Amateur couponing

I tried couponing today.  I mean, really couponing.  If I see a coupon in the Sunday paper that I think I'll use, I usually cut it out and stick it in my coupon wallet.  I may save a few dollars here and there with coupons, but I've never really planned anything out.  Today, I guess I was in the "saving money" mode, and as I was browsing the ads in the paper I decided I want to really try couponing.  There were quite a few deals at Walgreens that included things we needed or would use in the near future.  Ainsley was taking her afternoon nap, so I cut some coupons, grabbed the Walgreens ad, and headed to Jacksonville.  I really didn't know what I was doing, but I walked in with somewhat of a list of what I wanted.  Of course, I found other "deals" as I was in there that wasn't on my list or included in the ad, but I think I did pretty good for my first time!

Here's a picture of what I walked out with.

I got $150.78 worth of stuff and paid $52.39, which is a 65% savings!!!  I think that's pretty good for my first try.  I got each of us a razor, razor refills for mine, two packages of diapers, refill of wipes, two toothbrushes, two tubes of toothpaste, four big bags of M&M's, two deoderants, two body washes, two packages of Dayquil, and two packages of Nyquil.  The razor refills were $22 and each razor would have been $12/each, so I pretty much got everything else for free!  I was excited.  Now, Ethan, the assistant manager of Walgreens by Sonic wasn't as thrilled as I was.  I felt so bad for him.  Of course, it all didn't ring up correctly, so he had to go through everything and get my money for me.  I'm glad Joel wasn't with me....he would have been so embarrassed!!!

Last night we met Lou and Alaina for supper at Chubba's in White Hall.   Ainsley had already had a pretty busy day shopping with Mommy, Callie, and Madilynn and was getting tired.  She did good through supper, and we decided to stop and get ice cream in White Hall on our way home.  When we got in the car to head home, Ainsley was not a happy camper and cried, or maybe I should say wailed from the time we left and was still at it once we got out of Roodhouse.  The next thing I know, Joel is kicking off his boots in the passenger floor board of the car and is climbing to the back seat through the center console.  He gets into the back seat and tries calming Ainsley down.  I mean, he was doing everything...pulling out toys, talking, turning on the light, etc.   At one point, he was shaking one of her rattles and doing an Indian chant:  Hey-ya-ya-ya, hey-ya-ya-ya, hey-ya-ya-ya.  She finally calmed down about half way home, but we had to leave the light on the entire time.  She was so tired, hungry, and wore out.  We got home and I put her pajamas on her, gave her a bottle, and she was out for the night!  I love how Joel is a good Daddy, even if he won't do a lot of the things he does with Ainsley in front of other people.  He has a dance he does with the music her bug plays that hangs off of her carseat, but he says that dance is just between him and Ainsley and I've only seen pieces of it.  All I have to say, is that our daughter is in for it with Joel as her Daddy!  Here's what I found this morning when I got up (he was up with her this morning playing before leaving for Bluffs).  

Poor sock monkey!

I guess Joel was bored last weekend, because he found some new apps for my phone.  One of them was the "brostache" app.  Check out this video of Ainsley with a brostache!  Mom said how much Ainsley liked the puppy when she stayed the night earlier this week, so I went out and got her one like Mom's.  She really does like it.  Here's a video of her playing with it. 

Ainsley fell asleep again in her jumperoo earlier in the week.  I got a better video of her, and you can see at the very end that the phone ringing finally woke her up!  Here's a video of her shrieking.  She'll mimic me when I do it and she usually cracks herself up after she does it.  

I forgot that I had taken a few pictures of Ainsley's head Thursday morning after I took her helmet off, and when her head looked really bad.  I took this picture with my phone, so it isn't very good but you can see how red it was.

Allergic Reaction

Long story short:  Ainsley had an allergic reaction to the foam in the helmet Wednesday night and is now without a helmet until next Friday.

She started wearing the helmet 23 hours a day on Wednesday and when I took it off of her that night to give her a bath, I noticed that her head was really red and her hair was crusted to her scalp.  We just assumed it was from sweating all day, but the redness didn't go away, even after her bath.  I was concerned and wanted to call the Orthotist and leave the helmet off, but Joel convinced me that it was just her sensitive skin and it was fine.  We had our one week follow up appointment Thursday and we would be able to get answers then.  So, we put the helmet back on her Wednesday night and what a mistake that was!  She was up numerous times Wednesday night and couldn't get comfortable.  I should have taken the helmet off during the night, but again, I just assumed she was getting use to sleeping in the helmet and was expecting a few bad nights until it was more comfortable for her. 

