Exersaucer

I've been without my camera for a week or so. Since I know that the only reason most people check out our blog is to see pictures of Claire, I haven't updated in a while :) Since my last post, Claire has gotten another new toy--an "exersaucer"--that she loves. It's a great way for her to be occupied while I do chores around the house. There's lots of things to keep her entertained and stimulated. The first time we put her in it, she laughed and squealed. It was great! Enjoy the pictures!

Her toes barely touch the bottom!

The Patio and Claire's Tent

Tonight we decided to enjoy the nice weather and dine out on our new patio. We grilled pork chops and enjoyed the evening air. Claire got a chance to try out her new tent. It's great!! She loved it. It has netting on 3 of the 4 sides so she gets plenty of air, can see us, but isn't bitten by bugs. There is a really thick pad underneath so she can roll around as much as she likes. We put a few toys in there with her, but she was so excited to be outside, she just looked around and studied everything. It was so nice to be able to enjoy this evening as a family and not worry about Claire being comfortable and safe. We will definitely be using the tent a lot this fall and in the future!Claire enjoyed being part of our dinner discussion

She loved kicking the sides

She rolled and rolled!

Sunday Fun!

This past Sunday we began a new tradition--family lunch at our house after church. I cooked a roast with potatoes and carrots (like Mamaw used to make only not as yummy), rice, salad, and pineapple casserole. We had such a fun time sitting around the table, talking and enjoying being together. Unfortunately, Lee was a bit under the weather and wasn't able to enjoy things quite as much as the rest of us. Of course, Claire was the center of attention and wore herself out being cute. She and her Papa decided to take a nap on the couch. They were both out like lights as soon as they settled in. It was adorable! I'm looking forward to many more fun Sunday afternoons like this one!

Claire and Papa napping on the sofa

Happy 5 Month Birthday!!

Well, Claire turned 5 months old on Thursday, September 11. She asked to dress in her patriotic onesie for the occasion. We took her traditional crib and duckie picture. She hardly fits sideways in her crib now! And she is now longer and bigger than her duck. She has changed so much in so many ways, I can hardly believe it. She has learned to smile, laugh, roll, play with her toys, and grab things. She has brought so much happiness into my life. I never imagined being a mother would be this wonderful. It's like nothing I've ever experienced and so much more than I dreamed. She is my whole life.

Roly Poly

Claire has really gotten good at rolling around. I put her down on her pink blanket in the living room and she rolls, and rolls, and rolls. It takes no time for her to completely roll from one end of the blanket to the other and then onto the carpet. I've started putting different toys down and she will roll towards them and grab them to play. She is so smart!!

She also loves to talk and sing while she rolls. Some of our best conversations happen while she's rolling. I know it sounds crazy, but I'm sure she said Mama yesterday!!!!!!!! She stares so intently at my mouth as I say it and she moves her mouth the same way. Then it comes out!! She probably has no idea what she's doing, but it sure made my heart skip a beat :)

Happy 60th Birthday!!

Wednesday, September 3rd was my mom's 60th birthday. Since she is always telling us to 'not buy her anything', I decided to take her seriously!! The only item on her birthday list, year after year, is time with her family. So, Claire and I took her out for a girls' day. We invited 'Auntie G' to come, too, so all the Bell girls were together. We had lunch at the OK Cafe and then visited the Titanic exhibit at the GA Aquarium. It was such a fun day! We even had a group picture taken at the 'grand staircase' outside the exhibit. Mom and Gretchen had not seen the aquarium yet, so they enjoyed seeing the whale sharks and penguins. Claire even asked to have her picture taken in the penguin exhibit. She's such an adventurer! All-in-all, it was a great day. I can't wait for Mom's 61st!

Grandmommy and Claire sitting at the Aquarium

Claire checking out the penguins, just like her daddy did :)

Mommy and Claire getting ready for the day's adventure

It's Saturday Afternoon in Athens...

The beginning of football season is here!! Since Lee and I decided to forgo UGA season tickets this year (of course Claire had nothing to do with it), we are going to try to make each game an event--even if we're in our own living room. For the season opener, Georgia played Georgia Southern. We ordered the game on pay-per-view and invited friends and family over to watch with us. Lee broke in the new patio and grill and we had a fun afternoon watching the dawgs. Claire loved every minute of her first Georgia game. Lee is determined to make her first words "Go Dawgs!'

Cheering for the Dawgs is exhausting!!