Wednesday, December 30, 2009

A little on Christmas

We have completed the Holiday 2009 tour. Who would have thought rain and flooding would cause a two hour detour? I can say without a doubt the holidays were a little different this year than last and so much fun! Claire got more toys than she will ever be able to play with. I am trying to figure where in the world they are all going to go. We all got some really nice gifts from our family too. Thank you for a wonderful Christmas season!

Miss Claire was super excited about all her toys....I think Toys r us has opened a new location...in our house. However, with about 10 toys that Santa delivered, including a tricycle and furniture, Claire ran over and picked up the $2 Duck first! I have even boxed up several unopened toys for future days when she needs something special and new to play with. I know I have said it before but Claire is such a toddler now!!! I am not even kidding! She is graduating from the nursery this week and moving on to the toddler room. Her nursery teacher, Mrs. Liz, that Claire loves and I love told me that Claire is ready to move up. She is saying so many words that she is ready to start learning her alphabet!! A little bittersweet for this Momma, but I find that with each new stage that the new stage Claire is in is my favorite, she is so funny these days. Some new things about Miss Priss :
  • "Claire, What does Santa Claus say?" Ho, Ho, Ho...in the sweetest little voice.
  • Claire LOVES tractors!!! She gets so excited when we pass tractors on the road...yelling "tractor, tractor, tractor!
  • She points to pictures of herself and says "Claire" which comes out "Clar"
  • I can tell Claire to bring me her socks and she will bring me her socks...same with shoes
  • She is learning more and more peoples names
  • One of her friends name is Max and when she is at home she walks around saying "Where Max, where max?"...like a broken record but she is too cute!
  • Her hair is getting so long it is now in her eyes and we have to pull it back in a "ponytail" everyday...not always an easy task...but Playhouse Disney helps
  • Claire would walk over to the nativity and point to Baby Jesus..."Baby, Baby, Baby" and then of course she wanted to hold him.
  • Claire's New Years Resolution is going to be no more night time bottles......this is probably going to be a little traumatic for her

(Christmas pictures to come)

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Friendship

just some of my favorite things about friendship:

  • Friends are people who help you up when you're down; and if they can't, they lie down beside you and listen.
  • Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay awhile, make footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.
  • The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.
  • Silence between friends will bring you closer than a thousand words.
  • Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.
  • A good friend is a connection to life- a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world.
  • Friends can hold us together when life becomes difficult.

LOVE and HAPPINESS to ALL MY FRIENDS!!!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Toddlerisms


Bye bye Babyhood, Hello! Toddlerhood!!!


Why do I think Claire is turning into a toddler???

When I say it's bath time; she responds by running to her bathroom saying "bath bath"...which truly sounds like "bat bat"

She is beginning to pick her nose and occasionally picking the nose also means "snack time" GROSS!

When putting on her coat she puts her arms in the sleeves without being told to.

We can say "Claire, will you go get your ball? and she brings us the ball

"Claire, where's your belly?" Lifts her shirt and points to her belly. "Claire, where's your nose?" points to her nose. "Claire, where's your eye?" points to her eye. "Claire, where's your mouth?" and she opens her mouth.

When you take away something she wants she proceeds to throw herself on the floor and cry...I just walk away and let her cry, she comes back around after a couple minutes

She has gotten "in trouble" at school for hitting...yes, hitting; which she thinks is a game. We are trying to break her of this. "In trouble" at school means having to get in her bed and think about what she has done. Her teachers do say Claire is very smart:)

"Claire, do you want to watch your movie?" Moo-v, moo-v and heads off to her chair that she watches movies in.

She is saying new words everyday and you can tell she is really trying to talk to us....milk, moo-v, bath, baby, to name a few.

The ornaments that are on our tree are mostly hallmark/disney ornaments I have collected over the years; the glass ornaments did not make it the tree this year for fear they would never see another Christmas....anyway, since the day we put on the ornaments Claire keeps going up to the same ornament and saying "daddy daddy"...it makes us laugh because the ornament she points out is Gaston from Beauty and the Beast and he is making big muscles, showing off his guns and in the movie he is huge!!!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Funny Girl