I took the helmet off Thursday morning to get her dressed and her head was even worse than the night before.  It was bright red and you could see exactly where the helmet was because of the outline on her head.  She had blotches of scaly spots, spots where there were little bumps, and a few places where there was yellowish-orangish ooze.  Her hair was completely matted to her scalp and I knew something was definately not right.  I refused to put it back on her, and called the Orthotist.  When she returned my call, she confirmed that she was having an allergic reaction and to leave the helmet off. 

This picture doesn't really show how bad the reaction was, but you can see that her head's pretty red here.  It looked MUCH worse in person.  Poor baby!

We went in for our regular one week appointment Thursday afternoon and the Orthotist said that it was rare, but they have seen babies have allergic reactions to the foam in the helmet before.  She called Dr. Johnston and they told us to give Ainsley Benadryl last night and to follow up with them this morning.  Because Ainsley's helmet wasn't fabricated correctly, we had to get a new helmet ordered.  They did another scan yesterday to order a new helmet, and we're getting a different type of foam in the new one.  Ainsley will also have to wear a knit hat underneath the helmet so her skin isn't in contact with the helmet.  We go next Friday to pick up her new helmet.

With the scan they did yesterday, the measurements didn't show any improvement with Ainsley's head.  I could tell that is was looking different, and the Orthotist got out the scan picture from the week before and held it up to the scan from yesterday and you could tell the difference in the pictures.  Her head is starting to shift to the left, which is exactly what we wanted it to do!  I was happy to see the improvement, even if it was a small improvement.

I took Ainsley in to the pediatrician this morning to see what else we could do for her head.  The redness was almost completely gone this morning, but her skin had started to peel.  She also had 5-10 small red dots on her forehead and in her diaper area.  The doctor confirmed that she had an allergic reaction and thought that the red dots looked like some type of bite.  I couldn't believe that they were bites of some kind, because she hadn't been anywhere.  I came home and washed her sheet and mattress cover, just in case.  (By the way:  if you put a mattress cover in the dryer, the plastic will melt.  Lesson learned in this house!)  The red spots on her forehead were pretty much gone tonight, so I really don't think they were bites.  And, more of the spots have now popped up and they are on the top of her head now.  I'm convinced it has something to do with the reaction, but I don't know what it could be.  We're putting cremes and lotion on her head 2-3 times a day and the doctor thinks she will be completely cleared up in a week.  She looks like a big grease-ball with all the cremes I have to put on her head. 

I also felt a lump on the back of her head Wednesday night when washing her hair.  I freaked out, imagine that, huh???  Joel felt it and was worried about it also.  It was confirmed today at the doctor that it was a lymph node and it was because of her allergic reaction.  They said that we may feel more and that they will go down as the rash goes away.

I'm hoping for a big improvement by tomorrow morning and that most of the red bumps will be gone.  I feel like the world's worst mom, and wonder when things are going to start looking up for us.  It seems like every week it's something different that comes up.

I've been swamped with work for the past few weeks, so Mom took Ainsley home with her Sunday night and kept her for me Monday.  I put Ainsley in her pajamas that Uncle Tanner bought her, and didn't realize until I was putting them on that they buttoned up the front and there wasn't an easy way to get them on or off.  So, I'm sure Mom had a fun time changing Ainsley that night/the next morning. 

Are you wondering what kind of pajamas Tanner got for his favorite niece?  Well, camo pajamas, of course.  Did you expect anything else?

 

I guess my baby needs a butt flap in case she needs to squat in the woods......



Ainsley's helmet

We got Ainsley's helmet on Wednesday afternoon.  It took about an hour for them to cut it down and adjust it to fit.  One of the ear holes was fabricated wrong, so we'll be getting a different helmet in the next few weeks.  She didn't do too bad during the fitting, and only cried once and that was because she was hungry and tired.  

In the waiting room waiting to get fitted for the helmet

Daddy got a few pictures of the Orthotist making adjustments before cutting it down.  One thing's for sure:   the helmet makes her cheeks look even chubbier (if that's possible!)

Figuring out where to cut the holes



That toy was magic!

