Happy Halloween

Clare was the cutest Trick-or-Treater we had today, never mind the fact she was the only one, had there been hundreds she still would have been the cutest. She wore her Halloween best this weekend, even if it was too small/big, she still looked darn cute.

Caught her looking at the Toy's R Us catalog, she loves the paper!

Uncle A came over this afternoon to help me with some stuff, as you can see Clare was a bit confused. It wasn’t Uncle A that caused this look, she was off all day – lots of short naps and unhappiness in between. After a short nap she was back to her smiley self and enjoyed the rest of his visit.

Tomorrow is our Monday Funday. We don’t have any plans, maybe we’ll go for a walk if the weather permits or maybe we’ll just stay home and play. I know I’ve said it a zillion times, but I am so thankful for my Monday’s.

Saturday

Today was just another Saturday in the fall at our house; which means sleeping in, football, drinking beer (for the adults) and flipping between multiple channels on the TV to watch all the football games. Unfortunately Mizzou didn't do too great against Nebraska, the cornhuskers beat 'em. Even more unfortunate is that they aren't showing the Ohio State game here; instead we're getting the USC-vs-Oregon game, thank goodness for the ESPN bottom line ticker to show us the score.

Today Clare spent the morning with Dad while I went to work and swam, sleeping in is his thing, he's doing his best to teach Clare the fine art. In the afternoon Clare and I went to lunch with a friend and then to Lovely Confections for a cupcake and visiting with friends for Halloween (the entire street was doing a Halloween trick-or-treat). The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed our afternoon. Clare got to play with McClellan while Melissa, Matt and I enjoyed every morsel of our cupcakes; I’m sure the girls would have loved a cupcake, maybe next year.

O

H

I

O

(You can see she was getting pretty tired as she's rubbing her eyes at the same time)

Go Buckeyes!!

Theatre Thursday

A few videos for your viewing pleasure.

I finally got her saying Dada on video, pretty darn cute if I do say so myself.

Proving that it wasn't just a one time thing.

Weekend Recap

We had another great weekend here on S Riviera, and as usual it went by too fast.

Friday evening I had to work late, it was the annual Spooktacular event at the Rec Center meaning I had to create a haunted house on the track. Halloween is somewhat of a non-holiday for me; I could do without it honestly – I know that’s hard to believe coming from someone that loves candy. Every year I dread this event, does that make me Negative Nancy? This year we had nearly 800 people in the facility all dressed in costume some rather cute and some completely predictable, Batman and princesses will never go out of style. Jeff did bring Clare for a quick appearance; she was by far the cutest baby there. All of her hand-me-downHalloween ‘costumes’ were too big, but she wore a pumpkin onesie (too big) and some orangepants (too small), I still thought she looked adorable. Jeff and she went home and she was inbed by the time I got home, the second time I missed her bedtime routine.

Saturday was of course college football all day. ESPN’s College Gameday was at MIZZOU, they set an audience record with nearly 18,000 fans, it being the 99^th Homecoming helped I’m sure. Luckily MIZZOU won, but it wasn’t a blowout, there were some tense moments for sure. I told Jeff at one point that if he woke Clare up with his yelling he got to go help her get back to sleep; he lovingly said she could wait until the game was over – she didn’t end up waking up. With their win Jeff’s phone received more text messages than ever before, clearly everyone was excited about the win. Go Tigers!!

Rather than sitting and watching football Clare and I went and did a 5K, Hoofing It Thru The Hollows on the Highline Canal. Affton, a friend from work, joined us as we walked in the dark. This was Clare’s second 5K, she seems to enjoy them, but then again who wouldn’t if you could be pushed the entire way. Many people were dressed in costume, Clare included.

Not the greatest picture of me, but look at that hat!!! She has mittens to match, just wait till winter!

A pretty nice race hat. Someone asked if I coordinated her outfit, down the the 'candy corn' sucker.

Sunday turned out to be our typical Sunday, cleaning, lounging, napping, and watching TV. Clare and I spent some time playing with her many new toys; she was pretty excited to have received a package in the mail from her cousins Maggie and Jack.

Trying on one of Jack's hats. Jeff suggested maybe we could listen to a little Bob Marley while she wears this hat.

Jack wearing the hat in July 2007.

Checking out her new toys from Maggie and Jack. Her first Brutus and a bunny hand puppet that makes her laugh.

