New Years Eve

New Years Eve has never been a big deal to me, I’ve never been to NYC for the dropping of the ball, I’ve never been so intoxicated I don’t remember the night, I’ve never even been invited to a NYE party.  The only year I even went out was 2007; when the clock struck midnight Jeff kissed me and told me that 2008 would be the best year of my life, he was right, we got married that August.  This year has been no different; I doubt I’ll even be awake at midnight to ring in the New Year.

Tonight, while holding Clare as she drifted off to dream land I couldn’t help but think about what an amazing year 2010 has been. 

A year ago I was dreaming of a little girl I’d never met, preparing for her arrival and wondering who she would be.  I had not yet felt her move and could not picture her face in my mind or hear her voice in my head.  We had only bought a few things for her, we had yet to set up a space for her to live and grow.  She did not officially have a name, although we did later commit to Clare, she was no longer referred to as Hootie.  I had no idea what I was in for, how much our lives would change, and how in love I would be. 2010 was a year I’ll never forget, my heart grew more than I knew it could, I fell in love instantly with a little girl I just met and I became a mother.

As a final meal of the year Jeff made beef stew, my absolute favorite thing he makes, it was delicious.  I’m sure he’ll stay up and ring in the New Year playing NCAA football on PS2 or watching TV while I’m asleep sung in my bed.  Tomorrow will be another day, I’ll go to work while Jeff sleeps in (hopefully Clare does too) and we’ll stay home. 

Do I have 2011 Resolutions?  Sure.  Will I be making an entire post dedicated to telling everyone how I’m going to lose a bunch of weight, save a bunch of money, read 100 books, learn to cook, write a letter to someone different each week, or not drink soda?  Nope, some things are left better unsaid and kept to yourself.  Although, should you notice me not drinking soda, losing some weight, saving a ton of money or you receive a letter in the mail, just know that I’m doing well and possibly accomplishing my goals. 

Not wanting to go out without a bang Clare perfected a new skill today, clapping.  I’ve been working on clapping with her for a while, she gets excited when I clap and when I help her clap.  While playing on the floor this afternoon she started clapping, she was so proud of herself. 

Clare is this.close to crawling, if only that leg wouldn't get stuck under her.  

So, goodnight for 2010.  May 2011 bring you happiness, joy, good health, laughter and love.

More Missouri

First a confession; I have not carried the camera with us on all of our adventures this week. I regret that I have not documented some of the cute moments and various family members that have been enjoying Clare’s company.

As some of you know, Jeff’s favorite restaurant in the world is Fortune East here in Joplin; they have the best egg rolls outside of China (although I haven’t had any in China so maybe these are even better).  Every time we come to Joplin we visit James and the Fortune East staff at least twice, this trip has been no different.  Greg and Gail joined us for lunch the first time, however kindly passed on the second lunch, must be nice to have these heavenly egg rolls anytime you want.  Clare did enjoy Fortune East this summer when she visited, however wasn’t awake to take in the experience.  This visit Clare had some rice, and loved it.  Jeff makes rice maybe three times a week at home, now we’ll be saving some for Clare.  As you can see she enjoyed her visit.  

Jeff and I received a few gift cards this Christmas, so while Clare napped with Greg and Gail we went out on a bit of a shopping spree.  While shopping with gift cards was fun, I had more fun spending time with Jeff; it was as close to a date as we’ve had in a long time!  Jeff and I haven’t been out without Clare so when Gail volunteered to keep an eye on her we took her up on it.  It was nice to spend the afternoon together; we missed Clare but also had fun just being us. 

Clare in a sea of air mattress slumber.

Jeff got some pretty dope shoes, Clare also thought they were pretty fly. 

Tonight everyone gathered for BBQ at Steve and Sally’s house, luckily Jeff and I didn’t need to bring a dish to share, Clare was our contribution to the evening; I think she may have been the favorite part of the evening for many.  Coming from a relatively small family it’s nice to be a part of these gatherings, I enjoy talking to everyone and hearing stories about when Jeff was little or other family (all good things, don’t worry) that couldn’t join us for various reasons.  Another great thing about these gatherings is that Jeff and I can eat without having to tend to Clare; everyone else wants to hold her so we can eat with both hands and not worry about a little hand reaching for something it shouldn’t. 

