Rolling

Claire started rolling from her back to front on Monday, 6/28. Although I am sad I missed it, her timing was excellent as she was in a video chat with Matt and Toby. She rolled again yesterday, and Matt caught her on camera mid-roll today. In this video, she rolls into her unique lower-body-in-the-air position.

Lazy Sunday Afternoon with her Friends

Matt, Claire and I met up with two of Claire’s friends last Sunday to catch up. The girls enjoyed some tummy time on a blanket in the shade. It was a beautiful sunny day and this grassy area in front of a Starbucks in the Presidio was perfect.

Curran is 4 days younger than Claire. Look at all that hair!

Tessa is one day younger than Curran. If only we all had dared to leave our rooms and meet each other in the hospital!

World Cup Fever

Claire Comes to Work

Matt brought Claire to see me Friday at work. My friend Tracy came to see her.

Four Months

Here she is with her elephant at four months old

Post Swim Nap

After the excitement of her first swim lesson, we went to Liverpool
Lil's for lunch in the sunshine. Matt took her for a stroll around the
block to bring on this (too short) nap.

New Sleep Style

With the help of a very disciplined sleep consultant, we now have a totally different baby. Claire now sleeps 11-12 hours a night - and it is without the aid of the yoga ball, swing, sling or car. This development was nicely coordinated with my return to work. Everyone in the household sleeps through the night (well, the cats move occasionally). Matt and I enjoy our evenings now and even have dinner together. It's amazing what some sleep can do!

Swimming!

Claire started swim lessons on Saturday - with an audience of two (Matt & Grandma Cindy) on the sidelines taking pictures & video. She enjoyed the first 20 minutes and tolerated the last 10. Here she is with her first experience being submerged. I love her reaction!

Baby Mullet

Claire was born with little mullet. Over time, she has lost most of
her hair and some new hair has grown in. That is, with one notable
exception. The mullet remains.

Little Owl

Claire often makes little owl noises - perhaps inspired by her shirt?

Mana has arrived!

And she brought Papa, Simone and Aileen - more photos to come.

Pretty Party

Last Monday, Claire and I visited the Benefit Cosmetics store on Chestnut Street for a "Pretty Party" with my February baby playgroup. I received a free brow wax and makeover while Claire was an angel. She even slept in her stroller for the first half hour, waking up just in time to sit on my lap as hot wax hovered over her head and landed on my brows. Two employees commented that Claire looks like a baby doll.

Photos of the event can be seen on the "Secret Life of a Benefit Girl" blog.

Front to back:

Jackson, Curran, Victor, Ellie, Claire

Daycare agrees with her

Claire likes spending time with Ellen at daycare. She'll go there full
time starting in August when Stuart Hall resumes after summer
vacation. She's there today as a stopgap until Mana arrives to take
over for the next two weeks.

Three Months

Here she is with her elephant at three months old

Escape artist

Twice now Claire has wiggled herself right out of her sleeve
overnight. We wake in the morning to see her cold, bare arm. Quite a
talent!

Tummy Time

If we catch Claire at the right time and in the right mood, she really does well at tummy time. She adores the mirror (sounds vain, but most (all?) babies like mirrors) and really gets her head up. Sometimes she lifts her head and feet and is balancing on her belly button.

Franklin wants in on the action.

Brunch with Robin and Arnaud

I'm thrilled that my friend Robin has moved to the Bay Area. Robin and I cheered and suffered through differential equations together at Dartmouth. She is now an attorney in Palo Alto and she and her husband Arnaud live near the ball park.

Robin and Arnaud had us over for brunch on Saturday, where we enjoyed their fabulous view while dining on home made sourdough pancakes with berry compote and bacon. In addition, they had a very special guest, 4 month old Santiago. Santiago's mother, also Robin, cheered with us as well. Robin and her husband were off celebrating their anniversary while Godparents Robin and Arnaud babysat. What a cutie!

Santiago helps open the Champagne bottle

Friends Holding Claire, a Series

I try to snap a photo whenever someone besides me holds Claire. This is the series so far (excluding family - those are posted in abundance!)

Janice, a colleague of Matt's, visited us at the hospital.

Mark, whose fabulous wedding we attended in Savannah last April, visited one evening with his wife Jenn. Both held her; both left adorned with spit up.

Maggie valiantly tried to get Claire to fall asleep. We appreciated the effort, but alas it was in vain.

Claire is still not as big as Greg was when he was born.

Anne coordinated nicely with Claire's outfit.

With 5 nieces and nephews, Brian is still not comfortable with the infant holding. He looks forward to toddlerhood and beyond.

Robin, my friend my Dartmouth year, claimed her as soon as we walked in the door.

Olivia was excited to hold the baby, with assistance from Lisa.

Earth Day 2010

Baby's First Muni Ride

I wonder if they make a bib for this first.

On our way to meet Claire's February baby friends at playgroup near
Ocean Beach. Why bother with the car when she revolts against her car
seat?