Talents and Tricks of a Five-Month-Old

While it sounds so cliche, I'll still say it: Anna is changing fast. It is twilight-zone-amazing how quickly she is growing up. These last four weeks have been full of "firsts." This mama can hardly keep up.

Most every time she sneezes, she smiles now. I think it's funny that she thinks it funny.

Just this weekend, Anna started screaming. Oh no, not to be upset or throw a fit. Just screaming like talking. It's startling, and I cannot believe she hasn't lost her voice yet.

A not-so-fun favorite was the fever situation. Just a couple weeks back, she ran a temperature for three days. The doc wanted to see her to rule out an ear infection. Thankfully, she was clear of that. Who knows? The doc said it was, wait for it . . . . "viral unspecified."

But my favorite is just to watch her growing in happiness and contentment. Now, that's not to say she was once unhappy and content. It's just that as she gets older, she's more demonstrative with her emotions, etc. And it is a blessing to me to see her completely relaxed and happy playing at home. There's no other place she'd rather be or anything she'd rather do than play with mama and daddy.

Look who can roll over BOTH ways now!

Playing in her walker is a new fun activity. Just over the weekend, she started scooting around. Watch out, she'll be jetting around the family room before long!

But her FAVORITE place to play is the excersaucer. And she still loves the mirror. :-)

Her first fashion pig tails moment. It's a good look for her; don't you think?

In other Youree news, poor Bryan has been working, working, working. Thankfully, this is the last week of the awful stretch. He'll actually get two weekends off in a row--a miracle!

And praise the Lord, we got rain!!!! While my plants are beyond saving, I am soooo happy for the rain. Now, only 15 more inches to go and we'll be outta this drought.

Hodge Podge: Kicks, Laughs, and Cousins

You'll be happy to know we've been doing lots of filming these last 30 days; however, as you'd expect, we haven't been very good at posting to the blog. Er, I should say, that I haven't been very prompt at posting. Bryan is innocent of all charges.

A la a few Anna videos to whet your appetite. Fair warning: She's changing at fast rates.

Just last week, Anna started turbo kicking. She can't get enough of it, especially when dangling toys are around. She had been sitting up (yes, she can do that now), but tumbled backward. And this is what ensued. Bryan took a could clips trying get the full fury on tape.

Baby laughter is more often heard in this house now. Nothing gets Anna's giggle box going like some good old fashioned "rough housing." Notice in this clip, though, how she keeps turning to the camera. I can already hear it now, "Watch me. Watch me." Teehee.

The Thompsons came for a visit in July. It was super watching the cousins play together. Garison, Gunnar, and Gracyn were great entertainment for Anna. They can babysit anytime!

Hotter than . . . .

When you turn on the local news, what's the top story? This horribly hot summer we are having. Today marks the 40th straight day of triple digit weather. On Saturday, we will break the record for the longest streak of consecutive triple digit temps. And the 7-day forecast is showing no relief. And did I mention the drought? I can't remember when we last had rain, but I know it was at least 60 days ago. At least. The garden is fried. Most of our plants are looking rough, if not already crispy. If it wasn't for the sprinkler system, we'd be up in flames.

In other--and more pleasant--news . . . .

Monday marked our last post-placement visit, meaning we are only a court hearing away from Anna Zane becoming "officially" ours. Whoo-hoo. Come on, September 8th!

We also had the pleasure of hosting our niece Baylee for a week. I'm proud to report I tested her shopping stamina. She's 14, which is saying a lot. Good to know I've still got it. (Teehee.)

Rangers game with Baylee! (I'm not quite sure why this photo is so small.) We lost 3-0, but it was fun nonetheless. We got the bright idea to eat ice cream in 100-degree weather. Can we say "melted-by-the-time-we-got-to-our-seats"?

Ah yes, the cousins in a photo shoot. Such pretty girls, right?

And just a side note: Baby clothes with ruffles look really cute on the hanger at the store. But when you wash, and then have to iron . . . ugh, no.