Clara's First Year

One year ago we brought this tiny babe into our home.

She started those first 3 months a MAJOR handful, with the worst scream I could imagine.  She cried everywhere we went, hated every baby device (carseat, swing, bouncy, wrap) and life was chaotic to say the least.

By 4 months she was a completely different baby.  So happy, full of smiles, calm & content.  We adored our "new" baby and couldn't get enough of her.

She started out quick to progress in her developments, rolling over at 1 month, and seeming interested in scooting at 5 months.  She was big and long for her age.  Thankfully she slowed down for us, and now we can't seem to get her interested in her next milestone--walking!  : )

 She's loved to eat from the beginning, and when she started table foods she would gladly eat anything in front of her.  Lately she's turned much more picky, and casually throws her unwanted food over the side of her highchair.

She LOVES people, especially other kids. She loves to smile at people and capture their attention and interest.  She also loves the outdoors.  She claps and bounces when we go outside.  She does not like the baby swing for more than a minute, but laughs when I swing with her on my lap.

About Clara at 1 Year:

Height: 29.5 in. (70th%)
Weight: 17 lbs. 14 oz. (25th%)

Favorites:
Food: Grapes, Cheese, Crackers.  Loves drinking ice water out of our glasses.
Book: Pat the Bunny
Toy: dolls, stuffed animals, Cozy Coupe
Lovie: Pacifier & Blankie

Teeth: Two on bottom and four on top, believe molars are coming in.  Has a horrible time with teething.  Has spent the last couple weeks feeling very sad, super clingy, not eating great, some diarrhea, low fever, etc.  I am wanting to wean her, but she is not interested in drinking cow's milk, maybe because of her poorer health.

Sleep: Two naps/day, about 2 hours in the morning (9-11ish) and 1 1/2+ hrs in the afternoon (2-4ish).  Sleeps 7-7 through the night. Loves her bed, very easy to put down.  While holding her I put her little blankie over my shoulder, stick a paci in her mouth, she rests her head on my shoulder, I sway for a minute, lay her down, she rolls over on her tummy with her bum in the air and doesn't make a peep!  Couldn't be any better!

Clothing size: 12 months
Diaper size: 3

Activity: Claps, waves, cruises, turns pages in books, says "Mama" and "Dada", points, nods

Personality: Clara has a very loving, friendly, and affectionate personality.  She gives big smiles and waves to all, and is a great hugger.  She's very curious, spunky, and mischievous, but also cautious and clingy when the mood strikes (the clingy mood has been strong the last couple weeks).  She has an infectious laugh, and loves to make others laugh with her.   When she's silly she throws her head back to do a dramatic laugh that shows all her teeth.  She hates hats, bibs, shoes, and any bows/headbands.  When she seems upset or overtired she yanks on her hair.  When I hold her she digs her nails into my chest.  She's offended when left in a room without me (unless it's to go to sleep).  Loves to babble and have conversations with you.

Clara is a tremendous blessing in our lives.  We love watching her grow, learn, and discover more every day.  This past year has had many challenges, as well as many joys.  While it's been an eventful ride, we're excited to see what's in store for Year Two!