Update

Things are as busy as ever with little Nita. She's quickly acquiring some essential life skills. She can now wriggle out of a lap, grab interesting items near her face and put them in her mouth, and fuss convincingly about nothing at all. It's fun to watch her learning. She still hasn't rolled over, but it's not for lack of trying! At about 17 pounds, she's got a lot of weight to move... so we'll just have to be patient.

A few weeks ago, we had Nita's baby dedication at church. (For you Catholics and Presbyterians, this is the Baptist equivalent of a christening or infant baptism.) My grandmother's wedding dress was made into a baby gown, and Nita was the first great-grandchild to wear it! It was beautiful, very royal-family-esque. Our church was pretty impressed with family attendance - we're so fortunate to have family members who really want to be around for special events and can make the trip. Thanks guys!

Nita is also making a few friends. Addison and Kate are only a few weeks younger than Nita, and their moms are friends of mine. We've also been to little Ellie's first birthday party, cousin Corinne's second birthday party, and tomorrow we have a swim date with Shelby (10 months) and Turner (20 months). I'm so glad to be able to hang out with some mom friends... it has been quite a transition from the work scene.

We have picked up one funny/bad habit lately (besides NOT sleeping at night) ... Nita thinks coughing is hilarious! Not a polite 'hmm-hmm' cough. I mean a hacking 'just sucked some potato chips down the wrong pipe' cough. Sam does this on purpose to get a laugh, which is fine. I'm just hoping that she doesn't end up cackling at a scared peer who has just gone under water accidentally. That could definetley send the wrong message and cost me a few mommy friends.

Here are a few pics:

...and I'll have a side of fried pickles and a sweet tea...

Being naked is fabulous!

A little more personal space if you please.

What do you need to know about Nita?

Nita is three months old now (give or take a week), and she is certainly figuring life out . She is quite adept at exerting her will in any situation. And she is as cute as ever! Here is some general info:

Aliases: Nita Pita, Sugar Bunny, Sweet Potato, Chicken Nugget, Butter Bean

Hair: dark brown, curly, falling out a little

Eyes: still blue

Favorite time of day: bathtime

Favorite game: how many fingers can i put in my mouth?

Favorite person: that baby in the mirror

Favorite place: patio swing

Favorite leisure activity: watching ceiling fans

Favorite outfit: birthday suit

A friend of ours, Tricia Butts, took some pictures of Nita for us. Thanks, Tricia! Here are a few of my favorites...

Beachy Keen

After a week in Gulf Shores, my head is filled with corny beach puns... you know, everyone likes to think up a 'unique,' clever name for his or her beach house. I do not think this practice is clever or amusing - just bothersome. Here are some of the worst:

Seas the Day
West Palm Peach (this one was, of course, painted peach)
Conch Out

and my favorite...

Mullet Over

No, thank you. I'll not live in a place named after a redneck hairstyle.

Just Beachy

This week the Hardins, Skinners, and miscellaneous others have been vacationing in Gulf Shores, AL. We've had a fantastic time! Above are some shots (mostly of Nita) from this week... more to follow.

Photos

These first few pictures are of Nita practicing sitting up. I think she still has a little ways to go, but she enjoys trying.