The Mess Has Begun!

When her doctor told me she was ready for solids, I was shocked. She is only 5 months old (and a preemie!) and weighs 12 lbs, 6 oz! But, she's a preemie specialist and says Scarlet is ready to learn. Boy, is that the understatement of the year!

This is her after her first feeding in the high chair - she was so worn out, she actually konked over in between bites - without any warning! Her dad and I were talking, and looked back at her, and this is what we saw. (Notice how her feet aren't even remotely close to the "foot rest" HA!)
She can hold the spoon, but we have to do all of the feeding.

We were using the pacifier to teach her that she needs to swallow. I don't know if it really worked.

Here's Daddy.

The Christmas Show

We went to the Christmas Show at Candleight Pavilion. It was a really great show - lots of fun and dancing. But, it was alot more fun watching Scarlet really enjoy it.

Here we are with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

During the show, all the children were invited up, so here is her stage debut.

Here, she was following the tap dacing transformer doll. It was quite a sight to see!

Happy Thanksgiving

Scarlet in the big chair.
Kristen playing pool.

Happy Thanksgiving

The Vandegrifts and Andersons
Susan having a good time.

Shirley, Dad, and Katie looking at recipes.

Katie reading, Susan sleeping.

Ding-Dong - Who's there? Kristen, Blaine, and Katie.

Happy Thanksgiving

For Thanksgiving, we were at my parents' house, as usual. Here are some photos from our Turket Day.



Grandma Ruth relaxing in the chair.
Dad cleaning the kitchen.

Shirley, Jeff, and Mom hanging out in the kitchen.

Dean reclining.

Helen and Bud looking at photos from our trip to England and Scotland with Len.

Out and About

We went out to dinner at The Grapevine - a middle eastern restaurant. Good Lamb, but Scarlet was most interested in walking around (being carried, of course) and looking at all of their paintings. I think she would LOVE going to an art museum.

And here we are at Marie Callendar's.

Watching Charlie Brown

Here is Scarlet on Daddy's lap watching Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving.

Scarlet Watching TV

Scarlet has been desparately trying to sit up - and she has discovered the TV. So, we got her this booster chair (AND WE WATCH HER OF COURSE)... She loves watching her new Einstein videos. Only a little bit each day, though!

Mom's Group

This is my mom's group. We meet every Tuesday. We were only supposed to have group for 5 weeks, but we all begged to come back - so we get 5 more weeks... Thanks Pamela!

Here's our baby flower...

What cracks me up is even though Scarlet is the oldest of the group, she is still the smallest!

Duck Duck

This is my all time favorite picture of her. It was right after a bath and she is in her robe.

Happy Halloween

Scarlet and I went trick-or-treating at Bud and Helen's. I was a unicorn - and she had on an owl hat and her shirt said "Babies Gone Batty."

I can't believe it - but her Halloween outfit no longer fits her!

Finally in Her Crib

She has finally moved into her crib - and I think she loves it! We also have her in a pack 'n play while she is downstairs, so I think she is finally more comfortable in an open area for sleeping. We will have to put the cradle and basinet away soon.

And, last night, I can safely say she slept through the night - went to sleep about 10:30 pm and woke up at 6:15am. Let's hope she is setting a new trend.

Today at Parenting Preemies, we learned how to give our babies massages. Scarlet absolutely loved her legs and feet being rubbed, but not her tummy. She has been having an upset tummy lately, but I think it was because we needed to get her medicine refilled. We did today, and for the first time in a few days, she ate without spitting up. Yea!

Next week is the last week for Parenting Preemies, so I will be sad to see it go. However, they will start up again in January and we are welcome to visit any time we are able. I surely will!

I'm thinking about bringing her into my work soon. We shall see how that goes.

Photo Shoot in the Doctor's Office

Scarlet Has Reached My Birthweight

OUCH! All I have to say is - Sorry Mom, that had to hurt!!!