turn the stove on. I looked back to check on her, and she was passed out. Poor baby wore herself out playing today. She has never, ever fallen asleep sitting up. I thought she looked so sweet sleeping and holding her glo-worm's hand that I had to take these pictures. She is so cute I just wanna pinch those cheeks!

Des Moines and Table Stretching

Lucy and I went on our first road trip this Saturday. She and I along with Emily, Mallory, Amy, and Vadsana (in Vadsana's spacious Honda Odyssey) made the trek up to Des Moines, Iowa for Miss Holly's (see link) bridal shower. I have to admit, I was a little worried about how the ride would be, but to my surprise and delight, Lucy was a wonderful passenger. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures from the trip, but we'll be headed up there in a few weeks for the wedding and we can get plenty of pictures then. Holly's sister, Amy and friend, Andrea planned a super-nice shower. We had a great time and were sooooo jealous of all of the cool gifts that Holly received!

These are the only new pictures that I've taken in the last week. With all of the sickness running rampant, I have not felt like being much of a photographer. The first is of Lucy in her exersaucer. She is the happiest baby; I think it is because she is so well fed, hence the double chin. The other two are of her playing on her changing table. Ever since she discovered her feet, she thinks that she is some kind of gymnast/contortionist. At least she knows how to get a good hamstring stretch in.