The last month

I know this is a long overdue update. Karis is already 5 1/2 months old - hard to believe! She's rolling over and sitting up a little while supporting herself with her arms. It is hysterical to watch her with her brother. Just the sight of him brings a giant smile to her face. He can make her stop crying just by talking to her, even when I can't. And as soon as he starts laughing, she joins him with the cutest giggles. She's already trying to take his toys from him, sometimes rather aggressively (which is pretty funny to watch), and he is already trying to let her know that they are his toys. We talk lots about sharing our toys these days.
Our biggest struggle lately is that she is still not taking a bottle and she has been super fussy lately, which I think is due to teething. She doesn't stay asleep for long, at naptime or night time. So I'm kind of worn out. The other night she woke up at 11 and just screamed for an hour, and we had no idea what was wrong with her. She's also decided that she only wants to be put to sleep one way - that is being held upright with her head on my chest while I walk around with her. Yes, walk around. If I dare sit, she starts screaming, which I've decided is just a royal fit if that's possible at 5 1/2 months. So, we're about to have to start making some changes with sleep stuff and do a little sleep training I guess, though I am dreading it. I think I'm going to try some methods from The No-Cry Sleep Solution - we'll see how it goes.
Anyhow, my precious little girl brings so much joy to our lives. Here are some pics of her recent activities. She has discovered that she has ten little appendages that are fun to chew on, especially the big ones!

She loves her Mimi very much!
What a big girl - Karis can sit for a minute or two

She likes to play on her tummy
Though when she's had enough of it, she's had enough.


She likes to sit on her big brother's car with him, which he frequently requests for her to do
Caleb loves to hold Karis and most days asks to hold her on the couch
Caleb has had a great summer. He took swim lessons with Grammy and really enjoyed it.
Caleb also rode on daddy's bike for the first time, which he loved!
We went to the children's museum at the nature and science center, and I'm pretty sure his favorite was the fire engine!
And most days he enjoys one of the best parts of the summer - a yummy homemade popsicle. So easy - just 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup organic whole milk yogurt, 1 banana, and 1 mango. I just learned how to do this a few weeks ago - so glad I did.
Caleb continues to amuse us with all the funny things he says. He's speaking in full sentences and asks about every 5 minutes "mommy, whatcha doin'?" It's fun to get to talk to him about all sorts of things and to have him interact so much in the conversation. He's so smart and curious and energetic, as well as sweet and kind, and yes, strong-willed and determined, too.
Those sweet moments are some of my favorite. The other day I came downstairs in a skirt (which I never wear lately!) and he said "oh, mommy that's beautiful dress you have on. I love you, mommy"! The best part is I didn't even know he knew the word beautiful. I had never heard him say it until that moment.