Constant Beginnings

        I am turning over a new leaf. I am officially--can't bring myself to say it, but it is my birthday. Sooo, as a celebration of my old age, in addition to my quest of losing 20 pounds, Claire and I decided to reconnect with our friends at StrollerStrides. It was hell, but a good hell if there is such a thing. I took a picture of the sweat pouring off my face, but it was even too ugly to post. Instead, I will leave you with pics of our beautiful child. We went a bit early to play on the playground since it was already bloody humid at 8:00. Claire LOVED the swing even more than before. She also enjoyed the class. She just sat and watched, taking it all in. I am sure the thought of her Momma jogging behind the stroller was enough to shock her. I know my body thought so.

    I completed 2 pages today. I am not sure that I will do any tomorrow, we'll just have to see how that goes.

  Today was a rather busy day. I agreed to do summer speech for a few students which only involves 3 hours, one day every other week. Pretty easy and decent money. However, today I also had a doctor appointment thrown in the mix, so we didn't get home until later. Anyway, I almost didn't have it in me to get this page done, BUT I did it! I am so pleased that I have stuck to my promise thus far and yes, Lisa, I did go walking today in addition to a little ab workout AND Squats!! Don't choke in your amazement. All I can say is....Bye-bye 20 pounds!! I didn't mention yesterday, but Harvest has another freakin' hotspot. It is quite the ongoing issue. We've been around and around with our vet (he charges a fortune and prescribes creams/ointments vs. pills that have been proven effective) and actually ended up taking him to the vet on base. However, she was busy and couldn't fit him in for 2 weeks. Way too long for a dog who is licking himself like he is made of h...

        Claire has learned a few new tricks. She now waves and does "so big." She also has discovered the phone. She holds it up to her ear and "talks." It is adorable. I finally got pictures of Claire taking care of her baby. She actually pats the baby's back, too. This kiddo is way too cute!

       

 

     

My best childhood friend, Nicole, and her husband, Kevin, welcomed a son into their lovely family. Congratulations, Nicole and Kevin! We can't wait to meet him in a few weeks!! He is beautiful.

 

       

        We aren't sure if it was a sign from God or it could just be a result of our poor attendance, but we went to church only to discover that summer services are at 9:00 instead of 10:00. Oops. I guess I should be reading the church newsletter that arrives in our mailbox faithfully every month. Instead of church, we went to the beach. It was a great beach day--upper 80 degree temperature and not a ton of people. Perfect for a day of discovery. Claire wasn't too sure about the sand, but quickly grew to like it. Chris showed her how to put the sand in the bucket and dig a hole and use the rake. He also took her down to the water where she realized how very freakin cold it is. Needless to say, sand play was all that took place. It was a fun day.

     

        In the midst of my Grandpa's passing, traveling, etc., I neglected to post about Claire turning 11 months. She is getting so big. She still has her big, blue eyes and blonde hair, much to my delight! Claire is a petite little girl, typically wearing 6 month clothing. She plays catch with Chris, tossing the ball in his general direction and retrieves the ball when he rolls it to her. She holds a baby and rocks back and forth. I encourage her by saying, "Oh, nice baby." She seems to like that. Claire really enjoyed the pop-up toy when we were in North Dakota, so we brought it back. She can close the lids, but isn't able to make them open. Claire loves Harvest. She squeals with delight when she sees him each day. She loves to pet him, which often sounds more like hitting, but her intentions are good. Claire is beginning to understand the walk behind toy. She likes it best on carpet. Tile and hardwood floors make it more like a run-behind toy. She is making stran...