Tomorrow is our Monday Funday. If the weather holds Clare and I are going to head down to Castle Rock and check out the outlets, maybe pick up a few Christmas gifts and return an outfit she never wore. We also have to tend to our regular Monday chores, vacuuming, moping and cleaning the bathrooms – Clare gets to nap while I clean.

How was your weekend? Have you bought your trick-or-treat candy yet?

Thankful Thursday

How about a mid-day post!?!

A chat board that I follow had a Thankful Thursday thread, it was nice to see everyone post something they were thankful for, I couldn't help but smile and think about all the things I'm thankful for.

Today I am thankful for...

My flexible job and being able to go for a walk in this beautiful weather rather than sitting in my office with no windows.

My family. Jeff and Clare keep me going, I can't imagine my life without them and hope they are as happy as I am. I am also thankful for my far away family, while they may be far away in physical miles they are always with me.

Kai. While she drives me nutts on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis I do love her. I know she'll be the first to greet me at the door and is happy to see me wake up in the morning. She will always go for a walk with me and is more than happy to eat the left overs, she makes Clare laugh and in general is a pretty darn good dog.

My health. I have been working hard on changing my lifestyle in an effort to be healthier, both physically and mentally. So far I'm enjoying the changes and challenges, I figure these changes can only improve my life and the lives of those around me.

I hope that you are all doing well and are able to think of a few things you are thankful for today.

Lastly, I know better than to post without a picture. It's pretty slim pickings here on my work computer, this may be the only picture nobody's seen.

Dada

I’ll start by saying that I wasn’t necessarily ready to commit to this announcement, Jeff thought it wasn’t too early and felt as though he was sure it had happened, and happened on purpose. The more I think about it the more I agree; he’s right it is a pretty sure thing.

This past weekend Clare was babbling away while playing in her high chair, Jeff walked by and she said ‘dada’. We both looked at each other, and then at Clare. He stopped, looked at her and said ‘what did you say?’ and again in the sweetest voice I’ve ever heard Clare said ‘dada’.

She kept saying it Sunday evening, but more part of her ongoing babbling, not necessarily at Jeff. Monday when we were home she kept saying it, in an effort to create the association of ‘dada’ to Jeff I showed her a picture of Jeff each time she said it, we looked at his picture all afternoon. Last night while he was feeding her dinner she would say it, while they were sitting on the couch playing she said it. I think it’s safe to say her first word is Dada. I've been trying to catch it on video, so far she hasn't been saying it when I have it on, I'll keep working on it.

I suppose this is just the beginning, soon she’ll be talking non stop and saying all sorts of things. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t bummed that she hasn’t said mama yet, hopefully it isn’t far behind.

Heh heh heh heh

This would be the sound that Clare makes when she’s waiting for the spoon. Jeff has become the official solid food feeder; I passed the spoon to him as he's much better at it than I am. Clare can’t get enough sweet potatoes, prunes, squash or peaches.

She is now eating twice a day, lunch at Karen’s and then dinner at home. I’ve been putting off breakfast as mornings aren’t really our thing, we all like our sleep and getting up early to eat just doesn’t sound good yet. Clare likes to go back to sleep after her breakfast, I suppose I could start the routine earlier, but for now sleep is good.

I have another entry up my sleeve, but I wouldn’t want to out do myself with three entries in one evening, so I’ll save the other one for tomorrow. It’s a pretty exciting entry, pictures included, so check back tomorrow evening to see the latest and greatest in Clare’s world.

Dr. Wise

Jeff had his annual eye doctor appointment today, always an exciting visit. Clare and I went along so he didn’t have to drive home squinting at the traffic with dilated eyes. Gladly, the good Dr. said his eyes look good and just need a change in Rx, whew!

While waiting Clare and I walked around LoDo, pretending we were classy folks living in one of the high-rise condo buildings, it only took us a block or two to decide we didn’t look the part. After walking to the park, which didn’t have any swings, we decided to visit our favorite bookstore, the Tattered Cover; Clare hadn’t been there since April 16^th when she decided to make her grand entrance. Our first stop was the children’s section, not a very big section, but lots of good books on the shelf. We picked out two new books, Knuffle Bunny and Green Eggs and Ham, both good reads if you haven’t read them. I also picked up a Tattered Cover postcard for her baby book; I figure it will go well with her lucky penny that I found on the street as we were walking there that evening.

