Claire is Seven Months Old!

          Our littlest beauty is seven months old and growing every day!  Over the past month, she has undergone some dramatic changes.  Most importantly, she crawls and sits up with ease.  Claire is determined to reach what she seeks, and she is not easily distracted.  She is working hard to stand up on her own, too.  She often pushes her legs out behind her as if she plans to bear crawl, and she recently started pushing up on objects to "stand" (she still can not pull herself up to standing).  She is still a very laid back little girl,  but Claire definitely loves to eat.  What does that mean?  Well, once she decides she is hungry, she has absolutely NO patience.  She must eat immediately.  Do I sense a little temper?  Hmmm...
          Since Claire is moving now, she is much more playful.  She loves her toys.  I have to watch Audrey, who is currently happy to share ANY toy with Claire (even those totally inappropriate for an infant).  My favorite moments occur as Claire begins to get tired.  If I am sitting on the floor, Claire will crawl over in to my lap so that I will pick her up.  She then cuddles in to my chest and relaxes her entire body.  I love these sweet moments with Claire.
          In addition to the outings I have mentioned in previous posts, Claire had her first moments in a pool this month.  She loves the water, just like the rest of her family!  She's eating more variety in solid foods and practicing with her sippy cup.  She got to meet my cousins and relatives at a family gathering in St. Louis this past weekend, too.  Finally, Claire loves to explore.  When she holds a new object for the first time, she turns it over in her hands to fully appreciate it.  She also enjoys being lifted up in the air, dancing with Mommy, and hearing songs by Audrey.  In fact, whenever Claire is crying in her car seat as we drive, Audrey can calm her immediately by singing.
          Enjoy the slideshow of some of my favorite Claire moments from this past month!