Rachel's favorites right now

1. She loves to "play outside to play!"
2. eating popcorn
3. taking things from her sister
4. projects especially if they involve paint
5. the song "She Was the Prize" by Gaelic Storm

It's hard to pick a top 5 because Rachel is so passionate about so much. She takes swimming and gymnastics lessons, talks highly of her friends from playgroup, and is lucky enough to have Megan come over on Wednesdays. She likes to do Yoga with me, loves to help around the house, and loves pancakes almost as much as her daddy does. She's really a special girl.

Rachel with her baby in the sling

things I wouldn't want to parent my 5 month old without

1. my parents - They've been a huge help with both kids and housework too. Thanks Mom and Dad!
2. Family Resources - I love that I can get a break on Tuesdays and Fridays.
3. my washer and drier - diapers, diapers, diapers
4. lanolin - for her chapped little thumbs
5. my sling - now that Julia is working on some teeth she needs more attention and cuddles.

Favorite Christmas songs

Rachel has some favorite Christmas song's already. The following is her list (as far as I can tell from her requests to the "DJ".)
5. Trim up the Tree sung by the Whos from How the Grinch Stole Christmas
4. Jingle Jingle Jingle performed by the Videocraft Chorus for Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer
3. Baby, It's Cold Outside sung by Dean Martin
2. Christmas Don't be Late sung by The Chipmunks
1. Here Comes Suzy Snowflake sung by Rosemary Clooney

My favorites list changes every year.
5. (There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays sung by The Carpenters
4. Someday at Christmas sung by Stevie Wonder
3. Baby, It's Cold Outside sung by Dean Martin
2. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas sung by Sister Hazel
1. O Tannenbaum performed by Vince Guaraldi Trio

more cute things Rachel is saying now

5. "Hi Mook." (translation: "Hi Milk." She says this nearly every time we sit down to nurse.)
4. "Caw Aaty Co-ty." (translation: "Call Aunty Courtenay." She's in love with her Aunty Courtenay.)
3. "In ying." (translation: "In sling." Rachel love to hang out with Mamma.)
2. "Hab tea on Pooh yap." (translation: "Have tea on Pooh's lap." Rachel's new favorite thing to do is have a teddy bear tea party and she takes turns sitting on all the bears' laps.)
1. "Good yiwky on Bobby." (translation: "Good silky on Bobby." Daddy always tells Rachel "There's still some good silky left on this [blanket]" and rubs the silky edge on her cheeks.)

cute things the girl is saying now

5. How 'bout Elmo?
4. coffee pot (Dad's so proud.)
3. screwdriver
2. Hold Ginny! (meaning she want to hold the picture of Aunt Gillian.)
1. Tuck in toes.