Photos Photos Photos!

While I often don't have time to write about all the wonderful elements of being Alma's mom beyond the quick notes I jot in my journal, I have been snapping lots of pictures.  I keep trying to capture how cute she is.  Here are a few that give a glimpse into Alma's world ...

Alma doesn't mind "tummy time" but she really enjoys "flying" on her back on the couch.  When we hold her too long, she will fuss until we let her wiggle around on her own.  She is the champion of kicking her legs and flapping her arms. 

Simon loves Alma.  But he REALLY loves Grandma Chisholm.  He spent her entire visit trying to be as close as possible and plotting how to fit in her suitcase.

During the daytime, Alma spends a lot of time doing house chores, baking and visiting with friends while riding in this sling.  Also, if she is fussing, it can put her to sleep in just a few moments.  I knew that I would miss my pregnant belly; this is a close substitute.  I cannot decide who likes it more!

She also loves the hammock created by her father's legs!

While Alma wasn't born a champion sleeper, she is slowly making progress.  She has been sleeping in the Moses basket lent to us by Amanda and Lou.  (Thanks 'Lieris!) 

Alma has been hard at work trying to find her thumb.  It is neat to see her daily progress.  The other day in baby yoga class, she found it and it comforted her for most of the hour-long class, allowing me to do a full workout.  It was beyond wonderful.

In the past, Joshua and I have always made jokes about the crazy way we planned on dressing our future children.  We felt it was time to start making good on our promises.  Let the hazing begin!

Alma has started meeting some key folks recently.  Above is our neighbor, Marie, who plans on acting as A's third grandmother.  Below are Robin and Bobby, who are another set of wonderful uncles for Alma.  We cannot wait for them to start their family because they will be amazing fathers.

Even though we didn't take many pictures at the event, Alma got to meet most of her Thompson relatives at my cousin Tommy's homecoming party.  Tommy just got back from serving nine months in Iraq with the national guard.  We are happy to have him safely back in the US and excited that he will be living in Philadelphia with his gal.  Above is a picture of Cousin Patty and Aunt Claire at the party.

Even though it is busy time for us, parenthood is still a lot of fun.  Here Joshua and Alma are crying to me, even though I was the one who had to borrow clothes because A decided to throw up on me during a dinner at Robin and Bobby's house -- ha!

And I'll leave you, gentle readers, with our rendition of a drivers license photo.  She already has the deer-in-the-headlight look perfected.  Obviously, she is a genius.