I've Been Counted

This week I got my last "jab" (or "prickle" as my new friend, Hope, calls it) for a few months. Mama, once again, turned her head away as Auntie Michelle poked me. I was pretty courageous this time as I hardly cried. Auntie Michelle said I probably didn't feel it so much because of all the chub on my thighs. At 16 weeks, I weiged in at 7.2kg (15 lbs 12 ounces) and am still off the top of the growth chart!

What do ya think...am I looking more like my Baba these days? Mama says we're both quite handsome.

I was officially counted this week in the National Census of Kenya. This nice lady, Monica, came to our home and asked us so many questions. Baba said he must take a picture of this historic event in my life as it won't happen again until I am 10 years old.

Getting Stronger and Smiling More

My brothers and sisters have been home from school for their August holiday and I've had so much fun with them. They really love me and I sure love them too!

Solomon sings to me and shows me all the cool toys my Gogo and Agwi from America sent me.

Solomon is usually more interested in the toys than I am.

Cuddling with my big brother.

Last week I discovered that I have ONE hand...this week I realized there's not just one, there's TWO.

I'm learning how to play with my elephant. I can make it really swing back and forth if I hit it with my hands. Mama rigged it up for me so that I can lay on the bed and play with it.

Another nice afternoon with my Auntie Kristin.

Listening to BBC news in the morning while Mama and Baba get ready for the day.

My first pair of overalls.

Look at how strong I am now! I'm still working on rolling over. I haven't mastered that trick yet.

Trying on Baba's new hat given to him by friends from Kokomo, Indiana.

I love my Baba!

Here's Me at 14 Weeks

I love my baths these days. Mama now gives me a bath almost every evening before I go to bed and boy, do I smell so nice.

Practicing sitting up with Auntie Juli.

More of my Gogos (grandmothers) came to visit me this week. They brought Mama lots of food to help fatten her up.

They also brought us nice gifts.

My Gogo Sarah.

Hey, that's MY hand!

I am learning how to talk and sing these days.

This is my boppie that I used to sit so still in. Every once in awhile Mama tries to put me in it but I don't stay still for long. You see me here, I almost scooted myself off the end of the bed.

This is one of my new tricks--I can put my hand inside the rattle all by myself.

Yet another one of my Gogos came to visit me this week--Rachel. She was so happy to see how I've grown.

Gogo Rachel came with some of her friends who brought Mama more food. Wow, these people are so giving. They are already teaching me a lot about generosity.

I found my thumb...and it sure is tasty!!!

Auntie Kristin, Hope and I on a rainy afternoon at home. We loved hanging out with the Albright family for the week that they were here in Kipkaren.

New Tricks, New Toys & New Friends

My Auntie Juli loves to take me for walks.

And I love it too. I almost always falls asleep. Mama says it's one of the only ways I will take a nap longer than 30 minutes!

My Uncle Brian came for a visit and brought gifts from Gogo and Agwi.

Yeah, my new toys (though I'm not smiling, I actually am excited). Thank you, Gogo and Agwi.

Mama was a bit more happy than me about my cute new elephant.

Okay, Mama, I see it but I'm more interested in Baba and the camera right now.

That's enough for now. Don't you see that I'm getting tired? I'm even yawning as it's my bedtime. Don't worry, I'll be more excited in the morning.

Here I am resting with Baba in the morning while Mama tries to get ready for the day. That's nice of me, don't you think?

I sometimes sleep with my eyes half open, like Mama used to do.

Here's one of my new tricks...holding a pen. Well, Mama actually forced me to hold it. But I appeased her and held onto it for awhile. I'm really not trying to put it up my nose (actually I don't really know what I'm trying to do). Mama thinks she has all these great ideas for me to learn new things and try to make me happy.

Now the other hand. This is a lot of work, Mama.

That's enough!

Another new trick...blowing bubbles.

Okay, you're right, Mama, the elephant is a bit interesting.

More tummy time, but I'm too tired today to lift my head up.

Look at how big I am...and by the way, don't I look so cute in green?!!!

Helping Mama cook supper for visitors. Mama made burritos but she still didn't let me have a taste even though I helped her cook.

I'm kind of holding on to my new rattle. I like to put things in my mouth these days.

My new friends, Isaiah and...

Hope! They really love to hold me.

Isaiah tried some new tricks to make me smile.

And it worked!