Last night we visited with the Sweet side of the family, Dale and Jean hosted dinner for a handful of very sweet Sweets.  Jean used to host dinners for everyone but hasn’t in many years, it was nice to gather at their house and share conversation, lasagna, and pumpkin dip.  Clare wasn’t the only one experiencing things for the first time, I was too.  I haven’t had the pleasure of eating at Dale and Jean’s, nor had I ever had pumpkin dip; both were wonderful and I look forward to enjoying both again.

Clare has been a real trooper on our visit to Joplin.  She has continued to sleep well, smile at everyone and not fuss when someone new wants to hold her.  That all being said, I know she is looking forward to being back home and in her routine, she’s a lady that likes here routine.  Tomorrow we’ll begin our trek west, luckily we only have one day of work/daycare this week before the New Year’s holiday, it’s nice to know we have a break when we get back from vacation. 

Wish us luck on the airplane tomorrow, I’m hoping for a repeat A+ performance from Clare.  

Clare's First Christmas

Clare’s first Christmas was a huge success.  We slept in a bit, Jeff actually got up before Clare, and took our time opening presents and working our way thru the day; our flight wasn’t until 4:40 so we didn’t have to rush. Clare got the hang of ripping the paper and enjoyed playing with her new toys, she has not shortage of new things to play with and we now have a need for some sort of storage system.

Clare enjoyed her stocking, it had 3 tickets to see the Rockies next year.  She'll be going to see the Cubs, Dodgers and Pirates.  The Cubs will be playing on her birthday, wonder if Jimenez will pitch another perfect game for her that day?

A Laugh and Learn Kitchen, she likes turning the switch on and off, pressing the burner and chewing on the pot.  Wonder if she'll enjoy cooking like her Dada.

A Sunshine Symphony from Grammy and Grampy!

This package not only looked pretty it tasted great too!  I ended up opening it for her so she wouldn't put the tissue in her mouth.  

We headed off to the airport and waited for our flight.  Clare was great on the plane, she slept the entire time except for about 10 minutes at the end; nobody can say that she was the screaming baby on that flight.  Greg and Gail were waiting for us in Tulsa and after having dinner at the slowest and dirtiest McDonalds we were on our way to Joplin. 

This was my first Christmas with Jeff’s family in Joplin, last year Greg and Gail came to Denver, and it was interesting to see how other families celebrate.  All day we lounged around while Gail worked on cooking her many appetizers in preparation for everyone’s 5:00 arrival.  Once everyone arrived we ate and then moved towards the living room where the 9ft tree with more packages that I’ve ever seen was waiting for us.  Cindy and Dillon played the role of Santa and passed out the gifts, Clare had the largest pile of anyone.  Clare opened the ceremonial first gift and then it was free game, no taking turns or opening one by one.  Everyone must have been on Santa’s good list as we all received many wonderful things. 

Like any child the box was more exciting than the actual toy.

Until Greg put it together, and then the real fun began.  A toy car to stand behind or sit on!!

Look Dad, no hands!!  She slowly stood up without help.

Oh, did you not want me to touch this plant??

Clearly very excited about playing peek-a-boo.

A little standing practice with Greg while Gail finished getting ready.

Gail finally finished all the hard work in the kitchen, Clare was glad to finally get to play with her.

Hey Clare, what's on the end of your finger?  Anyone ever told you that you can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friends nose; even if it is Grandpas nose!

Steve and Sally brought Clare a rodent!!  Her first zhu zhu pet, she thought it was pretty funny, can't wait to see what Kai thinks of it.

Hey Grandaddy Merrell, what's on your shirt?

The first of many packages under the tree for Clare.  No need for The Elf On The Shelf this year, she was the best little girl we all know.  Gail did get us The Elf On The Shelf for next year.

Books, blocks, puzzles and baskets, oh my!

Despite being up long past her bedtime Clare did well.  Thankfully, Imo was more than happy to lend her shoulder to a sleepy little girl.

Gail practicing her 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' routine on the xylophone.  

Clare had a wonderful Fist Christmas and was spoiled.  Her toy collection has increased significantly, now more than before I’m thinking we need a bigger house, where do we put all this stuff? 

