Andre and I decided to dip Clara in the pool tonight. It's nice and warm when the sun sets, shady in the pool and the water is getting warm. It's still cool but warm enough for her legs. When I put her legs in she was smiling up a storm so I handed her to daddy and she plopped herself right down, not scared at all. She loves her bath and showering with us, not minding the water unless she is getting her hair rinsed. The only reason she hates the rinse is because I have to sit her up and she doens't like to lay back down.
She splashed in the pool and loved it so I ran inside and got her some rubber ducks to play with. We let her sit and play a bit until we thought she might be getting cold which was only 10 to 15 minutes max. We can't wait until summer. We are going to try and make it down to Tiger and Al's this weekend for a little bit warmer water so we can play longer.
Tyler checking in on Clara. Love the pink sheets. All ready for baby girl Feger II. Can't wait! About a week away!
Shhhh....
Tyler at his day job.
The photo shoot wiped her out. Thanks Aunt Tiffy for taking pictures of me. You rock.
I love these pictures of the Feger Family. How Perfect.
And silly... This baby girl is going to make them complete! Look out boys, you have three brothers to get through first!
My students finished FCAT this week. There is still so much testing to do. These poor kids are tested to death by the county and the state. Makes me hate my job and them hate school. They worked very hard, I know my 3 months out didn't help but I still have high hopes for them. They are a great bunch. I surprised them with a pj/popcorn/movie/pizzaforlunch/boardgames/danceparty/recess day. An entire day of no learning and FUN. They loved it. So did I. They could finally relax and socialize together. Could we afford an entire day without learning, no, but oh well, life goes on.
These kids make going to work a little easier. I still hate leaving Clara. I hope they decide to loop with me for year three since I'm already dreading going back to work after summer and it hasn't even started yet. I know seeing their faces will help.
These next pictures are going to be ALL out of order. My Internet keeps crapping out and only some upload, wasting my time, driving me crazy...it's 8:30 and time for bed so I'll get what I can, sorry if bouncing around is confusing.
Daddy sending me pictures before he takes her to the babysitter.
This girl gets the massages these days! Little lady has her daddy's heart!
We went to the beach to play vball on Sunday. It's been since I was very pregnant since I've played, about 5 or 6 months I think. It was so much fun. Great exercise. The Crews, Fegers and us all came to the beach minus a few kids. We don't see each other enough anymore. Clara was a good little girl. Corrie watched her while daddy and I played. She behaved as usual. Sat and played with Corrie then slept in her car seat.
Brandi sent this pic of Gram at Easter. First, I miss her so much, she looks great. Second, I love Linny's house. I can see the tree all decorated for Easter. It makes me miss the Zimmerman house on the holidays and the delicious food I know she cooked. I can't wait to visit this summer. Thanks for sending this Bran!
Slicked back hair like dada after their shower.
Wednesdays with daddy. I love getting these pictures at work. I think she may be a daddy's girl! She craves his attention when he gets home from work and just lights up. She loves to interact with him, he is a playful perfect daddy. He is going to enjoy her more and more when she is able to play more and communicate.
One night after work I took Clara to the park for a walk and a swing. It's such nice weather. It's Seminole Lake Park, so many lakes and animals, it's beautiful. Miss my Merrissa, this was her spot. I can't wait for their return!
I took this video to send to Dada so he is reminded why projects are over after this back pool area is done. He is always doing project after project which I was fine with when it was us both and our quality time together. Now, I'm inside with Clara, or taking her to swing and walk and we miss daddy. Our back yard is now perfect, thanks to Andre so now it's time to relax. I don't want him to miss any moments and I know he doesn't either.
Back to the beach.
Thanks Corrie for watching Clara!
Getting so big.
Yes, daddy put my bib on backwards...but it's on!
We hung up a swing for Clara so I don't have to take her to the park. I have better pictures but need to find them. She loves it.
Some updates: Clara is loving sitting up all the time. When laid down, she uses her core to lift her legs and head, she can almost pull herself all the way up. It's crazy how strong she is. She rarely tips over when sitting up. She is sleeping "better" which means she wakes up once or twice...maybe three times and needs a tiny amount of help getting back to sleep. I don't pick her up, I give her her pacifier and if she can't get back to sleep after that I swaddle her loose and that seems to do the trick. We are trying a new soy formula this week, doing half and half with her usual formula so she adjusts to the taste. She is spitting up way less during the day but still quite a bit in the evening, the girl doesn't hold still, her food doesn't stand a chance at settling. New this week is the stiff arm. She pushes against Andre and I when we hold her, as if she is saying, "Put me down!" She is so antsy like she wants to be moving so bad. She is ready to be on the go!!
