5 months

Clara turned five-months old on Saturday. It's hard to believe the months have flown by so fast, yet, at the same time, it feels like she's always been in my life. It's amazing how that works!

Every day with her just gets better and better. She's in a phase right now where she's doing something new every day and I can't get enough of her. I absolutely loved her as a teeny, tiny baby, but this new phase - where she interacts with us, laughing, cooing and reaching - is just so much fun.

She had her five-month appointment the other day and - good news! - she is now officially on the growth chart. That's pretty great for a preemie, especially one born at 30 weeks. Actually, the pediatrician commented that she would have guessed she was more like 35-weeks premature, based on her development to date, including her strong body. Speaking of that, Clara seems to be developing right on track for a full-term five-month old. She is behind in a just a couple areas (like size, and she isn't rolling over a ton, but I blame that on me), but is ahead in some too. Praise God! We are so blessed.

I will leave you with some shots our good friend Matthew took of her the other day in our yard. I know I can't take credit for her genes, but I'd like to think I taught her how to "smize"...