Clare and I continued to walk around a bit and then headed back to the car for a snack, some reading and a nap. Only once did someone approach the car and ask if I was a driver and would I mind moving the car so she could park there, as it is a private parking lot. I kindly explained that my husband was inside for an appointment and that I was sure he would be finished soon, at which time I would gladly move; the lady later found a parking space down the row and made her 4:15 appointment.

This sign was in the space next to us, which the woman couldn't get her car into after 5 tries. The same sign was also in front of my car, good thing Jeff was seeing Dr. Wise!

Clare doesn't really smile at the camera; she more looks at it with curiosity, as though she wonders why it's in front of your face, so if I hold the camera and then peek around the side to say 'hi' she'll smile.

It was nice to spend the afternoon with Clare, the weather was perfect and it was nice to be in a new environment that we could explore.

6 Months

Today Clare is 6 months old, half a year away from her first Birthday; if she could eat a cupcake I would get her one to celebrate. I was reminded again today, as I am nearly every day, how quickly time is going. No longer is she the tiny baby that needs us for everything, she is unable to fit in just one hand like she did 6 short months ago. Today Clare is an independently sitting, babbling, moving, solid food eating, sleeping thru the night, curious about the world around her, happy and beautiful little girl.

Clare and I had two photo shoots today, the first with Ann and then one at home with me. I purchased a new outfit for Clare to wear, and a shirt for myself that coordinated perfectly, Jeff was going to joining us with Kai and we were going to have some family pictures taken. A wonderful idea until I dressed her in her new outfit and realized she was swimming in it. Oh well, I suppose she has her outfit for Thanksgiving when we meet with Ann again.

We spent the rest of our day at home where Clare and Jeff watched football, Clare mostly napped while Jeff watched, and I did some cleaning. I worked on boxing up the clothes that Clare has outgrown and packing things away for any future siblings. I’m sure it’s not a surprise to anyone, but this little girl has a lot of clothes!

In past month’s I’ve shared a bit of my monthly letter to Clare, I’ve thought about it and decided that I won’t share my letter this month. I do sit down and write a letter to Clare each month, when she’ll read them I have no idea, but they will be there for her someday when she wants to know how I was feeling and what was going on when she was little.

Now, the real reason you all check the blog, the pictures. I must say it’s getting hard to catch her sitting still!

I used to chew on Chrissy's hands, I figure it's only appropriate Clare chews on her feet.

Happy Half Birthday Clare!!

The Kitchen

Some say the kitchen is the heart of the home, it was in our house this week.

Anyone seen Clare??

There she is!!

She actually made a dent in the apple. I think we'll start with applesauce.

Do you remember when this hat was way too big?? Now it's too small, Jeff pointed out that it is sized 0-3months, eekk how is she so big!?!

In case you'd forgotten how little she was, or how big the hat was.

Now this is a better fit!

I gave making green beans a whirl...

They tasted as good as they look, at least I thought so :)

Not so sure about these, they look an awful lot like peas Mom. Raising one eye brow in curiosity.

Mmmmm, pretty good!

Never too early to learn to cook, supervising while Dad makes dinner.

Who's ready for bed??

Good Night!!

(Yes, I'll be taking the bumpers off this weekend)

Maybe next week I'll capture the activities in another room.

Monday Funday

Clare and I had a busy day today, setting out about 9:30am and not getting home for the day until 6:15pm. Clare is an excellent companion; she hardly fusses and is completely content taking in her surroundings.

We started our day with coffee and a bagel with Melissa, McClellan and Ann. We enjoy going to a bagel shop and sitting for what turns into an hour or two just chatting, Clare and McClellan typically jabber and look around; today Clare played with her cell phone while McClellan practiced her elk calling. Once we realized we had coupons for Gymboree, Children’s Place and Gap we decided that we just had to go shopping, off to Southlands we went. There were some screamin’ deals to be had at Gymboree, Clare got a few things but we didn’t find what we set out for, an outfit for our 6month pictures next week with Ann, I suppose another shopping trip might be in our future. The Gap also had some great deals, I tried hard to express self-control but did end up with a really cute bunny hat for this winter, you’ll die when you see her in it, she’s too cute.

Mom, this hat is too big!

The girls love to shop :)

I love this picture, she looks so peaceful and happy playing with her bunny.

After shopping we came home for a quick lunch and play in our jump-a-roo before heading out for the first day of swim lessons. While I have Monday’s off I do end up having to go in rather frequently, which means I take Clare with me. Tonight she napped for a short bit and played on the floor in my office for a while. I like having Clare with me, no matter what, but I feel guilty taking her to work on Monday’s. I so wish I could have a free and clear day off with her, days where we don’t go anywhere in the car are often the best.

