Getting good at eating solid foods

Over the last few months, Stella has been learning to eat solid foods and drink from her sippy cup. 

Her daycare feeds her solids every day so she has been getting lots of practice. She especially likes squash and carrots. 

She recently started trying a few table foods in addition to her regular baby food. Stella loves to try what mom and dad are eating. She tried some falafel and almond butter and couldn't get enough! Her true favorite is soup. She seems to really enjoy any soup from chicken noodle to lentil. 

She has gotten very good at drinking water from her sippy cup and likes holding it herself.

9 month checkup

On January 27th, Stella had her 9 month doctor's visit.

She now weighs 16lbs 9.9ozs and is 27.2" tall. The doctor said that she, like most babies had a slight dip in her weight chart trend but is starting to pick up speed again. 

She was glad to hear there was no shots this time but did have to get her finger pricked to give blood. All of her hemoglobin, lead, iron and CBC levels were perfect.

Her developmental milestones: pulling up to standing, sitting on her own, stranger anxiety and recognizing familiar faces; are also right on track. It's hard to believe her next checkup will be for 1 year!

Somebody was sitting up in her crib this morning!

For the first time, we found Stella sitting up and playing in her crib this morning. She just started doing this at daycare this week. Time to lower the crib before we have an escapee on our hands. 1/25/15

5:15am

Crawling update!

Last night Stella got on her hands & knees and looks ready to zip around the house. She hasn't quite got it yet but, she's very close. 

She is consulting Max on the best way to get around on all fours.

Nice day for a walk - 1/17/15

With the beautiful weather we had last weekend, we decided to take a walk. Stella enjoyed looking out over Dad's shoulders. 1/17/15

We found a new location in Oak Ridge, TN along the Clinch, River. 

All smiles for little buddy. The dogs were certainly excited to get out of the house.

Close to crawling

Stella has been getting more and more mobile over the last few weeks.

She's not quite crawling yet but has nearly perfected her wormlike scoot to reach toys. 

Although we are excited to see her learning to move and eventually crawl, we are enjoying the fact that she only plays in one spot for now.

Stella’s First Christmas

We got to celebrate Christmas several times throughout December. First with Grandma, Uncle Jim, Aunt Trish, Uncle Jason, and Aunt Jen in Gatlinburg.

Then again on Christmas Day with Nona and Old Daddy, O.D. for short.

We celebrated again the day after Christmas when Auntie Kari got in town with a big Christmas dinner. Stella really enjoyed herself!

Stella got her very own stocking, marked with an “S” so Santa will know its hers. Its also safe to say that 99% of the presents under the tree were for Stella.

That was quite a change for Max and Gus who used to get (and open) several presents. Max was happy helping his little sis open her presents.

Stella received many wonderful gifts: A look-a-like cabbage patch doll (it even has two baby teeth) from Auntie Jeannie and Uncle Ger; Her pink Santa pajamas and several toys from Grandma and Jen; Lots of clothes that she will quickly grow into from Nona and O.D.; and plenty of books in Spanish and English from Nuncle and Aunt Elise…just to name a few!