Constant Beginnings

I've commented before on Claire's curls, but failed to capture them on film. I gave her a bath earlier this morning, which resulted in bountiful curls. They are so cute, but I find it very amusing that they are limited to the back of her head with the rest being stick straight.

I hate pie. Even more, I hate making pie. But...Chris happens to like pie. So, being the self-nominated trophy wife that I am, I made my husband an apple pie with the apples we picked last weekend. It turned out well--not even burned, which happens to be a signature of mine!

It all began with my resistance band. Claire loved playing with it. She enjoyed putting it around her neck the most. That fascination moved on to my headband, towels, headphones, and other more appropriate things. Now we are into some dangerous territory--underwear. Chris was folding some clothes last weekend when Claire grabbed a pair and put them on her head. It was so funny. After hearing our laughter, she laughed too. Just over one and already a comedian. I only wish I could say this fascination ended with clean undies...

We took Claire on our annual apple picking adventure to Sholan Farms, which is a local town sponsered farm supported strictly by volunteers. Today was a crisp, beautiful fall-like day and was perfect for the occasion. Despite Chris' best attempts to teach Claire about finding & picking the perfect apple, she was much more content eating one. In fact, that was basically her entire experience. Oddly enough, when I give her apple wedges or chunks at home, she hardly eats them. I guess the trick is the same with apples as it is with so many other foods lately--give her the entire thing/bag and she'll eat them like nobody's business. Anyway, they were offering free hayrides too, so we went for a ride. It was great. Claire spent most of the hayride and ride home eating her apple. Apple picking was a hit!

Chris and I decided to take the leap, trying for baby #2 last month. Who would have guessed it would be a "done deal" so quickly?!! Mmmmm Hmmm. You guessed it. We.are. We will be a family of 5 with 2 kids under---dare I say....2! That sounds crazy! Claire will actually be 22 months when the kiddo arrives and she is already "Miss Independent," so I think she'll be just fine. But as I look at the two pretty lines on that bright white stick, a bit of nervousness finds me. I know it is early to analyze every piece of this situation, but I can't help but ask the question that Chris has been asking me since Claire was born--"Will I love my second child as much as the first?" I used to think he was insane asking such a thing, but I find myself in the same frame of mind. I love Claire so much. She really is my life. I live to make her happy, actually, each minute not spent on myself is spent on her. Obviously, the answer to the question must be "yes...

Something odd happened today. When Claire was about 4-9 months of age, I attempted to teach her a few signs. I consistently used "more," "all done," "milk," but was pretty laid back in my approach. I figured as long as she wasn't frustrated, I didn't really care if she used them. In my heart of hearts, I much prefer words vs. signing. Needless to say, she never once used them spontaneously and the words came quickly. Flash forward, oh 5 months...I was twirling her around in our living room and asked her if she wanted "more," expecting her to say it. Instead, she signed it. 5 TIMES!! I find it remarkable that she remembers the sign even though she has not seen it for such a long period of time. What a smart little cookie!

Claire will be 14 months next week, so I thought I'd post her update now. She is becoming a ball of fire. Everywhere I go, she goes. She is definitely my little shadow. Since we returned from Maine, Claire is constantly saying, "Momma" or "Mommy." She throws in a "Dadda" every now and then, but Chris has been in Atlanta, so his name hasn't been echoing through our home as often. She is a pretty independent girl. She loves her baby, constantly patting her back, rocking her in the chair and carrying her everywhere. Claire is a great little mommy. Her second favorite toy is Harvest. She has recently begun to try and play with him and his toy rope. She has obviously spent some time studying the art of playing with Harvest and has become a master of pulling the toy away from him--just like Chris and I do. He loves her and is VERY tolerant. Harvest is awesome. Just today Harv and I were downstairs while Claire was napping. She awoke, but I didn't hea...

We also went kayaking. It was a first for Chris, Claire and I. Although we didn't plan well, it was a fun experience. We went out as the tied was going out. As a result, Chris and Josh ended up dragging the kayaks through 10 yards of thick mud. We went around the inlet, taking in the sights. Claire wasn't so thrilled with the trip. She buried her head into my shoulder for most of it. The return to land was much more challenging. What was at first a 10 yard hike through thick mud, quickly grew to 1/4 mile or so. Josh first got out of his kayak, thinking he would drag it back, but instead, lost his shoe. When he was elbow & knee deep in his search for the shoe, he sort of lost his shorts. It was the funniest thing. Chris and I just laughed. Of course, I had to get a somewhat tasteful picture of the scene! Sorry Josh. Chris soon joined him in his own search as he lost his flip flop. I ended up dragging the kayak back to the cabin as Chris was shoeless. All in all, it was a mem...

We had the pleasure of spending the weekend with great friends in Bar Harbor, ME. Josh and Erin rented a cabin for the week, so they invited us up. Although I wasn't so sure about not having a tv, internet or a microwave, it was so much fun. We shopped in Bar Harbor where there was a lovely park with a gorgeous view of the harbor. Claire enjoyed her freedom, walking around from flower to flower or person to person. We also went up Cadillac Mountain. It was beautiful, such an expansive, breathtaking view. Josh and Erin brought Erin's sister, Danielle to stay with them too. She is such a sweet girl. She loves Claire and I think the feelings are mutual. Danielle was a great help with entertaining Claire. We wish she lived closer to us as we'd love to have her babysit more often.

Claire and Lynn Claire's height being measured. She is just so cool. Claire's weight being measured. Claire had her 1 year well baby check a bit late. It was more like a 13 month well baby check, only because our travel plans this summer pushed it back a bit. All went well. The numbers simply stated the obvious--she is a peanut. Here are the stats: weight 18# 7 oz. (10th %ile) height 28" (10th %ile) head circumference 47cm (50th %ile) Her NP, Lynn, was not concerned. She said as long as height and weight are proportionate, Claire is fine. Claire eats everything, but just not alot. We are going to try and fatten her up a bit though. We generally feed her after she attempts to feed herself, but I guess we'll do a bit more of that vs. encouraging independence. Lynn suggested feeding her more protein, which we will also try. She was impressed with Claire's language abilities. She has quite a few words and even showed them off for Lynn and the nurses. Claire's newes...