Thanksgiving

Rachel had a wonderful first Thanksgiving at the Fergusons' in Mandeville!  We had a relaxing time with family.  We also got to celebrate Richard's wedding, which was a lot of fun (although it made the holiday a bit busier than usual).

Rachel also got her first Christmas present from her Tante Angela because Angela will be spending Christmas in Birmingham this year.  It did not take Rachel long to catch on to the fact that she should grab at the things wrapped in pretty bags and paper (or maybe she just wanted the bags and paper).  She enjoyed her own gift and helped Oma open hers.

She spent lots of time with her Opa - she always thinks he is funny and gives him the biggest smiles all the time.

She also spent a lot of quality time with her Oma.  Rachel even took a few small steps (backward) with the help of her Oma.

We will have more pictures of Richard and Dana's wedding to come...here they are opening some gifts from Grandpa Steve and Sylvia.

Rachel topped off Thanksgiving day with her first piano lesson from Angela.

More Eating, More Zoo and More Miller Outdoor

Rachel has been expanding what she eats these days.  She has worked her way up to feeding herself little puffs.  She still has some work to do on her skills, but she enjoys it and sometimes even manages to get them in her mouth.

 

 

We have also had fun lately going to the zoo and taking Rachel to see ABBA Mania at Miller Outdoor. (OK - really it was Wes who wanted to see the ABBA tribute but he said it was for Rachel).

 

 

 

Rachel has also been diligently practicing her yoga poses and is proud to say that she has mastered the plank pose.

Independent Baby

So, the baby books say that if your baby grabs for the spoon when you are feeding her, then you should get another spoon out for her to hold.  The theory is that the baby will be satisfied with an empty spoon to hold and will no longer grab for the feeding spoon.  Alas, this approach does not work with Rachel.  She wants to hold the spoon with food on it.  Our attempt at the extra spoon technique resulted in Rachel feeding herself with two spoons. 

 

 

 

 

Sutherland Family Visit

On Saturday, Dave, Myra, Travis, Dawn, Bryan and Jessica all came to Houston for a visit.  It was great to see everyone!  We had a good time watching football, eating out and playing some Rock Band.  Rachel loved all of the attention she got from everyone.

Watching football - Rachel could not be distracted from seeing how the game was going to look at the camera

Out to dinner

Rock Band

Rachel as the center of attention (and loving it)

 

 

Six Months

I know I say this every month, but I can't believe how quickly the time is flying by.  Rachel is already six months old. She has been getting better at scooting around on her blanket to get toys.  She also loves to eat - carrots and rice cereal are her current favorites.

Here are her official 6 month stats:

Weight  14lb 11.75oz  25th percentile
Height    26 inches   65th percentile

Here are a few recent pictures of Rachel eating.  She even likes to try to feed herself - she can pretty much get the spoon in her mouth and can sort of hold the bottle, but she still needs a lot of help.

 

 

 

Here is a recent one from bath time, which Rachel is hating less every time.

I am throwing in a couple of final pictures of Rachel in her costume from the fall festival at church. She loves to be in the swing.