The Banks Family: 6 months old and sitting up

Claudia turned 6 months old on Oct. 15th and we're a bit in denial and keep trying to squeeze her into her 3-6 month old clothes. She hasn't had her "well child" visit with the pediatrician yet, but since we've had some other appointments (another ear infection!) we know she is about 16 pounds. We're very excited to report that she is now sitting up all on her own. She loves her new independence, as do we. To keep her balance while sitting, she sort of flutters her fingers and arms. She continues to repeat "da da" and likes to talk to herself in the mirror. She also seems ready for food now because we have her eating rice cereal with a bit of success. She's not hooked yet, but she at least opens her mouth and sometimes swallows it. Of course, like her parents, she can't turn down Mexican food, so she eagerly eats refried beans! Since it's now autumn, we've had some cold mornings and have put a hat on her to walk to the car. It's so adorable because it reminds us of when she was a newborn. Claudia continues to enjoy daycare and has developed a favorite teacher. It's great to see her bond with one of her caretakers like this and it makes it easier to leave her every morning.

Glen & I have been doing a few fun things lately. He has been trying to get in a few last rounds of golf before it's too cold and dark. And we made one last weekend trip to Alta Lake for the season. We've had cool crisp sunny days and the leaves are all turning, so it's a fun time of year in Seattle. Claudia and I went to a "Harvest Festival" with the Martinkas and Claudia was too young to do much, but she got to see some farm animals and pet a bunny. Victoria got to pet a horse and decorate a pumpkin. Grandma has been doing lots of babysitting for us lately, which we appreciate. She covered for us on a daycare closure day and she also gave us a break one night so we could go out to dinner for our monthly "hot date". My ulcerative colitis has been flaring up a bit, so we're taking it easy lately because I need to get my rest.

Our cute 6 month old.