Notice how much bigger the face hole is in this picture?  They have to measure it and cut out the face and ear holes, etc.

All done and ready to go home with the helmet.

The first day she wore it for one hour on and then had it off for an hour, and repeated that all day.  The next day was two hours on, one hour off, etc.  We're up to 6 hours on and 1 hour off today.  She's done really good with it and doesn't seem to mind it.  She doesn't like it when we have to adjust it, but it's still a little big, and slides down on her face sometimes.  I've been putting bows on it and she loves playing with the bows, especially when she's taking her bottle and is tired.  

Happy baby!

I already miss kissing her head and cheeks.  When she's upset, you can't really cuddle with her, or put her head on your shoulder....at least it doesn't feel the same.  I know have a hard plastic helmet burrowing into my shoulder/chest instead of her warm little head.  The end results will be worth it in the end, but it still makes me sad.  

Grandpa Bill came to visit and check out the helmet.

While I'm typing this, Ainsley is laying in the floor playing for the hour while her helmet is off.  Joel just said that she looks so different without her helmet on.  It's true...we're already getting use to the way she looks with the helmet on and she's going to look so weird in 3-4 months when she gets it off after wearing it all the time.  With or without the helmet, she's still our precious baby girl!

She fell asleep for the first time in her jumperoo yesterday.  She loves her jumperoo, but was so tired.  She would nod off and then bounce a little and wake herself up.  She would do that 4 or 5 times and then finally fell asleep.  Of course, the camcorder was completely full so I couldn't get very much of her falling asleep, but I did manage to get a little bit on video.  

This was the first night in her helmet

She absolutely LOVES the newspaper.  It's become a ritual to look at the Sunday ads with Mommy each week. 

What is Daddy going to buy me this week?!?!?

Have a good week, everyone!!!

Sitting up and rolling over!

What a weekend!  Ainsley is now sitting up by herself and she rolled over for the first time tonight.

She's been sitting up pretty good with the aid of her boppy pillow for the last couple weeks, but she can now sit up for half an hour or so at a time completely by herself.  Granted, you can't leave her because she still flings herself backwards or occasionally face plants it, but all in all, she's getting to be a pro. 

Sitting up with her boppy.

She rolled over for the first time tonight after her bath.  I always get her dressed on the kitchen island after her bath and stick her on her belly to put lotion on her back.  I put her on her belly tonight and she started reaching for her bumbo seat that was behind her.  I yelled at Joel and said that she was really trying to roll over and I had to move the towel up a little bit so she didn't go off the island if she did decide to roll over.  Sure enough, she got her chubby little leg up and over and that was it.  She rolled over onto her back!!!  We couldn't believe it.  Uncle Tanner was able to watch it all too.  Dad had just gone to the bathroom, so he missed it, but me, Joel and Tanner watched her do it.  I was so proud of her!  Of course, she wouldn't do it again for us. 

Grandpa Bill took Ainsley out to swing this afternoon.

We had a pretty busy weekend.  I ended up working late Friday night, and Ainsley likes to sit on my lap while I work.  She loves the computer, mouse, keyboard, etc.  She helped me get the final payroll out Friday evening!

Thomas and Jamie spent the night Friday night and brough Avery along with them.  Ainsley was asleep by the time they got here, but Saturday morning it was funny to see Ainsley and Avery together.  Avery didn't like it when Ainsley played with her toys and would take them away from her.  It cracks me up because they both just sit and stare at each other!  I got a bow in Avery's hair, even though she wasn't thrilled about it at first.

I don't think she's used to bows in her hair, but forgot it was in there after a few minutes!

Josh and Kathleen met us Saturday morning with the boys to head to the parade.  All four kids were really good all day.    We only had one small injury all day and that was from Augie falling at the front door and getting a little bump on his head.   It didn't phase him, though.  He was back playing in no time.


Augie, Nathan, Avery, and Ainsley waiting for the parade to start

We were able to get together with Lou and Alaina this weekend, and they got a little practice putting pajamas on Ainsley.  I should have timed them to see the difference in time between now and after they've done it a million times after Hadlee comes! 



Aren't they done yet, Mom????



Ainsley and Hadlee's first picture together

Plagio-WHAT?????

The last two days have been full of doctor's appointments and medical jargon.  To make a long story short, Ainsley has to wear a helmet. 

