Rachel Walks at 10 Months Old

Rachel just keeps amazing us. She is now walking...taking several steps, arms outstretched. She loves to climb the stairs and climb onto things she shouldn't. She really likes being outside, swinging in the park or visiting the ducks at the lake. Everywhere we go, people comment on her eyes. She's very lovable, too---hugs her stuffed toys and pat them on the back. She relishes all the attention she gets from her big sisters. She even got to hang out with Madi's friends at her 11th birthday party and join the texting. Madi finally got the cell phone she has been begging for!

February, already?

Ok, has it really been nearly 2 months since my last post? That's lame, but then again, I have 3 official followers; so I'm not letting too many down.

I turned 42 this week, but the real highlight was that Rachel started taking independent steps and walking at 9 1/2 months. She carefully takes few steps, arms outstretched like Frankenstein, before plopping back down on her bottom. Another new trick is shaking her head "no".

She seems to enjoy her new daycare with her other 8 baby friends, but her face still lights up when Cara comes to visit. Her grandparents enjoy watching her every Monday; I get to feed her everyday on my lunch hour.

Rachel loves being outside in the yard and on the swings at the Lakes Kids park. She also loves bathtime. She now has her 2 top front teeth and 3 on the bottom, with a 4th breaking through now. She loves books, eating crushed ice, and emptying cabinets.

Julia keeps Rachel entertained with her silly antics, and Madi provides lots of gym time for her. We spent a good 6 hours in the basketball gym this week as Madi's team won the a tournament on the Salt River Pima Indian Reservation.

Both Madison and Julia are doing great in school. Besides completing their PACE projects on Germany and Spain, Madi is now working on her Gerald Ford report, and Julia on her Olympic Snowboarding project. On MLK Day, the girls went to neighbors collecting shoes for Soles for Souls for victims of the Haitian earthquake. We also put a box at the clubhouse for a week. They delivered 67 pairs of shoes. They also had their annual orange juice stand on Super Bowl Sunday, grossing $35. They seem to keep busy with friends, sports, schoolwork & riding RipSticks every day, but still find time to fight.

Christmas 2009

We had a nice, warm Christmas here in Tempe. Kids were thrilled to have a new trampoline tarp, Rip Sticks, PJs, gift cards, etc. Rachel got some cool toys and cute clothes.

Rachel is now 8 months old. She is now standing up from a squat & trying to balance. She's a quick crawler & likes to cling to your legs. Can't get her to clap anymore, but her side-arm wave is in vogue and she's repeating "uh-oh". She started a daycare this week & seems to like all baby friends there.

Santa

Every year the best, most genuine Santa visits the Lakes' kids on Christmas Island. Rachel, now 7-mos., was just happy in Santa's arms. Julia had a nice chat with him. Madi is so over the whole Santa gig.

Rachel is into everything; gates are going up on the stairs & cabinets have been secured. She pulls up to stand every chance she gets.

I think I scared her last night with my game winning celebration outburst/dance. Yes, my Longhorns waited until 1 second was on the clock to beat Nebraska and return for another shot at the national championship.

Rachel on the move at 6 months

Rachel is now 6 months old & she is full of personality and on-the-move. She's been crawling for a few weeks & now pulls herself up to standing any chance she gets. She just learned to clap & is thrilled with herself. She is not much interested in her toys anymore & has a liking for my cellphone, laptop, power cords, and dirty flip flops. We really have to watch her now. Stair gates & baby proofing of cabinets commences this weekend. Her sisters keep her entertained and happy.