Constant Beginnings

Grammy and Papa (my parents) bought Claire this fantastic toy, the Ball Popper, as part of her Christmas present. It is entertaining for all. The thing blows balls into the air and they eventually fly all over the place. Who doesn't enjoy flying balls?? Ok, don't read into that. I look forward to the day when Claire can retrieve the balls herself because, quite frankly, it is exhausting. However, her participation at this point is pure enjoyment and fascination at how the balls can do that. In other news, I had read an article on the importance of teaching your child to self-soothe. We co-sleep. Not because of preference, necessarily, but moreso convenience. It is tough waking up several times a night and still managing to have enough energy to do your professional job well. BUT.....Claire is finally on the mend and sleeping for longer periods of time, so decided to give this self-soothing thing a try by letting her cry it out in her own bed to begin each night. AND...We have l...

Yes, we like to torture our child, but isn't she adorable??? It was so worth the pain. She wanted so desperately to eat the arrow, but I was ready to pounce at any minute. I can only imagine how many germs are on that thing. Yuck. If only we could have gotten her to smile instead of looking stunned. Maybe it was the sight of her Daddy in gold wings and his undies that did this to her? Ok, I am only kidding. Chris kept his clothes on. I just thought I needed to wake you up. Maybe my humor will make you comment?? No, really, I think our lame photographer was enough to put us all in a stupor. She was far from entertaining. Chris and I had to be the idiots for the first time or second time (she was the same one we had when we had her newborn shots taken, which was also supposed to be a sitting with Claire's cousins. I think "supposed to" says enough. Ava didn't want to sit and smile for the log.). She was lame, enough said. On a more positive note? Wouldn't you ...

We had Claire's sixth month pictures taken a couple of weeks ago, but I haven't had a chance to upload them. She wasn't very into smiling that day. It was our first somewhat challenging photo shoot. She usually smiles like everything. We did manage to get some okay shots. You may need a magnifying glass to view them. Not sure why.

I used to be prompt about scrapbooking in Claire's album. After seeing my sister's pictures piled up three children later, I was determined not to have the same fate. I am sure it is difficult for some of you to believe, but since Claire has been born, my free time has been limited. Really, it has. So, our pictures are finding their way into piles too--5 to be exact. However, I am thrilled to say that I finished (ok, they aren't completely finished, but nearly. I only have journaling to do.) six pages. Yes, that's right, I said SIX!! It was a major accomplishment. Here they are for your viewing pleasure. Only 5 more months left to get through....any volunteers? Jessica???

Ok, this is a somewhat random and probably obnoxious post. Claire hasn't changed much since my last post, and her two teeth haven't pushed through enough to actually photograph them. Sooooo, here's what I have: I was recently searching the stores for the perfect Valentine's Day gifts when what to my wandering eyes should appear, but rows and rows of STUFFED ANIMALS??!!! What kind of sign of love are they? I have never been fond of stuffed animals. I just never got the point. What do you do with them? They sit around, taking up space and quite frankly, are a huge waste of money! They will not be found aplenty in our home. One or two is the limit! I take that back. We already have a dresser full of them (much to my dismay) and they have not moved since they were placed there--6+ months ago. What a waste. We have reached our limit. No more. Eventually, some will quietly and secretly make their way to the Goodwill, so note to you all....please don't buy us stuffed anima...

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...