The last couple weeks Miss Claire aka "Miss Priss" has been showing her true toddler colors! She makes us laugh so much everyday....its good for the soul and so needed. She never ceases to amaze me with something new. Today is Claire's 14 month birthday and I would swear the terrible two's are taking over my sweet baby. Example: Last night she wanted to play with my cell phone; since the last one was a victim of slobber damage I said "No" she preceded to throw a fit because I would not give her my phone....really, there are 500 toys on the floor why do you want something you can't have!! But as for now that funny things out weight the terrible two episodes.
Funny thing: When she is ready to go outside (which she would live outside if she could) she goes and finds my purse, tries to put it on her shoulder and then goes to the back door and bangs on it...yesterday she got her purse and then started pointing at my purse, walking to the door (see picture above) Too cute!
Funny thing: She was pushing her doll around in the doll stroller, threw the doll on the floor and then tried to get in the stroller which is not at all possible....of course she was mad because she could not get in the stroller.
Funny thing: We went to my dad's last weekend and he had several stuffed animals that sing and dance. He taught Claire how to push the buttons...she was a pro by the time we left. Well, now she looks at all her stuffed animals toes and ears, pushing there ears and toes, some sing and dance, some don't.
Funny thing: Ok, This isn't that funny, just something Claire does...she picks up our shoes (the pair, never just one) and carries them around the house and occasionally is caught licking them, gross!...she also puts all kinds of things in our bath tub...always check before you turn on the water.
Cute thing: We have been teaching Claire "Hot" We have an open wood burning fire place and the outside of our oven gets hot (i hate it), and I am burning a lot of Christmas candles...So Claire now says "Hot"...every time she looks at the oven, fireplace, candles and for some reason every time she says "Hot" she raises her hand! ???
My Favorite Funny thing this weekend: My mom sent Claire the Elf on the Shelf book and elf and for those of you not familiar you need to look into it, it is very cute for kids...anyway, the first thing the child is suppose to do is name the Elf...so, I said, "Claire, what do you want to name your elf?" with no hesitation she responded "Bubba"...we just laughed, so yes, our
Elf is named Bubba!

She laughed and laughed...Skeeter was thinking "SERIOUSLY ya'll are letting her do this to me!"

I think she looks like a little model here!

Taking a break from running
Nick told the dogs to sit and Miss Priss walked over next them and sat...it was too funny!!

Running from the dogs is a favorite

"No, Momma I am not cold"

I am outside and I ran wild!!!


Love this sweet baby....or should I say toddler

Such a big girl :(


Notice no ornaments at the bottom of the tree

"Gabell would you like my passy?"


New Toy= Daddy's duck calls


All smiles! I love you Claire!! Happy 14 Months Old!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

My Claire

When the weight of world gets too heavy, I just look at this little girl and the world doesn't seem so heavy after all! My Claire, I love you!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Thankful Day

Christmas time is here and Thanksgiving has passed....I had full intentions of blogging about all the things I am thankful for but time just doesn't seem to be on my side most days. So, here is my "thankful" post........
20 things I am thankful for
1. Claire blowing me kisses on my way to work to this morning, with sound effects:)
2. That I have a wonderful place to work
3. My wonderful husband put up the Christmas tree
4. My daughter is healthy
5. Hearing "Momma" "Momma" in the sweetest little voice
6. Claire going to get books and climbing in my lap to have them read to her
7. A family that supports us no matter where life takes us
8. A relationship with my sisters that only gets stronger with age
9. New ideas and creative outlets...even if they never transpire...a new dream is addictive
10. The walls that make our home
11. The cup of coffee I drink every morning
12. New friendships I cherish, Old friendships that make me smile
13. That my daughter went her entire first year of life without an ear infection
14. Claire grabbing my purse, trying to carry it, while saying and waving "bye bye"
15. The "warmth" in the air at Christmas time and all the Christmas tunes playing
16. Claire has a great school with great teachers
17. Listening to my grandparents tell old stories...what a great generation
18. For safe travels this past weekend
19. Each time I hear a new baby was born with no complications
20. That I have someone to share my life with
Thanksgiving isn't the only day to be THANKFUL.....
HAPPY THANKFUL DAY TO YOU!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Friends Forever...all four of us

Claire = 3 weeks Eva Beth = a few days
The girls playing when they were about 4 months old.
Our girls One Year later!

Miss Claire being competely serious and Miss Eva cheesin it up!

Oh! I love these girls!




