Constant Beginnings

Since Claire was born, Chris and I have gone back and forth as to who she looks like. Certain poses, looks or during certain periods in her life, she seems to look more like one than the other. His family thinks she looks like him and my family seems to agree or at least see some of his features. Needless to say, having lugged this kid around for 9 months, I think I deserve to have a feature or two. I am not asking for a mini-me, but simply a resemblance will satisfy my selfish-being. So, I came upon this website to settle the debate once and for all. The results please me to no end. She is a perfect blend of us both. MyHeritage : Celebrity Collage - Ancestory

Ok, so I was walking by the photo copier at work when a friend caught me and asked me if I had read the articles on plastic. Who was she kidding? I had been and still am in a post-baby fog. I am lucky if I can remember to put my socks on before my shoes! She gave me the 411. Evidently, there has been a long-term discussion on the effects of the chemicals in plastics on our health. Plastics leak chemicals over time called BPA. This process is quickened by microwaving, washing and other forms of heat, as well as time. These chemicals have been linked to cancers, reproductive problems, mental retardation, hyperactivity, early puberty, etc. There is no doubt that these issues are apparent and much more apparent than years before, but WHY?? I know you can't believe all your told and you'll never be able to protect yourself or your family from all danger, but I work with these kids--hyperactive, mentally retarded---and when you do so for 8 hours a day, five days a week, you realize h...

I am sitting here comparing the picture on my previous post with the one by our profile. They are nearly the same pose with about 1 1/2 years difference in time. What a sad comparison! We look a little chubbier, a little less put together, a little less wide-eyed, a bit sleep deprived and maybe, the scariest of all, is a bit older. UGH! I thought things got better with age? Maybe Chris and I are the exception. Ok, now don't go and compare. You are getting older too....

I consider myself to be a pretty easy going person, never thinking I'd be one for nanny cams, frequent check-in's or babysitter interviews. However, what's a girl to do when she moves to a state where she knows no one and enters a new phase of life called "Mommyhood?" Chris and I have not had a date or night out alone since Claire was born. We have had my family babysit when either they were visiting or when we visited them. They are a sure thing, incredibly caring people who would do anything to help us out. They are awesome. However, our time with them is limited and they don't live close enough to be on-call babysitters. Therefore, the search began. Our neighbor girl is turning 13 or close to that. Her mom mentioned that she would be ready to babysit in February. Chris and I were happy at that thought, five months ago. As that time came closer, we began to analyze that thought. A 13 year old, caring for our 6 month old who has her share of sleep resisting c...

Claire had her six month well baby check today. Chris and I had talked for the past several days about whether or not to have her receive her vaccinations when she is sick or bring her back when she is feeling better. I've done the research and read enough to know there is no data driven link between vaccinations and Autism, PDD or the Spectrum. That being said, I have also worked with a number of children with Autism whose parents beg to differ.Therefore, I prefer to err on the side of caution. Claire awoke this morning after a nice long sleep (6 hours, which is the best we've gotten in the past week or so), so I was all set to go ahead with the vaccinations despite my initial reservations. We went to her appointment and visited with the NP about this very issue. She shared her opinion and assured me I was doing the right thing--erring on the side of caution. During her examination, the NP discovered fluid in Claire's right ear---her first ear infection! You would never kn...

Claire recently began playing peek a boo. She has found the game interesting for the past month or so, but never actually interacted. The other day she was in her crib (I am not sure why as she is NEVER in her crib. She doesn't even sleep there, but that is another post altogether.) I put a blanket over her and started playing. All of a sudden she began moving the blanket herself. It was so cute. She continues to melt my heart everyday.

It is hard to believe six months have flown by already. It seems like only yesterday we were spending our first night home as a family of three (or four, if you include Harvest) and trying to figure out how to comfort you as you wailed at midnight. We were quick to learn that a midnight drive did the trick. We weren't sure how the rest of our lives would go if we resorted to a drive on night number one. However, thankfully, you've been a dream first baby. Your Daddy and I marvel at how much you've changed and how smart you are. You are everything we could have hoped for in a little girl. You captured both our hearts immediately.We love you and look forward to each and everyday with you. Here are some things you are doing now: 1. You are sitting on your own. 2. You play peek-a-boo. Today you actually began putting the blanket over your eyes and waiting for me to say, "where's Claire" before you took it off. It was so cute, but of course, the battery was de...

I must confess, I love Old Navy. Where else can you get jeans for $5 or shirts for $2? Claire and I went shopping this afternoon and stocked up on a few necessities. We walked out with 11 items for $45!! A steal!

This has been a week of complete misery---for us all. Claire has been sick. It all seemed well Monday morning, but when I picked her up from daycare, she had a cough, runny nose and eyes. Monday night was a night from hell. She was up nearly every hour, coughing and moaning. We tried steam showers, a cool bath, but nothing seemed to help. She went to daycare and seemed to suffer through. Tuesday night was a copy of Monday. Misery. I stayed home with her on Wednesday. She seemed to be doing better, but later ran a temp of 100.5. We called the nurse like our handy dandy manual says to do (yes, there is a manual--we actually have 2) and she confirmed that we were doing everything right. We ran to Target and got a humidifier. An item that was on our initial pre-baby list, but a purchase that was put off. It was another tough night. Chris stayed home with her on Thursday. It was a copy of Wednesday. Thursday night went better. She cried madly from 11:30-12:45, but we survived. This mor...

We love our Robeez. They are the greatest thing ever invented in the area of baby footwear, if I must say. Since Claire was born, we have had a challenge keeping her socks on her feet. She kicks and off they came. We tried different kinds of socks, but nothing seemed to --change--until Robeez came into our life. Claire received the Robeez as a gift from my Aunt and Uncle. They have been great. She wears them everyday and unless she is quite upset and really kicking, they stay on. Life is good. Sock problem solved.

I am a bit behind in the blogging of gifts. We have been blessed with so many that it has been a challenge making sure that I have recorded each. Most recently, Claire was given the pink sweatshirt and pants outfit, along with a Baby's First Christmas ornament by my Aunt Pam and Uncle Rick. Ornaments are a special tradition in my family, this is one we will certainly cherish. The white tee shirt and dress were given to Claire by one of my preschool students. They will be perfect for her next summer. The last picture shows several onesies and Robeez, which were given to Claire by my Aunt Karen and Uncle Loren. We used this gift immediately. They have been wonderful. Claire is a lucky girl!

Luke and Ava were up in a bedroom one morning when I snuck up on them to catch a look. This is what I saw. Luke was trying to put a ponytail in Ava's hair. It was so cute! Obviously, he is pretty thrilled with the product.

Claire's satisfaction with milk has been decreasing each day. It seems she is drinking quite a bit per sitting, but could still eat more. Our nurse practitioner recommended waiting until 6 months to begin foods, but said it is acceptable anywhere from 4-6 months. Chris and I gave in and started feeding Claire vegetables on December 28th. My sister, Lisa, recommended sweet potatoes, so we gave it a try. The pictures above capture Claire's thoughts.

Jessica gave both Claire and Ava the cutest little shirts that say "Cute as a Cupcake." I tried to get Claire and Ava to pose for a picture together with their shirts. This is how well it went. The last one says it all! They are such little darlings. I can't wait until they get a bit older, so I can watch their friendship bloom.

Ava was such a good little helper with Claire. She ran for diapers, wipes, bottles, etc. In these pictures, Ava is trying to dress Claire and quite honestly, it wasn't going so well. Maybe you should turn her over, Ava??