6-month old fogey

Our little Clara has just had her half birthday... she's 6 months old! Its hard to believe that that little tiny baby that came into our lives 6 months ago has turned into such a big vibrant girl. Intellectually I knew it was going to happen, but some things about baby Clara still surprise me.

I'm amazed at our much her voice has changed; from her tiny, new born wail to babbling all sorts of sounds. She occasionally likes to practice what I call her "Wecker voice". which is basically seeing how loud she can yell.

I wonder at her mobility. From the little, swaddled bundle who was content to be laid almost anywhere, I now have a very squirmy baby. her main mode of transportation is rolling, and she loves to be put on the floor within rolling distance of all of her toys.

I love her chubbiness. When Clara was born, she was at the smaller-end of the scale at 6 pounds 11 ounces. She had skinny little chicken legs. Now she is the epitome of a "Gerber" baby, with very chubby checks and thighs. She has taken to the new adventure of solid foods with much enthusiasm, so I don't think this is going to change anytime soon.

I'm elated by her sleep. She has changed from a newborn who would sleep anywhere, to a baby that thought any sleep was for the weak, to a baby that is able to sleep 12 hours at night without much help. Naps are another story, but I'm feeling optimistic.

I marvel at her curiosity. Like all newborns, Clara was content to be held and stare into space. Now she is intensely curious, especially about whatever I am doing: studying, cooking, writing, cleaning. She loves to play with her toys or anything else that is handy, and I think she could watch our dog, Scout, forever.

Her eyes. They were beautiful then, and they're beautiful now.