9 months now

Chiara is now 9 months...8 months went by fast! We've been so busy with the new school year it passed us by! She stands up on things, is cutting an upper front tooth and claps her hands. There is a pic of the pumpkin and cantaloupe we grew. The pic of us 3 is from my mom's memorial.

Chiara at 7 months and Summer projects

Chiara is now 7 months old. She is still as happy as ever and very talkative (baby talk). She says "dadada" and what sounds like "hi". She continues to bring so much joy and is our sunshine. We also had our first photo shoot as a family. I was in a wedding and got to see some friends from college. We finally got to meet Charlee Paige and we had Chiara baptized with her cousin.

We have undertaken a number of projects this summer. Marc painted the kitchen and cabinets and put in new hardware to update its look. I sewed throw pillows and painted frames for Chiara's room that hold her sonograms.

Our garden has grown tremendously and we are having fun eating from it! We look forward to when our pumpkins are ready and are going to be planting winter squash and zucchini in the Fall. Right now we are growing more herbs from seed and waiting for our asparagus to be edible.

It's time to be starting the new school year and God has provided us a baby sitter for when I go back to work part time. We are thankful for that! Enjoy all of the photos.

Logan and Charlee attended Chiara's baptism.



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Before and after of our garden, the frames I painted...I don't have a before of the kitchen it seems.

In Loving Memory of My Mom

1 Thessalonians 4:13 (The Message)
13-14And regarding the question, friends, that has come up about what happens to those already dead and buried, we don't want you in the dark any longer. First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus.




November 12, 1955-June 20, 2011

5 months...and number 6 is almost here!

Chiara is almost 6 months old! Here are a few pictures of the past month. She has just started her rice cereal and as you can see her first try brought out hilarious expressions! She is the happiest most playful baby! She laughs and smiles all the time and is brings so much joy to our lives.
We also planted a vegetable garden this month and its taking off like crazy! I'll post some pictures of that later this summer. I hope we get edible yummy veggies for the summer. Thank you for those of you who have been praying for us!

Time to Reflect

Today I have been struck with a new sense of gratitude and awe. Chiara has become more responsive and laughs freely. She can almost roll over, if it wasn't for not being able to get her arm out from under her she would. Lately, she will just stare and smile at me as I talk to her or when she's nursing. I often tell her how much I love her and that God has a great plan for her life. I tell her what a blessing she is how thankful I am for her. It's hard for me not to tear up when I think about having to leave her with a sitter a couple days a week when I go back to work half time in August. Please pray for us in that regard.
Here are some photos of her with her new friend Logan. We went to Palm Springs for a quick visit on Friday while Marc was home for Spring Break. We visited the Stahl's and Logan will be her new friend by proxy :)and as of right now, Marc said he is the only boy she is allowed to date in the future...
A grateful heart prepares the way for the LORD. Until next blog.

Pictures

Her hair stands up on its own...I've tried everything to keep it down...we just accept it as part of her cute little character. She will be 4 months March 22

Updates in our life

This past month has gone by quickly and has been very full. I am currently taking an online course that is required for all Sped teachers with my specific credential (thanks a lot Schwartzenegger!). I'm taking advantage of my time on leave to get it done. Poor Marc has been battling sickness for the last 2 weeks and had to run to the Urgent Care last weekend for antibiotics. Long work days and little rest are most likely the culprits.
Currently, Chiara's favorite past time is sucking on her hands and gagging herself in the process. She is very vocal lately and it seems her only volume is loud. She has become extra clingy recently and wants me to hold her and if she is not being held I have to entertain her. As a result my back aches and I don't feel like talking much when Marc gets home :)She is super attentive now when I read to her. She listens and stares at the pictures and words which has been very fun for me. Needless to say I have to get more books! Pictures will be uploaded as soon as we can.