Tonight I decided to make some peas, the second of my homemade baby food items. I used a bag of frozen peas and steamed them on the stove before putting them in the food processor. I realize that I am in the minority with peas being one of my favorite foods, but I thought they tasted pretty darn good. I gave Clare a taste, which at first was all right. The second bite wasn’t so great and then well, it was a good thing Jeff was wearing a green shirt. Maybe another night she’ll enjoy them.

Not so sure about these peas

OK, I'm sure I don't like them.

One drawback to being out all day is that Clare doesn’t really nap, 30 minutes here and there doesn’t really count. Tonight was a rough night; it took about an hour to finally get her to sleep. I hope she sleeps well tonight; she sure needs it.

6 Month Check Up

Alright, here we go, what’s turning into my weekly update. Maybe I just need to come to terms with the fact that I can’t blog during the week, although I think about it often I just can’t seem to get it done. The past few weeks I’ve been trying to watch less TV and get more accomplished in the evenings, some nights are better than others. How do working parents do this, I read blogs of women with multiple children and they seem to be wonder woman with 30 hrs in a day.

Wednesday Clare and I visited Clare for her 6 -month check-up, two weeks early. Dr. Dan is scheduled for back surgery this month so they had to play with the schedules to get us in, luckily we were able to see Clare the NP – yes she spells her name the ‘correct’ way also. The appointment went well, Clare is doing well and got a clean bill of health. It seemed as though Clare was impressed with her ability to sit unassisted and thought that by 9 months she would be standing. We talked about food and how she was doing with her new solids. It was suggested that we start feeding her solids twice a day, so starting Tuesday Karen will be giving her ‘lunch’ with the older kids. Clare also suggested that we could start to give her a sippy cup with water if we wanted to. She doesn’t necessarily ‘need’ the water for hydration but to start teaching her how to drink from the cup. So far Clare likes the sippy cup but can’t quite do it herself, the leaning back is challenging.

The most noteworthy part of the visit was her height and weight. Our 4-month appointment was on September 7^th, so just over a month ago. At that appointment she weighed 13lbs 2oz and was 25inches long. This month she was 14lbs 13oz and only 25.5inches. The nurse had us come back out and measure again; she couldn’t imagine how she’d only grown that much since her last appointment. I wonder the accuracy of the measurements; maybe it’s user error? All they do is lay her down on a piece of paper with measurements on it and ‘stretch’ her out, maybe one nurse stretches more than another? Either way, we were told to come back in a month to check her height and weight. Clare didn’t seem overly concerned, but more concerned in a proactive way, if that makes sense. I don’t expect her to be tall; heck neither of us is very tall.

Clare and I had our swim lesson yesterday; she seemed to like it and didn’t turn blue! Two of the other parents commented on how cute she was. I might be biased but I thought she was the cutest kid in the class. One father commented on how comfortable she seemed and asked how long I’d had her in the pool, ummm three times? I explained that she didn’t have much of a choice with my being in charge of pools; she will have plenty of opportunities to swim. After our swim lesson we went and bought a new battery for the car, never too early to teach her about car maintenance, Dr. Hall would be proud.

The weather has FINALLY turned cool; I know Jeff and I are happy; neither of us is overly fond of hot weather. With the cool weather I’m finding that Clare needs another pair of fleece pj’s, she only has one outside of her two sleep-sacs. We love an opportunity to shop; we’ll be visiting Kohl’s this week. I’ve also noticed that she only has 3 pairs of 3-6 month pants, and since she’s fairly short the 6-12 month pants (which she has plenty of) are huge on her, for now I’ll be doing laundry more often. It’s nice that she can finally start to wear the long sleeve items that have been hanging in her closet.

This week will be another week of work for us. For the first time Clare will be going to Karen’s before 8am, we both have training at 7:30am, the only ‘benefit’ of such an early day is we’ll get to go home early and have time in the evening. The evenings go so quickly when you don’t get home till 5:30; again how do working parents do this?

Tomorrow is our favorite day of the week, Monday. Hopefully we’ll be meeting up with some friends that also have the day off, if the weather is nice we’ll go for a walk and get some coffee. I love my Monday’s and enjoy them even more when we have something fun to do! I’ll be sure to take the camera and catch any cute moments.

We have an occasional thumb sucker.

OK, I have a goal of one entry before Friday; let’s see if I can do it.