no no, ma ma...

Claire's latest trick is that she has learned to shake her head in the "no" motion. It's so cute to watch. I'll be going down the grocery store isle and she will randomly be telling the banana's "no no". Not that she understands what she is doing, but it is hilarious all the same. She has already started to say "ma ma", "ba ba" and you've heard about "da da". Again, she doesn't understand what she's really saying, just trying to grow up way too fast. I can picture the day when she is randomly shaking her head "no" and saying "ma ma" at the same time. I think I'll have a heart attack!

Her baby signing is starting to come along. She knows the sign for food, milk and all done. So, when ever I sign food to her, she immediately starts opening and closing her mouth (and sometimes squawking) until I put food in her mouth. When ever I sign milk, she sucks her thumb (pacifiers have NOT worked with her to get her to stop thumb sucking---any suggestions, mothers?). And when I sign all done, she puts her hands in the air as if waiting to be put down.

As of a few months ago, we realized that she favors her left hand. So, to all you south paws out there, get ready for a new one. I'm sure Grampa Sorensen and Kathleen will be excited to have another one on their side.

biting...

Not that Claire has teeth yet, because this seven month old does NOT, but she still bites me when I nurse!

STOP IT, CHILD! That hurts!

I have noticed no difference when I ask her to stop, stop nursing her for a minute to show her I mean business, or tap her mouth to indicate that I mean it's her little mouth that needs to stop doing what it's doing. Mothers out there: WHAT ON EARTH SHOULD I TRY!? And I am grateful she doesn't have teeth for this reason alone!

A note to the future Claire that reads this: I love you dearly, little one, but you will understand better when you're a mommy.

note on hubbies...

I have the best one ever. and no, no one can argue with me on this. He is after all, mine. There are no substitutions or refunds (thank goodness). I came home yesterday from an overly long week to find a clean house, a mostly made bed (10 notches above hubby's standard---he hates to make the bed!) and this:






who could ask for anything more? (make sure you sing that when you read it!)

claire's fine motor skills

It's so crazy to me to watch this little monster develop! She should not be old enough to pick things up and put them in her mouth. It's like watching my life pass before my eyes. i can already see her walking and chasing boys! Watch out Mandee, she'll give you a run for you money with all the boys! Mostly because she is allowed to kiss whomever is willing to take them (well, except for the germaphobic mother might have a few issues every now and then...te he). Nick got her to kiss him for the first time the other day. It was so sweet to see him get excited about it.

'nuff said...