9 months old

Carlyle is 9 months old today. She has finally learned to sit up, but hasn't yet learned how to get up on her knees to crawl. In fact, she is pretty content just sitting playing with toys. She will lean forward as far as she can to grab a toy that is out of reach, but does not attempt to move, unless she falls backwards. She's doing better about playing on her tummy and is not spitting up as much as she used to when she was on her tummy. When Carlyle is playing on the floor, she will roll and roll, but when she's in her bed and rolls to her tummy she will cry and cry. It's like she doesn't know how to return to her back. She prefers sleeping on her back or side and feels "stuck" if she's on her tummy. She hasn't started pulling up or cruising around furniture, which I'm really ok with. When she starts to get mobile, I'm going to get even busier! She can just take her time. Camden and Claire didn't start walking until they were 15 months. Maybe Carlyle is just following in their footsteps. Carlyle is still eating baby food three times a day, but I have started introducing a lot more table food, which she seems to really enjoy! She has had pancakes, waffles, strawberries, bananas, cheese, tilapia, peas, macaroni and cheese, green beans, cooked carrots, peaches and even a sno cone! So far, there's nothing that she doesn't like. She is a really good eater...a trend that I hope will continue. Carlyle is going to bed every night around 7 or 7:30 and sleeping until around 6:30 or 7am. She sleeps all night, but if she wakes and cries, all I have to do is put her paci back in her mouth. She really is a good sleeper and goes to bed by herself. Of course, I wish I could rock her to sleep, but she will have none of that. In a way, it's easier that she goes to sleep on her own, but I would sure love that cuddle time. Carlyle is such a joy!! She is usually so happy and content, and if she's not, it's because she's tired, hungry or has an ear infection:) I know I've said it before, but these last 9 months have flown by. I have been busier than I ever have been in my life, but I would't trade these days for anything! I love being home with my 3 girls and feel so blessed that the Lord has provided a way for me to do that. There is no job and no amount of money that could provide as many blessings as being a mom. What an honor to have the title "Mommy"!!

Father's Day with Papa

Tonight we celebrated Father's Day with Nana and Papa by heading to one of the girls' favorite restaurants...Jalapeno Tree. We are headed to Dallas on Saturday for a few days, so we decided to celebrate early with Papa since we wouldn't be in town on Sunday. We enjoyed a nice dinner and all three girls were GREAT! That is very rare these days. After eating dinner, Camden and Claire always want to get ice cream and play games. Papa (and Daddy, too) is a sucker for his girls and always give them money to ride a ride or play a game. Tonight Camden and Claire used their money to get tattoos. Jeremy HATES them, but I think they are harmless. After all, they are Care Bears tattoos. And, Carlyle sat on the Bert and Ernie ride and had lots of fun, even if it wasn't moving. Poor girl didn't know the difference. Thanks Nana and Papa for a fun evening.





Happy Father's Day to my dad, aka Papa. We appreciate all that you do for our family. You have taught me so many things as I was growing up and I am very grateful. You are the most selfless person I know. You are willing to help a friend or neighbor out, expecting nothing in return. You are kind and generous and are loyal to your family! You love unconditionally!!! You are such a hard worker and I learned about the importance of a good work ethic from you. I respect, admire and love you so much! Thank you for helping to mold me into the person I am today! You are an AMAZING father AND grandfather! Camden, Claire and Carlyle think you are pretty great, too!! Thank you for always making time for them. They are truly blessed to have a great daddy and two fantastic grandpas living so close! Happy Father's Day, Dad! We love you!!

Three of a Kind

Can you believe how much the girls look like each other at about the same age?
(click on the picture to view it more closely)

Places to go, people to see

Carlyle had her 9 month well check today. I can't believe she will be 9 months old on Friday. And only 3 more months and my baby will be turning one!! WOW!!! Let the party planning begin!! As we were getting ready this morning, Carlyle was smiling alot so I tried to capture one of her pretty smiles. This is not one that I would classify as "pretty", but it will have to do. She actually looks a little drugged in this picture, but oh well.


And because I know you want to know her 9 month stats, here they are:
17 lb 1oz (21st percentile)
27 inches (33rd percentile)


I decided to dress the girls in one of their smocked dresses to go to the doctor. We also had a haircut appointment today so why not dress them up. When Camden and Claire were little, I saved the smocked dresses for church on Sundays. But, since Carlyle is my last, I've decided to go ahead and let them wear the cute smocked outfits even when we're out and about. If not, they will outgrow those precious dresses. Why not dress up to go see Dr. Barret and Mrs. Amy?? I think they appreciated it!



On my recent visit to Sam's, I bought a package of Parmesan crusted Tilapia filets. They are SO SO GOOD! Jeremy wasn't home tonight (I knew that he would NOT eat them) so I baked a couple of the filets, had some alfredo pasta with veggies in it, crescent rolls and green beans. What an easy and good dinner. The girls thought the fish was chicken and I told them NO different. They ate all their fish and Camden even wanted more. Yeah!!! And, even though I had already fed Carlyle her baby food, I put her in the high chair and gave her some green beans, tilapia, strawberries and a little bit of cheese. She ate so good! I was surprised that she liked the fish because of the seasoning but she ate it all! I think she really enjoyed her yummy dinner!!