Lisa got Clara these glasses. I put them on her before and she just left them. I tried again this Saturday. She gave this blank look at first.
She was starting to like them here for a hot second.
Then into a BIG cry. She is very dramatic. She can make herself cry on the spot, but it's usually only when she is laid down and wants to sit up. The series of these three pics was maybe a span of 15 seconds. It was so funny I had to get a picture of her sad even though I hate her sad face. Too funny. Hopefully you can't see me laughing in the reflection of her glasses.
Today I walked away when Clara was sitting up. I've been by her side while sitting for about a week now. This past week she has shown great strength and stability. I'm nervous to leave her but she is so happy sitting. Today I just made sure there was nothing in her way when she fell and left her for a few short minutes while I grabbed laundry and put a few things away. She was still sitting and chatting away when I got back. When she falls over she shoots me a look as if she is wondering how to react. As bad as I want to reach and grab her quick when I see her go, I don't want to startle her or make her more nervous. So I let her fall and then giggle when she falls with an, "Oops," and then sit her back up. She has now gotten to the point where she just keeps playing after she falls, usually without any look of concern.
I also had to tell her, "No" today. She started blowing raspberries at the end of dinner. Which means carrots spraying everywhere. She looked at me like, "What did I do?" I didn't say it loud, I just reacted and she picked up on the change in my tone of voice. I don't think she's heard that tone in her life yet. She didn't do it again. We will see what the future holds. I'm not looking forward to having to say no on a regular basis once she is mobile and into everything. Hopefully we can baby-proof the house well and I can redirect her attention instead of no after no. Andre and I were looking around the living room, we have a lot of work to do before mobility begins!
Clara, Andre and I were invited to Mimi's today for lunch and to Tiffany's mom's too. I thought about asking dad and Alice if they were cooking, even if not, maybe spending the day with them. Then Andre and I decided we were pooped, and should just take the opportunity to relax at home. One of our favorite things to do that we don't do enough of. It's kind of a gloomy day, the sun has peeked out for moments here and there but not enough.
I was going to take Clara to the sunrise service with the Crews if she was up at her 5am time. She let us sleep until 7!! So we missed the service. We had prime rib with Lisa and family last night. It was SO delicious and hanging out with the kids, Mimi, Dave, and Ed is like hanging out with our family. They're so welcoming and they love to see Clara. I made an orange flavored cake for her half birthday yesterday. We sang happy birthday at 11:30 when we packed her up and she awoke. She ate a few fingers of icing.
We waited to take her 6 month pictures until today, anticipating better weather, some sun and good lighting in the house. She woke up with a rash on her right cheek, I have no clue from where. She also gouged her eye with her nail and has a cut above her right eye, AND somehow cut her lip. Needless to say she is a hot mess, and the sun is still not out so we'll get the pictures ASAP.
I did make Andre do some with me yesterday. Here is what we got so far, I hope to get some more. She is sitting up so well, and loved playing with the beads.
One of my favorites:
Love this!
ANOTHER fav! Love how she is holding the bunny and reaching for an egg.
Check out her bunny slips! One of my friends, Bonnie from work couldn't resist. I'll get a better pic of them!
Mommy really wanted Clara to sit with the Easter Bunny. I wanted to see her reaction So bad! The line was ridiculous and we were going to be way late for Lisa's, which she would understand but Andre was about to blow. Dang! Sorry Clara!
Dave and Mimi with Clara
Gabs and Britt, sweet sisters. Makes me miss mine, meaning all of them, not just the blood related ones!
I feel bad we didn't begin any tradition. I guess I'll take advantage of these years where we don't have to hide eggs, make a big meal, stuff baskets, put on our dresses, etc. I am very excited for that, Lisa still has an Easter Egg Hunt with the "kids" who range from 17 - 26. I love that. Andre and I can't wait until next year when Clara will be walking and searching for the eggs and Easter bunny! This year frozen pizza and movies sounds perfect! He even promised to go get Easter decorations on sale after the holiday so I can start decorating the house. :))))
This video was cut too short, Clara started breaking wind at the end and Daddy and I were cracking up, I thought he was still recording, dang!
Clara usually is able to sit up much longer than this, but when she loses her balance this is a great example of how it goes. She's such a good girl!
