Claire--14 months

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 hear her. Harvest immediately came to me, jumping and hopping around excitedly which is his universal message that he needs something. He lead me to the stairs where I could hear Claire talking in her crib. We couldn't ask for a better son. Claire can manipulate a spoon quite well. We started allowing her to use a spoon when she turned one, but we typically end up feeding her so that she'll eat more. I think she must be going through a growth spurt as she is sleeping alot more than usual. Last night she slept from 8:00 pm until 7:00 this morning. She is eating alot more too. At daycare on Tuesday they had a breakfast for lunch type meal--waffles and sausage. Our little piggy ate 3, yes I said 3 waffles. She also swiped some sausage from her little friend's plate in addition to eating her own. That's my kiddo. We love our meat (I threw that in for you, Lisa and Chris--I know your already looking forward to this Christmas!) Claire is no longer biting or tantruming. She is pretty easy going, but does find us amusing. She laughs whenever she hears someone else laughing. The other funny thing that she has been doing for the last month or so is when she hears someone burp, sneeze or cough, she spits with her tongue as if to imitate them. It is so funny! Claire has also recently begun to tolerate hair clips or ties. I am super thrilled about this. Her hair is getting rather long, so I can finally make her look neat vs. the out of bed look. I know lots of people strive for that look, but I am over it. Speaking of her hair, she has some cute little curls that form in the back of her head and little waves throughout. I have body in my hair, but I've never really liked it and always tried to straighten it. I think hers is so sweet. Claire is such fun. Just when you think parenting can't get any better, it does. Each stage is better than the one before.