Monday, November 16, 2009

13 Months

A little late but better than never...Miss Claire is 13 Months old and boy is each day a new day around our house. Our walker runs everywhere...one second she is playing in her house, then the next second she is in her room, then the kitchen and then Claire! Claire! where are you??? there you are! She is getting taller...not exactly sure how tall but this can be determined because she used to be able to walk under the kitchen table and now she hits her head on it. New words are spoken every day...tractor, ry ry (ryan), bubba (not sure where this has come from)...and she shakes her head "no" when she means "no". Claire does not have a blanket or stuffed animal that she sleeps with but she loves her pacifiers and carries around 3 or 4 at a time...she has started a new thing where she likes to hold her cup or bottle while she is trying to go to sleep...just hold it and love on it (pat it), as if it were a doll. And I promise she has plenty of dolls and stuffed animals to choose from! Her blond hair is growing longer everyday and she still has eight teeth...which is perfectly fine, I hate when she is teething! My child is obsessed with books, which I love...I love her bringing me books, crawling in my lap, and reading about 2 pages before she is ready to go get another one. Claire got her seasonal flu shot and ran a good fever for the next 24 hours....(the clinic did not have the H1N1, which I was kinda glad because I am not sure about giving it to her, so I was glad I did not have a decision to make.) I know there are so many other things that make each day wonderful.

Claire, you make me smile when I need it the most and make me laugh at times I want to cry....my love for you grows with each minute that passes! XOXO~ Momma

Weekend Update

More pictures from our trip to Cajun Country.... Look at those curls...thank you humidity!
Downtown New Orleans

Claire and Daddy in "Gatorville"

Being silly with Nana in New Orleans

Ridin' the Gator..she thought this was too funny!

Streets of New Orleans

Family picture at the little shops in Donaldsonville
Look at the doll house on the porch...so neat:)
Cheesin' in the hotel room...love that smile
Weekend Update

We are 100% "go-bots" and never sit still....we spent Halloween weekend in Donaldsonville, LA, the following weekend we headed up to "the hill" for family time, razorback game, take care of our NWA house, and visit one of my bestie's newborn baby, Kellan James. Both trips were very long and Claire did great in the car both times. We went from nearly walking in the ocean to being a stone throw away from Missouri.

Since this past weekend was officially "Hunting Widows" weekend, I spent some time with my girls on Friday night...sushi, good wine, and girl time....LOVE IT!!! and then headed to Little Rock for Holiday House and lunch with my college roomies. Claire spent Friday night with Gramie and had such a good time playing with all her aunts and mommas old toys...yes! my mom saved them ALL...the attic looks like a playroom from 1985!!! It's great and so much fun seeing Claire play with my favorites childhood toys!
Wonder where we will land this coming weekend???

Monday, November 9, 2009

Writings from Claire's Mom




The following three posts I wrote awhile back in my notes on facebook. A friend of mine had blog books made and I love that idea so I want to have all my postings in the same place when I get our blog book made. So if you have read these just skip this post, if not, enjoy!

July 15, 2009 - BEING A MOM

Ok, so I am missing my blog...I think there are so many things that little Miss Priss "Claire" does that are noteworthy. So I am offically making this my new 'private' blog/journal. Hello! if you are a first time reader and 'welcome back' if you have been missing 'The Wade House'!Claire is just over nine months old and is learning her way around the house more and more each day. Last night Daddy 'Nick' padded to fireplace and I put the adult beverages in a hard to reach place. Childproofing the house is an everyday activity around here! There are so many things that I would have not even thought of (thank you 'What to expect in the first year") that need to be done.I predict we could have 'walker' in a matter of weeks. Good thing? or Bad thing? But seriously, I can not believe Claire is old enough to be walking! People always say time flies and as you get older time flies faster, but I think that time has sped up times 10 since Claire came into the world. New moms if you need a good cry go listen to 'It won't be like this for long"...it gets me every time!I am so thankful for my little Claire. She is so happy and such a joy. However, I have a new found appreciation for my little one. There have been a few tragedies happen over the past couple weeks. Two concerning infant babies and the one concerning a new engaged couple with their whole lives ahead of them. Dreams have been washed away and futures changed. My heart has been heavy for the all the families involved. Ever since hearing the news of the babies (both different Little Rock families and the tragedies unrelated) I am a 'new mom'. You will NEVER hear me complain about waking up several times a night, or walking Claire around the house until she falls asleep (no matter how tired I am, or my back or feet hurting). I just look at my little girl and I am thankful for every second....feeding her, bathing her, changing her, watching her crawl, hearing her laugh, hearing her cry, watching her fight going to sleep, or even getting mad at me because I said 'No'. I just have to stop and think that being a MOM is perfect. There is no difference of good and bad....it is all just perfect. It is being a MOM. So as I hold Claire a little tighter and love on her a little more please keep these families in your prayers....and remember to hug your kids more often, tell them you love them, and be thankful to them (and to HIM) for letting you be their MOM!

