Festivities

We spent some time before Christmas decorating paper Christmas trees and sugar cookies. The kids were getting really excited in the days leading up to Christmas!

Clara's One Month Checkup

So, Clara turned one month old and went to the doctor for a checkup and a Hepatitis B shot. As far as her statistics go, she weighed in at 11 pounds, 6 ounces and was 22.5 inches long. Her weight was in the 100th percentile and her length was greater than the 90th percentile. The doctor was very happy with her development.

We talked quite a bit about her "attitude problem," but Dr. James doesn't seem to think there's an easy fix for this. Let me explain this problem ... Clara is not a happy baby. Nowhere near. She cries ALL THE TIME. She doesn't like to nap and seems generally pissed off most of the day, unless she's nursing.

I think it might be reflux (the doctor doesn't, but he gave me medicine to try for that anyway). He thinks she's sensitive to something I'm eating. I'm willing to cut some things out of my diet, but not everything. If it doesn't get better soon, she will likely switch to formula if it will make her happier.

I told the doctor that he needed to write me a prescription for some magic medicine that will cure her crying (while blaming it all on Jason ;) ), and make my house clean itself and get her to take naps ... doubt it's going to work out that way though!

We ordered a new baby swing for her and it should be here before Christmas. I'm hoping that helps her a lot -- someplace that she can be rocked consistently that is soft and warm for naps. I remember that the swings worked wonders for the twins, so maybe, just maybe it will be her miracle baby seat as well.

The Nutcracker -- Dance Recital

Ruby had her first ballet recital over the weekend. Her school put on a performance of "The Nutcracker." The kids had so much fun and really did a great job! Ruby loved wearing her costume and we even got her hair in a pretty good looking bun (apparently the key to this is a product called Monkey Brains and a hair net). Like I said in an earlier post, we will try to get some video up of the show, but trust me, it was cute!

Tree decorating/Santa Claus

Our Christmas cards have finally been mailed, and I have included my favorite picture from our photo shoot at the end of this update. I love when we can get a picture with all of the children looking at the camera! 

We have been pretty busy preparing for the holidays around here. First, we had to decorate our Christmas tree. This required going through boxes of ornaments and finding the child safe ones for the kids to put up. Ruby really liked checking out all of the different ones from when I was a kid. And Hallie and James are fascinated with Elmo and Big Bird on the tree. 

Then, we went to the Grove Center for the holiday festival there and to see Santa Claus. Ruby loved talking to Santa and telling him what she wanted for Christmas this year. James and Hallie both tried to escape the strange man!

Thanksgiving!

We had a very nice, laid back Thanksgiving here this year. My parents came to town and did most of the cooking and one of our friends made our turkey. The kids really enjoyed the food. Hallie loved the cranberry sauce and Ruby loved "drinking" the whipped cream with Grumpa. 

My mom purchased the Justin Beiber Christmas cd and Ruby and Hallie love asking for Justin Beiber almost every night. I think it will slowly drive Jason insane, but I think it's really cute!

I think Clara enjoyed her first Thanksgiving, but besides eat, sleep and poop, she didn't do much.

Clara's Professional Pics

Clara is almost four weeks old, and I'm just getting around to updating her professional hospital pictures. It has been a crazy few weeks, but I think we're all adjusting really well to being a family of 6. Clara is a pretty good sleeper and is growing like crazy. She goes to the doctor next week for her 1 month checkup, so we'll see how big she is getting then. 

I am going to add more picture the next few days, but since she was born we have had Thanksgiving, visiting Santa, family Christmas pictures, Ruby's Christmas program at the Early Learning Center and Ruby's first ballet recital. I am hoping Jason will be able to upload portions of the program and recital (especially the part where she fell on her bottom!) Needless to say, she was adorable!

Enjoy these pictures from the hospital -- Clara wasn't quite 24 hours old when they were taken. 

Photo Card

Cookie Rose Baby Announcements

Turn your favorite photo into a birth announcement.

View the entire collection of cards.

Visiting Clara in the Hospital, and now home.

Here are some photos of the kids visiting Clara in the Hospital -- a big thank you to Crystal Dickens for assisting me in corralling all the children during the visit. Also, we were discharged on Saturday and are all home and happy. Clara's first Pediatrician appointment went well. She was discharged weighing 7 lb 11 oz, and was up to 8 lb 2 oz 2 days later. She's in the 75th percentile for all her measurements. On to the photos!

All the Hill women together.

James is totally not interested...

Hallie loving that she can hold her baby sister!

Ruby in the Hospital bed holding Clara!

The closest James got to Clara that day.

Ruby and Hallie in the shirts (Great) Aunt Tanja made for them. James has one too, just didn't take off his jacket. 

Hallie chillin' in the Hospital bed.

Hallie holding Clara once more.

Hallie was stinkin' cute this day.

While the oldest, technically not the biggest at birth...

At home sleeping on Dad. In the hospital she wanted nothing to do with me.

Really people? I'm trying to sleep here!

Hallie really does love Clara quite a bit.

While Hallie holds Clara, James torments the cat.

Ruby holding and hugging Clara. Way too cute.

That's all for now. Everyone is doing well at home and we'll post more as time and energy allow. Hope everyone has a happy turkey day!