Did you really think I'd leave it at that???  Like my boss once said:  "When you get an email from Trista explaining something, you know it's going to be very detailed."  I tend to over-analyze everything and try not to leave any stones unturned.  The Orthotist at our appointment on Tuesday mentioned during our consultation and we can't overanalyze the helmet.  Of course, Joel rolled his eyes while I laughed and told her I overanalyze everything!

So, back to Ainsley's head....we had an appointment at Hanger Orthotics in Springfield yesterday afternoon.  (I was VERY pleased with the staff there and would highly recommend them to anyone, by the way.)  We didn't really know what to expect going into the appointment, because they're not technically doctors.  The orthotist started out by taking a quick look at Ainsley's head and then explaining a little about the different types of flat heads.  She thought by looking that Ainsley's head would be able to improve with the aid of a helmet, but had to take some measurements to see what they could do. 

She started off by putting this piece of cloth around her head and then a device on the top of her head, which was used in conjunction with the hand held scanner to get the measurements. 

This is what Ainsley looked like at that point....

Then, she put a black cape over her before she scanned her head with the hand held scanner.  Which made her look like this....

At no time did she cry.  I think she was more intrigued by what the Orthotist was doing then worrying about the crazy things on her head.  It was pretty neat to watch as Ainsley's head started to take shape on the computer monitor as she scanned.  After the scan she had to run some quick numbers and told us that she thought we would be able to improve her head with the aid of a helmet at that point.  The helmet is a cosmetic fix, and helps to round out the head.  Ainsley doesn't have anything wrong with her, other than the fact that her head is flat.  It's not restricting brain growth, and flatness of the head hasn't been shown to have any adverse effect on a child later in life.  So, it is really up to the parents to decide if they want to go ahead with the helmet.  Of course, we don't want Ainsley to have a flat/misshapen head for the rest of her life, so we decided to go forward with the helmet. 

The scan showed that Ainsley has both plagiocephaly and brachycephaly.  The brachycephaly is worse than the plagiocephaly, but both can be corrected with the helmet (maybe a more proper term is cranial band, but to me; it's a helmet.)   Plagiocephaly is asymmetric head deformity.  I noticed this probably around 3 months.  The top right corner of her head started sticking out farther than the left side.  Being the paranoid mother that I am, I had everyone feel it to see if they could tell the difference and many just kind of shrugged me off, including the doctor.  One thing I have learned through this entire process is that I really do have a motherly instrinct and from now on, I'm trusting my gut and will get a second or third opinion if I don't think my issue is being addressed.  So, back to Ainsley's plagiocephaly:  they usually start the helmet when the measurements are 6-7 or above and Ainsley's was at 10.4mm. 

Ainsley's main issue is the brachycephaly.  This is disproportionate head deformity, or in my own words:  A very flat head!  In order to figure the cephalic index (CI) of a baby's head, you take the cranial width/cranial length *100.   A "normal" CI is about 80-85%.  Ainsley's CI is at 98.4%.  So, that's pretty much saying that her head is almost as wide as it is long, hence, a flat head in the back because there is no rounding. 

The worry-wart that I am, was concerned that Ainsley may have craniosynostosis, which is where the plates fuse together too soon on a baby's head and requires surgery to correct.  The Orthotist assured me that Ainsley didn't have this, but said that she's not a doctor so if we wanted another opinion from a doctor she understood.  I already had an appointment set up with a neurologist to check on this today, so we went ahead and kept our appointment with her.  The neurologist assured us that she doesn't have craniosynostosis and did developmental tests on her.  She said that she is developing just fine and doesn't think that anything is wrong.  Of course, at the end of the appointment, she had to mention something about the back of her brain not being able to develop properly, but that could only be confirmed with a MRI, but she didn't think we had anything to worry about because everything checked out good.  She wants us to come back for a follow up appointment in three months to make sure she's still developing properly, but doesn't see any reason why she wouldn't be.  She said that she usually doesn't recommond a helmet, but she would recommend it for Ainsley because her head is so flat.  It made me feel better knowing that the flatness is purely a cosmetic issue and the neurologist also agreed with getting a helmet on her.

I called this afternoon and placed the order for the helmet.  It should be here next week and we go Wednesday for the fitting appointment.  They have to cut it down once it comes in for the ear holes, etc.  The Orthotist said that the helmet will never put pressure on her head and there will pretty much be a big empty spot at the back of it so her head can grow out.  We'll have to go every week to make sure it's still fitting properly, etc.  This is going to be a huge committment, but I'm certain that we'll love the results at the end.

