Chloe can hold her own sippy cup when forced to. She still drinks lots of whole milk mixed with instant breakfast to supplement her meals and to put on some weight.

Merry Christmas

Chloe had the best day!! She woke up to the surprise of the Big Bear and presents under the Christmas tree. At first her Moma helped her to discover the toys and playdough that were in her stocking. A little overwhelmed by the bear, she moved on to opening presents and was willing to open everyone's presents. She especially liked the bags where she could remove the tissue paper and discover a toy in the bottom. She opened presents, had good food and was surrounded by family and adoring fans all day. Check out the folder of Christmas pictures of her.

Christmas Eve

Chloe helped prepare cookies to leave for Santa and then went to Christmas Eve church. She helped her parents light the advent wreath and enjoyed the evening.

Christmas Partytime!

While visiting family and friends in northeast Arkansas, Chloe enjoyed an afternoon with her cousin Garistin even though she didn't always like sharing the toys or the attention. (Check out the video where Chloe obviously wanted to take the toy from Garistin but knew there were too many adults watching!)

During a family portrait (25 folks), Chloe screamed and cried and will be the only frown in the crowd - can't wait to see that one!


Chloe also visited her 'Aunt' Abby (the newlywed) in her new home. She is beginning to understand the concept of Christmas presents and went home with a special new baby.

Tis the Season

Chloe spent an evening on the square in Fayetteville with Jeremy, Melissa, her mom and dad. She got to ride a pony, pet a real reindeer and walk through the light display!

Whose eyes are bigger?

Chloe is pictured with her moma and some of her special aunts at Abby and Brad's wedding...Unfortunately she had to leave before she could have her picture made with the beautiful bride.

Bedhead

Ready for daycare!

Here's our happy Chloe on her mama's first day back to work. And yes as her shirt says...we are very thankful for her!

Go Away You Turkey!

Chloe and Jack helped cheer on the Razorbacks in their win last night. Chloe had a big time at Jack's house and was asleep in the car before they were out of the driveway!

She got a good report from daycare on eating this week-she ate an entire biscuit.

Camera Shy

It makes no sense to me, but Chloe seems to freeze when she sees the camera. I tried very hard to get a few videos of her reading or chatting but was unsuccessful. I did upload to the blog a few of my attempts. This weekend, Chloe was the healthiest I've seen her in awhile-she didn't even have a runny nose! She is becoming more independent and has developed a healthy temper. I like to think of it as spunk! Every minute with her is fun and I am certainly blessed to have her in my life. She's seen so much of me lately that she knows me and doesn't hesitate to call me by name. She cried when we left today which was touching and heart-wrenching! She'll be 18 months old this week!

Party Girl

Chloe helped host a wine and cheese party for Abby! She had a great time and can't wait to attend the wedding in December!

Feeding Retta

Retta wouldn't eat her supper so Chloe decided to feed her one kernal at a time! If she wouldn't take it, Chloe yelled at her. She was finally back at daycare today after fever, rash, and ear infection since last Friday.

Sad Halloween

Chloe spent the day with fever and didn't get to have any halloween fun. She shed tears during the few moments she spent in her costume. Chloe had the potential to have been the cutest duckling in the pumpkin patch!!

Car Seat Promotion

Chloe finally weighs enough to ride in a front facing carseat. You can see how much she likes it. Since she does not eat much while at daycare, she demands milk as soon as she gets picked up. So mom stands in the parking lot holding a sippy cup of milk for her. She has ignored all efforts at home to teach her to hold her own cup. One day, her mom gave her a few sips and then placed the cup in the seat with Chloe. As Natalie drove away, Chloe cried wanting her to feed the milk to her. All of a sudden Chloe was quiet and Natalie could see her in the mirror acting like a very big girl. She was holding the cup like a pro and drinking steadily. It seems that she had been keeping her drinking abilities a secret. She's been sick again, but is trying get well so she can trick or treat!

PU something stinks!?!

Eating with Chloe

Daycare reports that Chloe is used to their routines and doing well. She is 17 months old and is progressing with therapy. This weekend I noticed that she is putting weight on her feet in maneuvers that should lead to crawling and walking. At almost 20 pounds, she has filled out and looks like the pre-surgery Chloe. She jabbers a lot and calls the dogs by name, says hi, mama bye-bye, various animal sounds and clearly says GranBec! She hugs soft stuffed animals saying awe and tells the dogs No-No. The most fun is her sense of humor, especially when she initiates the laughter.

Pumpkin Patch with Barrett

Homesick?

Chloe had to stay home on Friday-she didn't even make it through one week at daycare. By Sunday she was feeling great.

Chloe started daycare

Chloe was ready for her first day at daycare early this morning. She had a good day without tears. She did wimper a little at lunchtime, but it must have been because of the menu. She ate a few cherios at breakfast, nothing at lunch and three vanilla wafers at snacktime. I bet she ate well at home at suppertime! Her teacher also reported that she wasn't a fan of naptime and never went to sleep. Overall, her moma was pleased with the first day's report.

Halloween Family Picture

It took three adults, two cameras, and a bag of dog treats to get this picture! Chloe loved to pull on Pearl's collar and sweet Pearl just tolerated it.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Go Hogs!

Chloe shows Razorback Spirit with a Razorback cupcake!

Intellectual?

She even reads while waiting for her bath!

Weekend Fun

Chloe visited many close friends and family in Marion and was spoiled by everyone. From specialty cupcakes to fancy raincoats, she went home with many gifts and much love.

Big News

Chloe's "Honey" is having a baby. Check out the blog:
http://www.ourbartonbaby.blogspot.com

Road Trip

Chloe brushed her teeth so she would be ready to go to Ellen's house today. On the first stop, her moma tried to feed her lunch at a Subway's inside a Walmart, but Chloe was having so much fun watching everything around her that she wouldn't eat. Maybe she thought that was the final destination? They stopped again later and she must have been hungry as she ate banana with little prompting.

First Pedicure

She didn't let them near her with the polish!

Chloe's had a fun week - It started off spending Labor Day at the lake. She was evaluated for speech therapy and does not need it! She also visited a petting zoo and strolled through a corn maze.

Go Hogs! Tailgate Fun

Chloe spent the weekend in Malvern and attended Amber's wedding in Hot Springs. She ate a steady stream of puffs to keep from talking during the wedding and never even noticed her mother reading the lesson during the wedding. Her mouth has healed and she is eating better. It is still hard to believe that the cleft palette problems are gone! We are all grateful for the well wishes and support.

Chloe spent lots of time playing with a set of dominoes. I added a video to the blog showing her playing with them and paper cups. She seemed to have a dominoe in her hand all weekend! She swam in a little pool and accidently went under several times but just caught her breath and went on.

She jabbers and makes certain sounds but isn't forming words yet. She still gets around by booty scooting and uses her flexibility(instead of her arms) to sit up when she is laying down on her stomach. (see video) She is a master at pointing for whatever she wants!

She definately has some spunk...Her mom and dad have scolded her for dropping food on the floor for the dogs and on a few occasions have swatted her hand. She has boldly looked them squarely in the eye and laughed. Yesterday, after she dropped some food, her mom sternly said NO NO. Chloe looked her in the eye and then swatted her own hand and then laughed! That's my grangirl!!

At the Lake

Yesterday, Chloe's family had another fun day at the lake with Jeremy and Melissa!

Today Chloe got her 15 month immunizations and had both occupational and physical therapy. She was very tired.

She weighs 18lbs 10oz.