Naomi really does have teeth!

I first noticed a little sawtooth on Friday. When I decided to check on its progress on Sunday, I found a second one. They are too small to really get a picture of yet, but they are definitely there. Funny thing is, now that she could actually do some damage, she doesn't even try to bite down on my fingers. She has been in the habit of gnawing on them lately. I guess the need has passed. (I'm not sad about this -- baby teeth are incredibly sharp.)

Roy and Naomi

My littlest brother, Roy spent the weekend at our house. It was a ton of fun. We are thrilled to have him living so close (Fort Worth) to us for the next few months. I think it is very accommodating of our brothers and sisters to come to us, since we aren't too likely to be able to come to them (there aren't many army installations near our families -- at least not that we want to be stationed at). I hope they are all planning to move on with us, when that time comes:)
Naomi had her six month check up today. (Yes, she is nearly seven months -- holidays got in the way...) She weighs 21 pounds and is 29 inches tall (or long). That puts her in the 98th and 99th percentiles. Her development is right on schedule, except that she absolutely refuses to eat solid foods. She hates and despises them -- all of them, as far as we can tell. We have tried rice cereal -- no (I agree on that one, but is it really worse than formula??). Applesauce with rice cereal -- no (and I'm talking, gagging and spitting 'no'). Applesauce -- short moment of thought, then 'no.' Ice cream (yes, I'm getting desperate) -- no. Vanilla yogurt -- no. Small piece of white bread -- no. Chocolate -- no worries, she said 'no.' Blackberry Pomegranate yogurt -- 'perhaps' (She swallowed, with only minimal grimacing and no gagging, a whole spoonful, before turning her head and reaching for her bottle). And it is to that 'perhaps' that I cling. I like it when my babies start eating solid foods. I like the full tummies it creates and I love the independence that comes with finger foods. I also like that it cuts the formula intake (and cost...). Perhaps......

Janina

It's that time again -- another kid to highlight! Here's Janina's picture story:

Janina was a deceptively peaceful newborn.
Held warm and comfortable by those who love her:
At four months she loved Grandpa!
Grass was a tasty treat to this adorable 11 month old.
Dirty faced, but bubbly as could be at 19 months.
At almost 2, she was ready to apprentice herself to Santa.

She was her mom's girl at 2 1/2.
At almost 3, she was happy to see the butterfly go free.
Weddings include lots of food and Nina enjoyed the food at Meg's.
"Ride 'em cowboys!" (and girls) -- 3 1/2
Brotherly love (from the affectionate 4 1/2 year old sister)
After the haircuts at almost five.
After 5 1/2 long years, she is no longer the only sister!
Happy Halloween, 2008!
Happy Thanksgiving, 2008!
Merry Christmas to our Princess (in November?) from Grandma.

Happy Birthday, Janina!(Can anyone tell what Michael gave her?)