I know that we're going to get lots of stares in the coming months, and I'm glad that Ainsley's young.  She'll just think that everyone is giving her extra attention, and won't have a clue that they're really just staring at her because she has a helmet on her head!  I wanted to get some decals to put on her helmet, such as:  "Caution:  the longer you stare, the cuter I look", "You should have seen the other guy", "Do I have helmet hair?", "My parents are over-protective", or "Does this helmet make me look fat?"  But, I refrained from getting them.  I picked out a couple of different decals for the helmet, but you'll just have to wait to see them.

So, this is the last week to put ribbons, hats, etc. on her for the next 3-4 months.  She'll have to wear the helmet 23 hours a day for around 3 months, starting next Wednesday.  I'm taking suggestions now for Halloween ideas that involve a helmet.  Football player is OUT.  Joel's already mad at me because I didn't order the helmet or decals for it to look like a Green Bay Packers helmet.  When I say mad, I mean:  Don't even bring it up to him, because he'll probably go off about it!  If Ainsley was a little boy, I wouldn't have had a problem with it, but she needs a pink helmet!

I got a sneak peek of Ainsley's 6 month pictures tonight.  I know I'm partial, but isn't she just the cutest thing you've ever seen?!?!

A much needed relaxing weekend

The past weekend was wonderful.  We only had one thing on our calendar all weekend and that was Ainsley's 6 month pictures Saturday morning.  We headed to Washington Park in Springfield for those and the sun came out just as we got there.  I think we got a few good shots and can't wait to see them.  Of course we needed diapers so I ran into Babies R Us and then we went to Bob Evans (Joel's choice) to grab something to eat.  We took her bumbo seat in with us and everyone around us just watched her while she played in her seat while we ate.  A couple stopped by our booth on their way out to let us know how good and cute she was.  She really is a good baby and isn't one that cries in public (not yet anyway!)  She's too nosey to be in a bad mood and restaurants are just the place for her with all the hustle and bustle going on. 

The rest of the weekend consisted of laying around the house.  We rented a few movies and grilled out.  Saturday night we went down to the basement, which we don't do very often now that Ainsley is here, and watched a movie.  Those are the nights that I dreamed of for so many years!  Ainsley fell asleep on my lap while we watched the movie and was completely limp.  Her little body didn't move when I got up from the couch to carry her upstairs to her crib.  She snuggled a little tighter when I got to the top of the stairs and didn't wake up when I gave her kisses good night.  That hour of relaxing and not worrying about a thing was probably the highlight of my month.  It was needed!

We've had trouble getting Ainsley to eat and Friday night she finally started taking her bottle.  She loves baby food and I think she would eat it all day if I would let her, but she hasn't cared for her bottle for the last month or so.  She's back to taking 6-8 ounces at a time and I couldn't be happier.  Check out this video and you'll be able to see how much she enjoys her baby food!  She's always "mmmmm'ing" while she eats.  Of course, it would probably help if I put the tray on the highchair, but she reclines back while she eats and has to have her legs propped up.

Ainsley's been really into Joel for the last week or so.  If he's in the room, she has to stare at him.  She waits for him to look at her and will smile when he finally does.  She loves it when he gives her his attention, but me on the other hand, not so much!  She's definately Daddy's Little Girl!  Here's a few videos from the past week of Daddy and Ainsley playing.  I caught the tail end of this giggle session one night, and she loves it when Joel gets her belly as you can see here.

She's starting to notice everything around her.  If there is anything within arms reach, she has it in her hands.  We've tried to get her to roll over by putting toys just outside of her reach, but she'll twist her body around and reach for them without rolling over.  I'm thinking she'll be rolling over in the next few weeks, but we'll have to wait and see!

Anniversary weekend at the lake

Last weekend was our 6th anniversary.  It seems a lot longer than 6 years ago that I walked down the aisle.  Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?  

Before celebrating our 6th anniversary

We went to the lake for the weekend with Jennifer, Brian, Jeremy, and Kathleen.  I got a little too much sun the first day and had to take some ibuprofen and lay down for a while that afternoon.  I applied spf85 sunscreen all weekend, and re-applied, and re-applied.  Of course, everyone made fun of me, but I didn't get a sun burn.  Well, maybe I did.  My scalp was a little burnt where my part it, but it wasn't too bad.  Next time we go, I'll be sporting a hat along with my spf85!



