Hooray for Aunt Simone

The pro helps calm Claire on this perfect beach day on the Jersey Shore.

Mmm, Spoon!

Claire stole my oatmeal spoon this morning. Looking forward to starting solid foods!

Physics Baby

Lazy Sunday

Hanging out on the couch after a walk to the farmers market

June Summary

5 Months

Celebrating Independence Day!

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