A cute quirk that actually has a name

So ever since Iris was born, she has sneezed when she first goes outside in the sunlight. I think it is SUPER cute, and it makes her laugh. Well, the other day while she was napping in my arms (read..I wasn't able to put her down without waking her, so I was playing on my phone.), I did a Google search for sneezing in sunlight. I was surprised to learn that this little quirk has a name - photic sneeze reflex. It's genetic and scientists have been unable to explain it. Aristotle even wrote about it! Who knew?!? 

There's your fun fact for the day!

9 Months Old

I can't believe my baby is 9 months old today! 

What Iris is up to these days:

Pulling up on anything she can get a hold of (clothes, furniture, hands, my hair)

Crawling all over the house

Sleeping in her crib like a big girl

Eating both breakfast and dinner

Feeding herself like a champ

Nursing about every 2 hours during the day and once at night

Clapping to music (newest trick :))

Explores new objects by turning and looking at them from every angle

Can open drawers

 Very busy and constantly moving while awake

Taking 3-4 naps during the day

Babbling 

Laughing

Likes for Mommy or Daddy to sit on the floor while she plays, wanting that reassurance as she's asserting some independence

Would rather be in the Ergo carrier than the stroller

Doesn't like to stop for diaper changes

Throws whatever is in her hands if she gets mad

Plays peek-a-boo

No teeth yet

Just now fitting in 6-9 month clothes

Has a love/hate relationship with her carseat

...and just yesterday, stood up by herself for a few seconds

Pure Sweetness!

"We're adults now!"

According to RJ, we became real grown-ups today. We bought a minivan. I guess the house, jobs, and baby were all just practice ;). 

I am so excited about our new ride. It's a 2011 slate blue Quest. My favorite features are the remote controlled doors. Oh! And I just have to push a button to start it. How cool is that?!? Aside from all the gadgets, I am thrilled for the practicality of it. There's so much more space for when we travel, have others riding with us, and for the almost everyday occurrence of nursing in the car while out running errands (!).

Check it out!

  

One Long Day

Well to explain my absence from blogging goes hand in hand with my day today. I really think this day has had a few extra hours thrown in somewhere. It felt like it should at least be 3:30...at least. But no, is was only noon. So Iris and I loaded up, and we went to the library for the first time. She had a blast and intently watched a little girl who was about 18 months old. Iris was enamored by her. It was sweet to watch my daughter try to interact with her. 

Then, my sweet little girl, who is finicky about her carseat, cried the whole way home. I thought, "Well, at least she will take a long nap,". Nope. 30 minutes. And that's 30 minutes with me holding her. She woke up when I laid her in her crib. 

And thus, my explanation for my lack of blogging. No opportunity during the day, and by night, I am just worn out. Our little lady is starting to sleep for longer periods of time at night, but this has effected her naps during the day. 

Hoping to be back on here soon!