Sister-in-laws getting ready for a day of boating

My sexy husband!

We had a good time and it was nice to get away, even if it was just for a few days.  Of course, I missed Ainsley like crazy but it helped that I had some pictures and videos on my phone of her so I could look at her whenever I wanted!  She stayed with Mom for a few nights and then went to Grandma Rita's and stayed Saturday night.  I know my Mom was wore out from the few days she kept her and said she needed a few weeks to recover.  I think Jim and Rita felt the same way.  They ran a day care for a few days while they kept Drake for a night, and then Jack and Lani for 2 or 3 days and Ainsley Saturday night. 


What a goof!

Saturday night we went to The Duck, which is a nice restaurant on the lake.  It was nice enough outside to sit on the deck and overlook the lake while we ate.  Jennifer only embarrassed Brian once while we ate, but I think she might of embarrassed all of us walking out.  Let's just say that Jeremy was fast enough to get his camera out for a picture, so he has black mail on her if he ever needs it!  Let's hope that one never ends up on Facebook! 

Speaking of ducks, we had stopped the boat for a while and four ducks came floating up to the boat.  What does my husband do when he sees them?  Well, he decides to try to cannon ball into them.  Of couse, the ducks saw him before he jumped, but Jennifer got his shot of him!


Those ducks weren't dumb...they saw him coming!



I still can't believe I got in the water, but it was SO HOT that day!

All in all, it was a nice weekend.  I even learned quite a few things....imagine that!  We both were glad to get home to our baby and cuddle with her.  She didn't seem too phased when I walked in, but she gave Joel lots of smiles.  She's such a stinker!

6 months

Ainsley was 6 months old on Monday.  We had her checkup Monday afternoon, which also meant shots.  Once again, I think the shots were worse for Mommy than Ainsley.  She cried for quite a while this time.  When I say she cried, I mean she had the big alligator tears streaming down her face.  It takes a lot to get those out of her.  She's been very fussy this time with her shots and ran a fever for the first time.  She ran a low fever Monday night and all Tuesday.  She's done much better today, which makes me feel a lot better!
 

Ainsley-6 months

She weighed 18 pounds 14 ounces (95th percentile), was 26 inches long (75th percentile) and her head measured 41 (25th percentile).  She hasn't gained much weight over the past month, but she hasn't been eating very good either.  I can tell she's slowing down and not gaining weight as fast as she did from 2-5 months.  She's out of the 6-9 month clothes and is in 12 or 18 months now.  I bought her some 12 month pajamas over the weekend and put a pair on her tonight and she's not going to be in them for long!


These pajamas are a little snug!

Her back was still looking pretty bad, so the doctor prescribed her with yet another cream for the eczema.  I have applied it 5 times now and the eczema on her back, arms, and neck is gone!  She still has some on her cheeks, but I'm continuing with the cream there.  We also were told to switch our laundry detergent and only give her a bath 2-3 times a week.  Hopefully we have it under control and it doesn't come back.

I had the doctor look at her head once again on Monday.  I've been asking about it since Ainsley was 5 or 6 weeks old because it's very flat in the back.  The doctor and nurse practionener both told me every time that it would correct itself and she would be fine.  After the doctor looked at her head on Monday, she decided that it looks like it's getting worse (what I've been trying to tell them for months) and that she wants us to get Ainsley's head measured to see if we need a helmet.  We go on Tuesday to Springfield to get measurements done and should know pretty quickly if we're going to need a helmet.  I'm almost positive she's going to need one, and have thought that she's needed one for months now.  I'm so mad at myself for not going months ago to get a second opionon. 

You can see the 'indention" on the back of her head.



You can see that the back of her head is very flat.


She's still not rolling over, but she's trying.  She can get her upper body to one side, but can't get her hips and legs over.  She can roll over in our bed, but that's only when someone is laying beside her and making a slant in the bed with their body weight.  She can "tripod" sitting up by herself and we've been using the Boppy pillow with her to try to get her to sit up more on her own.

She loves to play with her "highchair toy" while I get supper ready at night.  It sticks to her highchair tray by suction cups.   She also has some rattles, a book, and burp rags that she loves.  She's started turning around if she sees a toy and tries to grab it if it's behind her.



Give me the camera, Mommy!