July 26, 2009 - EVERYTHING CHANGES

As I was in route to Malvern from Magnolia earlier this week, a song I had not heard in awhile caught my ear "Where were you" (I think that is the name) by Alan Jackson. Hum, hum...where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?....As we all know "that September day" changed the world we live in, changed everything. Just as people were going about there daily routine, they blinked....the future changed. How many people were effected "that September day"? How people have that day marked as a day that changed everything? Claire will only know "that September day" through stories, the same way I know about Pearl Harbor and other future altering historical days. We all have our days that change life as we know, some are the same as everyone else's and some are unique and insignificant to others. Of course I remember where I was on "that September day"...at the U of A trying to decide if it was safe to go to class. Yes, I went but very cautiously and very attentive of my surroundings. It was such a surreal day. As the wheels on the car continued to spin so did the wheels in my mind...what are my "everything changes" days? the day my dad accepted a job in a town I had never heard of, Arkadelphia, at the time I confused it with Philadelphia; the day my parents joined the majority (52%) of the population and opted for the single life...again, the days when I was burying my childhood friends, (there were too many young deaths for the small town of Arkadelphia), the day I walked onto the campus of the University of Arkansas....LET'S CALL THOSE HOGS, the day I walked down the aisle and married my lifelong love, and, drum roll please, the day the most amazing, incredible 'little miss everything changes' entered the world...."everything changes" day was October 7, 2009. I was told so many times that a baby changes everything. I think the only 100% true advice for new parents, it is guaranteed that your life will change. Some of the change you will expect, some of the change comes out of nowhere. Oh, how life has changed since "that October day"? I wish I would have documented my days before Claire's arrival....what in the world did I do...with all that time??!! I remember starting my days with Good Morning America...now it's Baby Einstein. I think my house was quiet a bit cleaner...but who cares if all my laundry is done or if the dishwasher is unloaded. I used to run errands during lunch...now I have "chore hour" this is when I make a sandwich at the house and do a little house work. Our dogs were inside, couch dogs that used to be my kids....they live in a nice outside pen now. TV shows???....are my favorites still on the air??? I honestly have no clue....but the truth is I don't really care. My only use for a TV these days is for the weather and of course Baby Einstein...and don't forget WonderPets! Although I might not remember exactly what I did with my life a short 9 months ago I know I would not trade everything changing for anything. Sometimes change is good....no, sometimes change is great! Everything has changed but talk about a surreal feeling....words just can't describe "that October day"....and everyday thereafter!
July 26, 2009 - A DAY IN THE LIFE

Most of you are wondering how in the world I found time to write two volumes in one day? Since Miss Claire only scheduled a 20 minute nap this afternoon she was ready for her bed at seven, no this is not the norm. You see the thing is, this is the second time I have typed volume 3...I hit a button and delete it all went and no going back!! Oh well! Baby Claire this is for you, when you are all grown up and want to know what you were like when you were a baby I want to be able to read you all these stories.Your day starts around 7:15 and you watch Baby Einstein while Mom gets dressed, then it's your turn. Then it's off to daycare...make sure we have the bottles, the daycare bag, Mom's purse...and of course, the breastpump! Check! Off we go! You talk to Mom the whole way to school! You love your teachers and they love you! There is no crying when I drop you off, just smiles! You generally take two bottles and a jar of baby food while at daycare. You take two naps during the day that vary in length, but that's ok. When we get home you want to go let the dogs out to play...this makes you very excited and when you get excited you move your arms and legs really fast, like you are trying to fly and kick at the same time. It is pretty cute! After we come inside to play...you love your daddy but you are very much a mommies girl and you always want me to play with you! You are getting braver every day, no walking yet, but you like to stand with "no hands". So, we play...your new favorite thing is looking out the window and talking to the cat...or should I say yelling! You are sure to let us know when it is dinner time...two jars of baby food and some graduate snacks, later you are ready for your bath! You love, love, love bath time and always have; however, bath time has turned into a "No mam" session...Claire do not drink the water, do not stand up in the bathtub, do not put your fingers in the drain...despite getting told "No mam' you still love kicking and splashing away. By the way, when I say "No mam" that little smile of yours turns up side down. It breaks my heart but I am glad you understand what I am saying. After bath time, we play a little more, get things ready for the next day, watch our movies...or should I say your movies. Some nights you fight sleep and some nights all it takes is your bottle and your out. Speaking of bottles...you tried formula/breastmilk mixture for about a week and would not drink your bottles and were cranky and fussy. So, mom figured what the heck only 10 more weeks until whole milk time! You still get up once if not twice during the night to check on Mom and Dad. We are ok...no need to check on us...but you are so sweet for doing so! Then, the morning rolls around and we do it all again!This is a day in the life of Claire Wade at 9 1/2 months old!

