Gobble, gobble

A whole family of pumpkins. We got them for free! I'm the little one.

I have lots to be thankful for this year. Well, of course, there's the whole "being born" back in February ... that was nice. :) I also have wonderful parents that love me very much, a great extended family that doesn't hesitate to spoil me everytime they visit, fun friends that make me laugh and from whom I learn from everytime we play, caring teachers that take good care of me during the week, a beautiful home that keeps me warm and safe, and good health of both mind and body. What else could a girl ask for?

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Gobble, gobble.

We celebrated Thanksgiving Day with some of Daddy and Mommy's work friends. They came over to eat lots of food and watch some football. I got to eat a little bit of just about everything, too! I am DEFINITELY not doing any of that bland baby stuff anymore when big people food is so good.

Sridevi lets me climb on the counters. We had so much fun, we forgot to take more pictures!

On Saturday, we went to T's wedding reception; she works with Daddy. She wore a pretty dress that was shiny and bright, and I couldn't stop staring. I wasn't scared of anyone and went from person to person so that they could cuddle and hug me all they wanted.

Pretty T. Congratulations!

Even the babies like to hold the babies!

Between trying new foods, watching movies (btw, "Cars" is great!), staying up late every night, going on los of walks, and just hanging out with Mommy and Daddy, this 4-day weekend sure was fun. I can't wait to do it again in a few weeks when we celebrate Christmas!

If you come visit me, we can play peek-a-boo! But this time I get to boo.

I guess that wraps up November. Hard to believe this year is almost up! I know it took us awhile to get my November album up, but it's there now and chock full of pictures. I'll see you in December!

I do believe it's snowing on me. I hope the real thing is better than this.

The Holidays Are Coming!

It's not even Thanksgiving yet, but Christmas is already here! Actually, I think Christmas arrived a couple of hours before Halloween was even over if you base it on when the stores started getting rid of the orange and black and changing to red and green decorations. No exceptions in our house ... Mommy has gotten in the full swing of things, too! Our Christmas tree has been up for almost two weeks now, but mostly because Mommy wanted to use it for our Christmas cards that she ordered this week (look for them in the mail, but knowing Mommy, you may not see them until New Year ... maybe Chinese New Year ... maybe Christmas of NEXT year ... so don't hold your breath). The card is going at the top of our Christmas card tree -- sorry Clerkin girls -- but she wanted to make sure it was deserving of its place. Hope you enjoy!

Various outtakes that did not make it on to the card ...

Another big part of the holidays is a visit to Santa. Mommy has been looking forward to taking me even PRE-me when she first found out she was pregnant. And ever since she joined her playgroup, she had this vision of all the babies visiting Santa together. Well, the playgroup went together just as she planned, but we weren't able to go since Mommy had to work, so she and Daddy took me to Santa the next weekend. I was in a weird mood that day, so I didn't really laugh ... but at least I didn't cry, either! I did, however, get a big kick out of checking myself out in my picture after I got home. :)

Me and Santa. My shirt says "Elf Sized".

School is going well. My teachers are fun, and my best friend is Sofia. I haven't been sick nearly as much as I was before, but I do have a perpetual runny nose. I hear that it's pretty much expected between the months of October and March. Blech. But I can guarantee you, if I even see Mommy or Daddy holding a Kleenex, I'm outta there!

Trying to run away from the Kleenex. Can you see the shiny snot?

Pouty after the wiping

I'm very much enjoying eating grown-up food. I like it best when Mommy and Daddy just hand me something to gnaw at instead of trying to feed me. The next thing I need to master, though, is the whole cup thing. For some reason, I usually end up drenched and thirsty! Luckily I can always depend on that trusty straw.

A slight drinking problem. It goes in, but sometimes it comes back out.

This week is Thanksgiving which is exciting because Mommy and Daddy will be home with me for four whole days! I'm doubtful that they'll take me shopping on Black Friday, but I'm sure we'll find ways to have fun. As always, more pictures are in my November album (including the ones Mommy thinks are hilarious and on her blog) and will continue to be added throughout the month, so check it often!

Fall Festivities (Finally!)

Sorry it's taken me so long to post! Things have been a little crazy here. As promised, here were my many fall festivities ...

Woman, what is it with you and taking pictures of me eating bananas?!

With the weather so nice, all of us (snotty-nosed, drooly) babies have been meeting at the lake for our playgroup. Living in Texas, there's really only about 2 months during the year you can really do this, so our mommies have been taking advantage of it as much as possible!

Me and Logan

All the Camelot Cuties mommies got together and threw us a Halloween party! It was tons of fun with lots of my playfriends there that I haven't seen in a long time. I hope that it becomes a tradition. I got to wear my costume for the first time ... I was a ladybug. I didn't want to wear my antennaes though, so Mommy gave me my own antennaes instead.

So when you call my "pumpkin", what are you saying exactly?

Sofia and I playing. You should see the trouble we get in at school!

Juliet and I sharing a snack.

Daddy and Mommy went on a quest to find me the starter swings that we knew existed in the neighborhood. They're just down the street from us. Yay!

Doh

Next on the social calendar was Emily's Pumpkin Carving Party. Mommy was sooo impressed by all the decorations and creative foods; she keeps saying that she's going to throw a party like that someday, too. We'll see. I have a feeling we'll just be going to Emily's party each year instead. :) Since I was too little to carve, I got to play with lots of Emily's toys.

Vrooom, vroom

The next week, Mommy and I had a special day out at the Arboretum. We met up with Abby and her mommy to enjoy the Mommy and Me activities. We had tons of fun!

Abby and Me

Picking a nice flower

To eat, of course

Finally, it was actually Halloween! Mommy and I passed out candy to all the kids (well, I held out the candy, but I didn't always want to let go), and Daddy let me try a lollipop ... mmm, it was good!

Franken-fish

My first Halloween is over; I hear Christmas is fun, too!

Later that weekend, Mommy and I met up with Kaylie and her mommy for lunch and to play at the playground. We had tons of fun climbing and racing through the tubes together. We must get together more often!

On your mark, get set, go!

Giggling together

So, that's it! Well, the short version, anyways. There were so many pictures, I updated not only my own October photo album but even created separate albums for the Cuties' Halloween Party, the Bauer Pumpkin Carving Party, and my lunch with Kaylie!

9-Month Check-Up

I know, I know, I know ... I owe you pictures and updates from Halloween and all my fun Fall activities. Soon, soon, I promise! Quickly, though, I went to my 9-month well-baby check-up today. Results:

• Height: 27.5 inches (55%)
• Weight: 18 lbs, 10.5 oz (55%)
• Head: 17.25 (50%)

I never thought I'd be just average, but it looks like I'm right there in the middle. Mommy knew that I was thinning out; must be all that exercise from crawling and pulling up! Don't worry, though, I still have the Michelin arms and chubby thighs. The doctor said that I'm happy, well-adjusted, and doing great!