Reese is becoming more opinionated about what enters her mouth and how it gets there. Sometimes she wants to be spoon fed, other times finger fed. This morning she decided that she didn’t want peaches and toast (both of which she usually likes) and wanted cereal and pears and a whole banana! She’s something. A few nights ago, she started making smacking noises and when she realized that I liked it, she laughed and did it some more! Here’s a picture.

I wanted to invite you all to read my new blog at www.valestudios.com/meg. While I can’t hope to compete with pictures of my daughter, I hope you will enjoy it nevertheless.

Reese decided a few days ago that she is far to big to be spoon fed. While she will allow me to feed her some, she really enjoys feeding herself. She’s great with finger food, but she doesn’t quite get the spoon. She understand which end the food goes in, but not that she has to put food in it first.

Here are a few pictures of our new niece:

She is maybe an hour old in the picture, and still in her birthday suit. Isn’t she delightfully chunky?

I insisted on holding her while she was still naked. Her skin is so soft!

Now she’s dressed. Do you love the cow sleeper?

I forget how badly little babies need to be burped. We liked being able to see her little peepers - which seem decidedly brown.

I’m not sure Reese realized that Joy is a person.

Here are all the Werner children. Aren’t they beautiful? They were all happy to meet their baby sister.

Last night at about 12:10 am, Joy Elizabeth Werner was born! I was in DC visiting with the Godzwas, Courtney, and Randy when Tracy, my sister-in-law, went into labor. Being an official Red Tent sister (one who was invited to the birth), I booked it back to Richmond where I have been staying all week. I got there around 10:40 pm, so I was there for all of transition and pushing. Joy is 8 lb. 1 oz, and very chubby. Once she came out of the water, she was screaming and screaming. I finally got to go to bed around 3 am last night. We will all go back and see her this morning and have a birthday party. We’re all very glad Joy is with us! I will post pictures in a few days.

My friend, Sandy, had her baby on Thursday night and Reese and I got to go see her yesterday. She was so sweet and tiny! I can’t believe that only 9 months ago, Reese was that little and helpless. We’re all excited for baby Mary to grow up and play with Reese.

Sandy is doing great and should go home from the hospital today or tomorrow. Next comes Tracy and another girl cousin for Reese!

This video is only funny if you imagine a monologue discussing the ways in which Reese will take over the world… after her snack.

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I think Reese has started dancing. It used to be rocking and head-banging randomly, but it has evolved into nodding and rocking when music is playing (and sometimes when it’s not). It might also be imitation - I can get her to “dance” by “dancing.” At any rate, it’s adorable.

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As we try more finger foods, I find nudity to be the best way to keep her clean. It’s also hilarious.