Welcome Chester to the Barnes Bunch!

We added a new member to the family today. Meet Chester...

or Cheeto, or Cat as CJ tends to refer to him. Although he is starting to call him Chester too.

This is one super tolerant kitty too. Alyssa has pulled his tail and he doesn't flinch. She has grabbed his face and nothing. She stepped on him and he just got up and walked away from her. I hope he remains so calm with her and tolerant because I am a nervous wreck whenever she's around him.

Those of you who know me probably are thinking what about your allergies Monica? Well, so far I have been fine. Joe brushed him and the girls are going to keep him brushed (or they better). I am trying to limit my actual contact with him of course. I am not a cat person, but Joe and the kids are really enjoying him.

As far as cats go I guess he's a pretty good looking cat.

Teddy Bear PJ Day

I know this blog has turned into a little of the Alyssa show lately. That wasn't really my intentional. The big kids haven't been up to too much and there hasn't been much to update on. But today CJ was very excited because it was teddy bear PJ day at school. He got to wear pajamas and bring a stuffed animal to school today. He was up and at 'em this morning and running out the door before I was even ready. I did manage to grab a couple of pictures of him though.

CJ's PJ's

Doggy!

So CJ got to dance and stretch today with his puppy dog. He drew a picture of a fishy too. He asked Joe if everyone at work wore their PJ's today too. Awww, if only there was a national PJ day. Or if only everyday was PJ day. So much fun!

Alyssa's 1 year checkup

Hello blog peeps. Alyssa here and I'm 1 now. Yet again Mommy and Daddy made me go to the doctor today. They really need to stop bringing me there! I DO NOT LIKE IT! I didn't like it from the beginning when the nurse was measuring my head, to the middle when the medical student was touching me with her cold hands, and to the end where I was attacked by those long sharp pointy things! There were 4 things stuck in me today people! Oh and she also forced my mouth open to paint some sealant stuff on my teeth. Did not like that one bit thank you very much. I'm afraid the book I got in the end of it all didn't much make up for it. Although, the bubbles entertained me for about two seconds. Good thing it's a long car ride home and I passed out as soon as we got to moving. I was exhausted!

But you all don't care about my misery I'm sure. You're here to find out how I'm measuring up. I'm still a peanut growing along my own growth curve. I am up to 16 pounds 6 ounces and 27 3/4 inches tall now. I guess the doctor was pleased with my growth as she didn't say anything.

They are going to watch my talking. I've got 3 months to learn 3 words or Birth to Three comes out. Mom says she's not too worried because I babble a lot. Hey a girls gotta move what can I tell you. Who needs to talk with all these big people around doing the talking for me?

I baffled the student doctor with my crawling style. The doctor isn't concerned though because my hips are good and I'm standing and cruising normally. Why would I put both knees flat on the floor? That would hurt. And I get around just fine the way I do it.

The doctor is thrilled that I'm still drinking breast milk. Although, she doesn't like that I do it at night. So that was why the sealant was put on my teeth.

I do have a bit of a diaper rash which Mommy has been battling for a few weeks now. Seems it might have been a little staph infection which is healing and there is also a little yeast. So more cream for the yeast, but the staph is clearing up on its own so unless that changes we'll just wait it out I guess. I'm not really too bothered by it.

All in all I'm a healthy growing girl and looks like I get a reprieve from the doctor until May!

Princess Alyssa turns 1

I had posted Alyssa's birthday letter on her birthday last week, but I never shared the pictures I took of her that day. We had a very tiny little party just the six of us. I made her her own cake and we had cupcakes for everyone else. And while Alyssa was very tired that night she sure did enjoy the frosting! She liked the cake too though. Here are some pictures of her from her cake:

Alyssa's cake, bright pink!

So shy, we were singing to her. Can you tell she's not used to being the center of attention?

Eating frosting!

Mmmm, good!

Here, want some?

Look at that hand covered in frosting!

Hmmm, what's this all over my hand?

Good thing we took her shirt off, frosting was everywhere!

What do you want me to do with this?

Picking at more frosting.

Ooooh!

Two fist time!

No, don't take it away!

What do I do with this little bit?

Getting really tired! Just about time for a bath and bed.

So that was the end of the pictures from her cake. I bathed her and put pj's on her and off to bed she went for the night. The next day she was in a much better mood and was making some really cute faces so I of course grabbed the camera to snap some shots of duck faces and other silly things and every time I put the camera up she grinned ear to ear. I still got some good shots though and well blinded her in the process.

Happy thought!

So shy!

Say cheese!

What a devilish grin

Such a happy baby!

Sweetness!

Giddy!

Giggles!

Lets get serious now!

Okay more smiles!

So now Alyssa is 1. Let me update you on what's going on. She has just the two teeth on the bottom. She eats everything. Her favorites are mommy's baking, ice cream, and chicken and rice casserole. She is still cruising, no actual steps yet, but she's getting there. She is still doing her "gimpy" crawl, but boy is she quick. She is exploring everything. She loves being around her sisters and her brother. She is beautiful and happy and amazing in every way and I cannot believe she has been a part of our family for over a year now! Where did the time go?

Happy 1st Birthday Alyssa

Dear Alyssa,
Having you here for the past year has taught me so much as a mother. While you are our 4th child you are the first one who has breastfed all the way to a year old and you're the first one who I have ever used cloth diapers with.

You are my shy cuddly little girl. Like your sisters and brother you have a smile that lights up a room and can make any bad thing seem so much better.

I have loved watching you learn and grow this past year. At the same time it has been a little bitter sweet for me since you are our last baby.

I love how you adore your brother and sisters. You always have to know what they are doing when they are around and just be with them. I hope you will always be close to your big sisters and you and your brother will look out for one another.

This past year has been an amazing wonderful blessing for me. I look forward to what the next year brings for you. Starting to walk and talk more. I am sure there will be amazing things in your life and I am just looking forward to taking this ride with you.

Happy 1st birthday sweet baby girl. Mommy loves you!

Love,
Mommy