Thank you to everyone that helped us celebrate this holiday season, you have helped make it a very special time for Clare.  I’ve been trying to write things down and take lots of pictures, as I told Jeff on Christmas morning, Clare will only ever have one First Christmas.  

Christmas Eve

It’s finally here, Christmas Eve.  All the presents are wrapped, the stocking stuffers are ready for the stockings, I’m making lists of things to pack and doing laundry so all of my favorite clothes (the only clothes I wear) are ready to go.  I had to work a bit today; otherwise it was a pretty low-key day at our house.  Jeff wasn’t feeling so well and stayed home with Clare while I worked and ran a few last minute errands, yes I went shopping with the zillions of other people. 

This is our 4^th Christmas together; on our first Christmas Eve together Jeff made lobster for dinner, I’m sure he didn’t intend to start a tradition but he did.  Tonight Jeff made lobster tails, crab legs, shrimp, stuffing and potatoes; it was delicious, as always, and we were both pretty full by the end of dinner.  As we set the table for dinner, the only time we use the table when it’s just us, I realized another gift I could have gotten him, a meat mallet or some crab leg crackers, oh well, next year.  Being the resourceful guy he is he went out to the garage and came back with a rubber mallet, first time it’s been used I believe.  One or two whacks later and we had some delicious crabmeat.  As I did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen Jeff cracked the remaining crab legs and pulled the meat for crab cakes tomorrow, yum-o!!  What did you have for Christmas Eve dinner; bet it wasn’t as good as ours J

Clare has been getting tired earlier lately, she’s moved her bedtime back to about 6:45pm, unfortunately she didn’t join us for dinner tonight.  Tonight we sang Christmas carols in the tub and talked about Santa coming as she was falling asleep.  She had no trouble falling asleep, she rarely does, I suppose maybe this will be one of the only Christmas Eve’s she has no trouble falling asleep, it won’t be long before she’ll be trying to stay awake to hear Santa’s sleigh bells or wanting to leave Reindeer food on the front lawn.  I can’t wait for her to wake up and see her first Christmas, even if it is more of a show for us.  I’m looking forward to helping her open her gifts and her playing with her new toys.  I have the camera battery charged and ready to go, all we need is some Starbucks (yes, they are open tomorrow) and a Coke for Jeff. 

We hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas tomorrow and that Santa finds your house and brings you everything you asked for.  If you haven’t already, you may want to leave some cookies for Santa (I hear he likes Chocolate Chip Cherry cookies best).

Merry Christmas Everyone!!   

Santa

I went back and forth about taking Clare to see Santa.  Would I wish I had a picture 20 years from now?  Would she flip out and cry, or would I cry from how sweet she is?  When would we go, how would I get Jeff to go with me?  I tossed the idea around and decided that it wasn’t something I had to do.  Thankfully Melissa suggested we take the girls today since we’re both off and love to get together, especially with the girls.  So, Clare got dressed in her Holiday dress and we set off for Southlands mall.

We got in line, and waited only about 10 minutes, good thing it wasn’t any longer as it was cold!  Santa was inside, thank goodness, and sitting by a tree and fireplace, the setup was really quite nice.  A few groups went before us; some kids cried and others smiled for the camera.  When it became Clare’s turn I walked up to Santa and introduced her, she wasn’t sure at first, but she didn’t cry.  Santa was very sweet, and held her just right.  I know she’s been a good little girl this year so I hope he brings her just what she asked for. 

I am so glad I took her to see Santa; I will cherish this picture and look at it every year for the next 25+.  Thank you Melissa for suggesting we go, our girls were perfect and their pictures are darn cute.

After they rocked their pictures with Santa Melissa and I had our own little photo shoot with the girls.  The task of getting these two to look at the camera at the same time is hilarious, we created quite a scene for other shoppers, a few stopped to compliment them.  I wonder if 18 years from now when they are away at College they’ll have these pictures with them, their first BFF’s, I know Melissa and I will look at them and 'remember when.' 

Happy Hanna Holidays! 

All I want for Christmas is this little girl.  

New Blogger

Last week I received a message indicating that I should update to the newest version of Blogger (the program I use to create the blog).  There were details about how it was bigger, better, faster, easier and all around awesomer.