Tuesday Fun

Today was our first day back at school for the summer since our two week break. I was completely exhausted today after trying to keep 9 babies fed, changed and happy. So, needless to say, I didn't have much energy to cook dinner. So, we opted for "kids eat free" at Chick-fil-A. Camden and Claire went with me to pick up dinner and bring it home. We enjoyed our tasty chicken sandwiches, nuggets and fries, along with some very yummy Chick-fil-a sauce. I asked for extra and now I have a stash in my cabinets. That stuff is so good!! After dinner we decided to head to Bullard to get a sno-cone. Cam and Claire were super excited! Camden already knew that she wanted "Barbie" flavor and Claire continued to say that she wanted blueberry. However, when we got there she quickly changed her mind. Jeremy isn't a sno-cone fan so he got two scoops of chocolate ice cream and when Claire heard that, she immediately wanted ice cream, too. I think that is her favorite food!!!! She got one scoop of chocolate and I got a Tiger's Blood sno-cone, which I had to share with Carlyle. She was attacking it until I gave her a bite and then she wanted the whole thing. She loved it!!!







When we got home it was time for Carlyle's bath. Usually I just bathe her and get her out because we are in a hurry, but tonight I let her play and she splashed and splashed. I sat her in her tub with some bubbles and turned around to grab her towel and when I looked back she had bubbles on her mouth. Claire said she looked like Santa. We even decided to fix her hair. Isn't she so cool??

VBS & a morning with Carlyle

Yesterday was the last day of VBS and Camden was determined to stand on stage with the leaders and sing songs...and she did. Claire even stood with her (until she saw her mama and then down she came). They really enjoyed VBS and had so much fun!! Even Carlyle enjoyed watching her sisters in the spotlight.




Camden and Claire spent the night with Marme' and Pops last night, so with two less kids I decided to run some errands this morning. Nana and Papa needed to go to Sams's, as did I. So, we headed out this morning and also made a stop by Target. This shopping trip was pretty much all about Carlyle. Here's how I spent my wad. Those diapers, wipes and formula sure can add up. Luckily, I had quite a few coupons!! Those really help out! I am counting down until I get to stop buying formula. It will seem like a pay raise:)


After a long morning of shopping for Carlyle, she was worn out. When we got home, I fed her a bottle and she passed out. Here's how I found her when I went in to check on her. (I did remove the blanket from her face after the picture was taken) Isn't she just so cute????

Busy Week

Our busy week started off Monday morning (and every morning this week) with Vacation Bible School. Since Claire starts Pre-K in the fall, this was the first year she was able to be in the "big kids" group and not the nursery. She and Camden were in different groups the first day, but Claire is so used to having her big sister and best friend with her, that on Tuesday I decided to move her into Camden's class where she would be happier. They have had the best week!! Thanks to Mrs. Kaye, Mrs. Kim, Sam and Jenna for taking such good care of my girls!

Camden, Claire and Carlyle ready for the first day of Bible School


Carlyle has not been acting normal this week. She's thrown up three times this week at very random times, has not been wanting her bottle and has been sleeping alot more than normal. I had an appt at the doctor's office for Monday, but decided to cancel it because she seemed to be doing better. But, on Tuesday morning I called and made another appt for that afternoon. She had so much wax in her right ear that Dr. Barret had to dig in her ear five times, while I am holding her arms and legs and she is SCREAMING!! That ear was infected. I asked if her throwing up could be related and he said that it could or could not. So, who knows. But, Carlyle's first tooth popped through on Monday so maybe that could be related to her symptoms. It's all a guessing game...and this kid sure does keep me guessing. She is starting to act more normal and taking her bottle more, but still not at every feeding. I'm hoping that by the weekend she will be back to her schedule and is back to "normal", whatever that is.

Poor Carlyle



Monday and Tuesday night Camden had her last two t-ball games. I had my camera on Tuesday night, but as soon as I turned it on, the battery went out. Ugh!!! Marme', Pops, and Papa came to the game both nights to cheer on Camden and the Wildcats. Thanks to Nana for staying with Carlyle. The game didn't start til 7:30 both nights and I knew Carlyle would be much happier at home and in bed!! Monday night Claire decided that she wanted to stay with Nana, so after Carlyle went to bed they made some cookies! And they were very yummy!! Tuesday night Claire thought going to the game sounded like fun. She did pretty well, but was definitely ready to go home when it was over! We've had some late nights and the girls have gone to sleep pretty easily every night, which is always nice. They are even sleeping a little later in the mornings. Of course, why can't they sleep late on mornings when we don't have any where to go??? They always decide to sleep late when we actually have to get up and get ready...ugh!!

It has rained ALL day today, which I would have loved if I had been at home today. But, the rain is always appreciated, especially in the summer. Now maybe our water bill won't be too high this month. Jeremy takes pride in a green yard and our water bill for the months of May through September are usually sky high. When we got home from Bible School today the girls wanted to put on their rain boots, rain jackets and get their umbrellas to play outside. They had fun, but didn't stay out too long. I think they were pretty tired and were anticipating their afternoon nap (just as I was). Every now and then I will take a nap with the girls, but it's usually on a Sunday afternoon. But, for some reason, I have been exhausted this week and have laid down with the girls EVERY day and slept a LONG time!!


After dinner tonight, the girls and Jeremy were playing the Wii. Claire wanted her Daddy to get the guitar out and play Guitar Hero. They were having fun "helping" him and dancing around. Even Carlyle was cheering on her Daddy! We have had a fun, but busy week! Hoping our weekend is a bit more relaxed!