The Barto's Blog: January Fun!

January has been a fun month so far! Isabelle turned 6 months old, and I have to say this is the most fun we've had. She is very interactive, and every day is doing something new that I'm proud of. At our 6 month visit to the doctor, we learned that she is in the 11th% of weight at 13 lbs 15 oz. She may be little, but she sure has a strong will!

Here she is sitting on the couch with Libby. They adore each other. I can't tell you how many people freaked me out before I had the baby by saying, "Your dog will be so jealous and you won't be able to pay any attention to her." Well, actually Libby gets more attention than ever now that she's not locked in a crate for 13 hours a day like she was when I worked, and she never leaves Isabelle's side.

The other day I had Isabelle in her jumperoo (below), and Libby ran by with a toy and Isabelle busted out laughing! I started playing tug of war with Libby and she laughed even harder! I have a feeling that Libby is going to be the source of much entertainment in the coming months.

Okay, so if you watch Modern Family on ABC you'll understand why I had the crazy idea to try out a baby gym with Isabelle. (If you don't watch the show, you are seriously missing out on some great comedy.) It seemed like a great idea, but after going, I realized that sitting on the floor with my immobile baby moving her arms back and forth was not worth the $400 is would cost. I think we might go back in a year or so when she is walking and needs to burn off energy. Anyway, we were allowed to explore the gym, so I put her on the "parellel bars." Heehee.

Here's she is enjoying some tummy time in the bathroom after a bath.

Isabelle gets to play with her friends every week. Luke is her best friend--they are already noticing each other and interacting.

We went to Austin to visit Brendan's brother Jason and his family. Here is Isabelle with her cousin Ella and Aunt Kristy. Ella loves Isabelle and couldn't get enough of her.

Here I am with Jason before dinner. The sling is a great tool for the early evening when it's not quite time for Isabelle to go to bed, but she's fussy and wants to be held. She's my little kangaroo baby! And yes, I was wearing my snowflake pajama pants during the day. Sue me.

Each morning I get Isabelle from her crib when she wakes up and feed her in my bed where Miss Libby is still lounging. Libby was laying with her head out of the covers (I did not pose her like that!) so I thought it would be cute to get a shot with the baby.

I like to show Isabelle all the things I do in the kitchen, so I put her in the bumbo on the counter. All you safety nerds out there are probably wagging your finger at me, but I don't care! :-) She likes seeing what I'm doing, and we have nice conversation while I work.

Here she is in her little hat going for a walk. My friend Tori calls it her Mother Goose bonnet, I call it her grandma hat. (No offense to all you grandma's out there!) She really enjoys being outside and especially loves the swing!!!