Cloth Diapers

So, after a lot of contemplation, I decided to make the jump to cloth diapers for Stella. Lots of factors went into this decision, but overall, I just am trying in general to put less stuff into the trash and make small "green" changes. And, it is a lot different & easier than it was when we were kids... So, here is Stella sporting her new diaper & wrap cover. I think she looks pretty cute. The only downside is that she has figured out how to remove them, something she never did with her Pampers...weird. Thanks to all the friends who encouraged me to make the switch!

The Schiele Museum

So, there is this Natural History Museum in the town next to Charlotte that I've heard about but never visited before this... You see, I've been to the "museums" in Charlotte, and well, I just didn't believe that given what they are like, that one in Gastonia could be any good at all. I was so wrong!! The Schiele Museum was really cool...and if you live near here, you have to go visit it. Since the girls are on a break from preschool this month, we did a field trip last week. These are just some of the many, many things we saw!

Jordan did not want to pose for this picture. She did not completely believe me that the bear was dead and could not get her.

There was an amazing (and long) nature trail that had a pond, a mill, a Catawba Indian village, a pioneer home, and a farm with live animals...maybe more. But it was July in Carolina and I was pushing a 25 lb. baby in a stroller on a gravel trail, pregnant, at lunch time. We had to go. ;)

Inside there was this cool exhibit called "Swamp Things"

Jordan with a snapping turtle

a skunk

a baby bobcat (Stella's favorite--she loves all cats!)

and lots of live alligators!

Go to the Schiele Museum! You'll be glad you did. :)

Stella & her Love Bug

Stella really likes to be sweet to her toys. Here is a quick video showing how she can be.

Camp Henderson

It's the week of the annual Henderson Family reunion. We're in Michigan having a fun time with all Jamie's family. Here are some pictures of our activities.

Lake Day

a visit with Great-Grandma Erma
story time with Papa Goose

Detroit Zoo

Look what Jordan can do...

Is 13 months old too young for this skill?

So, Stella really likes feeding herself with a fork. Think what you will of me as a mother for letting her do it, but she is actually pretty good at it. Today's victim was some cut up watermelon. See for yourself how much fun she was having & how proud of herself she is!

YeYe's Visit

The last week of June, my dad came for a visit. We had a really special time together. The girls love their YeYe a lot & enjoyed his company. He was a great playmate for them & a big help to me! Thanks, Dad!

chairs

Stella has recently gotten very good at climbing into child-sized chairs by herself. She is quite proud of this accomplishment. She likes to climb in, clap for herself & say "yeah!" Getting out without bonking her head is a bit more challenging, but she loves chairs these days!

July 4th at the Lake

We spent Independence Day at our friends' Jim & Melanie's lake house with lots of friends. It was a really fun day. Here are some pictures from out on the water.

Stella's first speed boat ride...she loved it!

Our self-portrait

Jordan even got to drive the boat with Jim!

and she was very brave and rode the tube with Daddy.
She told Jim to "only drive fast enough for a three-year-old!"

Small Steps

While we aren't quite ready to say that she's "walking," Stella has begun to take a few steps at a time. She's a very cautious baby! Once she takes a walk, though, you'd better be ready to smile & clap for her! She lives for the praise. :)

J & T

Thomas is Jordan's "best friend." Here is a cute pic of them at church last Sunday.

Stella's 12 month update

This update is past due, for sure, but I wanted to post it. In some ways, this blog serves as an on-line baby book, tracking memories that I know we'll want to have for the future...and that I know will, with time, slip away otherwise. And so, the 2-week late 12 month update. :)

As of Stella's 1st birthday, she's an active & happy girl. She's taken a few steps here & there, but isn't quite walking on her own yet. We're pretty convinced that it is more a matter of her mind than her body. She just isn't quite sure of herself yet. She loves to play patty-cake and ball with you. She likes to hug her baby dolls, rock them, and say "aw!" She enjoys taking all the toys out of the bin. Another favorite pastime is watching the dogs in the backyard while standing at the back glass doors. Her favorite book is "Goodnight Moon." She says mama, dada, baby, thank you, ball, wow, yeah, & no. She loves to sing with you & by herself. Stella has a big appetite and will eat almost anything you put in front of her--except bananas, apples, and blueberries. She's mastered the sippy cup now & also loves straws. She helps a lot getting dressed, but hates to slow down to get a diaper change. She loves the bathtub and playing in the water. She really enjoys laughing with other people and is deeply entertained by her sister.

Stats from her 1 year appointment were: weight 23 lbs. 3.5 oz. (75th percentile), length 29 in. (50th percentile), and head circumference was in the 97th percentile. But she doesn't look abnormal or anything. ;)

Stella is a great baby. Right after her birthday, she started going to preschool two mornings a week. After a few days, when I picked her up, her teacher said to me, "Stella is a really cool kid. She's just cool." We agree & like her a lot. She's really happy almost all the time, but when she's not, she's furious. The best word we keep coming up with to describe her personality is "intense." She likes to study people when she first sees/meets them, but usually withing a few minutes, she's reaching for them wanting to be held & cuddled. She's fun and funny and we can't wait to see how she continues to blossom.

Jordan had fun, too!

Stella wasn't the only one who enjoyed Charleston!

Jordan wanted to pose with the outdoor sculpture at the aquarium

Steering the Pirate Ship

Another posing opportunity

Fun breakfast at the IHOP

Jordan loved looking out into the harbor for boats

While shopping, we found an enormous Hello Kitty.
It was only $85. Jordan got lip gloss instead.

Shopping in the market

Jordan really enjoyed the pool at the hotel, too!