I disagree; the new version is driving me batty!  It takes me almost twice as long to create a post because I have to adjust the spacing on everything, and it still looks wonky.  The pictures look out of focus and I don't like the double spaced look, small details to some but big to me.

I suppose it's another change that will take getting used to, until then hang with me as I may be a little slower to post.  

To end the post on a positive note, a picture of my leading lady.  Grammy found the Christmas Little People and sent them to Clare :) 

8 Months Old

Happy 8 Month Birthday Clare!!

How are you already 8 months old, what happened to my tiny little baby that I was just holding in my arms what feels like last week?  You have grown so much in these past 34 weeks. you are becoming your own person and showing us who you are.  I have loved watching you grow and learn everyday, watching you explore the world around you is so much fun. 

 

You may be 8 months old today, but the onesie you are wearing is a size 3-6 months.  Most of your clothes are now size 6-12 months, although they are a little big.  

At 8 months old you are becoming more independent.  You have little interest in crawling, although you do scoot across the floor on your bottom.  When you are on your belly you get frustrated, but we keep trying.  Just this weekend Dad and I both watched you scoot towards a toy, finally reaching it and looking so proud of yourself.  You are much more interested in standing up, right now the only place you really have to practice is in your crib or with our support; maybe Santa will bring you a toy that will help you practice your standing.  Tonight, while I was sorting laundry, you stood at the laundry basket without any help.  I wonder if maybe you’ll skip crawling and just move on to walking.

Food is still one of your favorite things, I sometimes wonder if you’re full but you just keep eating, you don’t dislike much.  You enjoy most vegetables, however dislike my homemade peas, no matter how many times I try to give them to you you still spit them out.  I have made you sweet potatoes, squash, green beans, apples and peas.  Fruit is your favorite, must be because it’s sweet.  You like pears, prunes, apples, bananas, cherries, and the Gerber mixed fruit.  Soon we’ll start giving you real piece of fruit other than banana.  You also really like yogurt, French fries and bread although you don’t eat them too often.

Wearing your holiday Hanna dress ready for Dad's work party.

You are talking up a storm, filling the air with your beautiful voice telling us what’s on your mind.  Most often you are saying ‘Dada’, you’ve even said “Hi Dad’ a few times.  Mama is something you don’t say as often, but when you do it melts my heart.  While you don’t say my name as often as dada you do get upset when I leave the room.  I know you’ll be fine when I leave, and I don’t like leaving you, but it does make me feel ‘good’ to know you want me.  Sometimes early in the morning I’ll wake up to you talking in your room, if it’s early I’ll just listen to you talk; I sometimes wonder if you’re telling Bunny about your dreams. 

Bunny seems to be your best friend, you like to chew on her corners and hold her over your face as you sleep.  I’ve already gone out and bought another one, just in case.  I keep trying to figure out a time that I can wash Bunny without upsetting you, I don’t want her to be gone for long but she needs a bath.  Other toys that you like are the rock-a-stack, books, anything that crinkles, Fisher Price Little People, the TV remote and my phone.  You’re good at playing by yourself, sometimes you’ll just play while I fold laundry, or we are watching TV. 

This week will be your first Christmas.  We put your tree up last week; Dad did a great job.  You have a few ornaments on the tree, including your handprint and footprint.  We all have matching stockings with our names on them; I hope Santa has a few things to put in yours.  We’ll be spending Christmas morning here at home and then flying (your first airplane ride) to Tulsa, OK where Greg and Gail will meet us and we’ll drive to Joplin.  Grammy and Grampy will be in Cleveland with Maggie and Jack, but I know they’ll be missing you.  Packages have been arriving in the mail all week; you’re a very luck girl and have lots of things to open on Christmas morning.  

Grammy said that you should open this early, your first Christmas gift.  I helped you with the paper, you eventually got the hang of ripping it.  

Clare, I love you more than anything in the world, don’t ever forget.  Everyday you make me smile and my heart melts all over again.  My favorite time of day is when we are going to sleep, you snuggle in close and fall asleep in my arms, and I wish I could hold you all night.  When I watch you sleeping I wonder what you’re dreaming about, I hope you only have sweet dreams, but if you do have a bad dream I’ll be right there.  Each night before I go to bed I kiss you goodnight and tell you how much I love you, some nights I go in to check on you a few times.  You are my world.

I love you Clare!!