Just Because This Makes Me Happy

I thought I would share this. It just makes me happy.

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Gulu Uganda

We had visitors from an organization called BOSCO-Uganda today. David (in the picture here) and a man named Kevin came to have brunch with us and tell us what they are doing in Uganda.

They work for an organization (linked above) that is operating in Gulu, Uganda. The organization is trying to bring information technology to rural communities in northern Uganda. It is an area that has been incredibly war torn over the past twenty years. BOSCO, as we learned today, is trying to provided internet access and Voice Over IP Telephone access in many of what used be called "Internally Displaced Persons (IDP)" camps. These camps are now places where thousands of people live afraid, as David explained, to returned to their home villages in large part because there is nothing there. So, this organization is working to bring information and VOIP to these people (so that they can get information in such how to deal with basic medical emergencies) and bring their stories, news, and information about basic needs or emergencies out. It was a fascinating afternoon.

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Ah Independence

Caroline is quite pleased with herself and her ability to really, really hold her own bottle now (completely full, without dropping it our leaking all over herself). She's so pleased that she won't really sit in my lap to eat anymore. This is now her favorite way to drink.

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Sitting Up to Eat

The time has come - Caroline is ready for a little highchair. Since our place isn't very big, we opted against the full size highchair. Instead, we went with the smaller strap on kind (and got a great deal on one, I might add). As you can see, Caroline thinks this is great fun. The white tray pops off and goes in the dishwasher. It has the added benefit of making lots of noise when a small person bangs on it.

The highchair has another added benefit. Caroline can no longer put her feet in her mouth when she is supposed to be eating. They are cute little feet, but heavens is it hard to get green beans out from between those toes! So, it is nice to have only the upper portion of her dirty after a meal.

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Six Months

Caroline is six months old today! Wow how time flies. Six months ago at this time we were worried about learning how to swaddle and feed her. Now we are still trying to learn how to feed her, but now it is bananas, rice cereal and peas. She definitely doesn't need a swaddle and her main goal in life is to learn how to crawl. We head to the doctor on Wednesday for her six month check up so we'll get her stats then. But, she seems to be growing up well!

In other news we made an unexpected trip to the emergency room yesterday. I was carrying in groceries and somehow the glass bottle of sparkling lemonade made it out of a double bagged situation and onto the steps. Apparently the bottle exploded and some of the glass came up and cut my leg in two places. Sixteen stitches later (done by someone who went to college with Scott and Deb) I'm fine. But, it was more excitement than we were bargaining for on a Saturday afternoon. But, through the process we realized we live in a great community. Our neighbors took care of Caroline for us (hooray for Scott and Kirstin) and put away the groceries. A woman we go to church with was the nurse on staff at the hospital. All in all, it could have been much worse. Of course, this means that my run of no un-baby related hospital visits is over. Sigh. Ah well, good practice for parenting.

We also had fun visitors today. My Aunt Ruthie and cousins Claire and Noah came over after going to the Steelers/Redskins game last night. It was a great time to get to catch up with them. Jack made us great chocolate chip pancakes (yum) and we all got to visit! It was so nice of them to come see us!!

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Almost as important

I almost forgot... We are now ready for football season at our house.

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Oh if only I could move

It is SO hard to almost be six months old. Just ask Caroline, she'll tell you. She's started to master this babbling that sounds very, very similar to a whine.

The reason for the baby whining? She can't figure out how to move like she would like. I managed to grab this picture of her getting up on all fours. Earlier today she hadn't figured out that her knees needed to bend. She's apparently figured that out since 1:00 (and she took a nap till 3:00). I'm a little afraid of what she may figure out tomorrow. :-)

But, she's making steady progress toward what has been her goal pretty much since she was able to see more than 6 inches in front of her--to move!! We'll let you know how she progresses.

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Why eat your food when you can wear it?

I think this picture basically speaks for itself. Why eat what you can get in your hair, in your ears, on your toes, hands and basically any other part of your body?

Caroline has been eating for about a month now and despite this picture, in fairness, she's starting to get the hang of eating. The big problem comes when she puts her hands in her mouth and then spreads them around. But, it is so funny it is hard to be too bothered by it!

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The Pictures

Here you go...I managed to get a picture on my own (the bottom one) and Jack got us both. We've got a little girl who is sitting up on her own!!!

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Sitting Up

I don't have a picture or a video for you (yet), but Caroline can now almost sit up on her own. She was just able to sit up for about a minute or two on her own, but she can often catch and right herself with one hand. She's not super steady and definitely needs supervision to make sure she doesn't wipe out. Once I have a free hand so that I can take a picture and have her sitting I'll post it!

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Costco Caroline

As you can see, Caroline had a big outing today--a trip to Costco with Jack. Our house is now ready should anyone need a Kleenex (and if you can see at the bottom of the cart, we've now got lots of paper towels).

We don't normally venture to the local Costco on Saturday as it is a zoo. (Jack said there were verbal altercations over parking spaces in the parking lot it was so busy). But, Caroline seemed pretty unconcerned by all of the hullabaloo around her. She was just excited to be out with her daddy.

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