August 28, 2009 - IT CAN WAIT

10 years??? Really??? This year marks 10 years since the first major milestone in my life…the year was 1999 and the motto “Save the Best for Last” was ringing in my head as I walked across the stage to receive my high school diploma. I felt so accomplished and could not wait for the summer of no responsibilities to begin and to start my college days!! I had been waiting my whole life for this day, right? As I reflect on the years gone by, I remember being the six year old that could not wait until I was old enough to ride the bus home by myself, I remember being the nine year old that could not wait to be a Greyhound cheerleader, I remember being that 13 year old that could not wait to drive and that 15 year old that could not wait to graduate from high school! The “cannot waits” never end. Why is that? Maybe because I am a goal-oriented person? Maybe because I am such a planner? Or Maybe because that’s the world we live in….always looking forward and what is the quickest way to get there? We live in such a fast paced world and it’s getting faster every day. Why? What is wrong with slowing down and living for today….in the present, here and now!Flashback….10 years ago….I cannot wait to pledge a sorority, graduate college, plan my wedding, feel a little baby kicking inside me….and so on!!! Flashback….one year…...I can’t wait to have little Claire, for my Claire to crawl, to walk, to take dance class, play t-ball or learn how to water ski…but the truth is I CAN WAIT and I want to wait. I have found a new sense of living since Miss Claire has come along. Once these days are gone I won’t get them back…I do not want to wish these sweet baby days away. As I try to move away from the days of looking to future and always waiting for tomorrow I am learning to savor every daily moment. I know the day will come when I yearn for that little head resting on my shoulder, or those little hands tugging on my pants as I wash dishes, or the day when my house is so quiet I would love for nothing more to hear the patter of hands and knees speeding across the living room. I know all of you have said it before “I can’t wait until_______” but the truth is you can wait and you should. I realize I write a lot about the little things in life…but those are the things we all need to be reminded of and those are the things that matter. So here’s to a small challenge…If every “little thing” in life was represented by a penny and you put a penny in a jar for every little moment you savored would you die a rich woman or a poor woman? The rich woman truly enjoyed life and the small things that matter…the poor woman probably had savings accounts and college funds but did she truly appreciate all her days and the “little things” in life?....planning for the big things while overlooking the little things? Our babies are only babies once, even though we are their mothers for a lifetime. Be thankful the next you are waiting in the carpool line, laying out school clothes, or even changing a dirty diaper. Cash in those dollar bills for some pennies, start filling up your jar and see just how “rich” you are 10 years from now! I am hoping to be a millionaire by the time my 20 year high school reunion rolls around….I hope you are too!!!

Happy 30th Birthday Daddy!

NOVEMBER 10, 2009

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY DADDY!!!

WE LOVE YOU BUNCHES! XOXO~ CLAIRE and MOMMA Daddy was a princess for halloween too!


I LOVE, LOVE this picture...look at the way she is looking at him! So funny:)


Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Halloween Cajun Style


Last weekend we attended a family wedding in Donaldsonville, LA...just outside New Orleans. We had so much fun and I have ton of pictures to post but just don't have the time right now. But I could not resist sharing pictures of our little ballerina princess. She was so serious all night...she is such a people watcher she just did not know what to think about all the people or all the costumes. More pictures to come of our trip to Cajun Country....stay tuned!!!













Monday, October 26, 2009

Check-up, Whole Milk, and Camels

First Camel Ride=Happy Girl



These boots are made for walking!!

Reading her book while riding in her birthday wagon...her favorite thing to do!

Cracker?

What's new at One Year?
Let's see what has Miss Claire been up too? Had her one year check up; weighs 20 pounds 5 ounces and is 29 inches tall. She is now riding forward in her car seat...which I told her if she loses any weight she will have to ride backwards again. Although Claire likes riding forward and I like seeing her cute little face better, it has created a little whining out of my good car rider. She can now see everything that sits on the console...and points and whines until I give her what she wants...or heaven forbid I eat a snack or take a drink in the car now because guess who thinks she needs whatever I have? Claire also got her one year shots...all six of them. I about died and she was not happy either. After a couple days of being a little fussy she was back to her old self.
Talking, talking talking....we hear new words everyday...she has several down with no wondering of what she said....momma, dada, nana, pepaw (or in her language ta-tall), tractor, cracker, night night, (ni-ni) outside (which is simply "side"), thank you...and several others that I can't quite make out.
DHA Issue???
Claire has transitioned completely to whole milk and solid foods. (I am very blessed to have and can't believe I have breastfed her for one year. Lord knows, I wanted quit a thousand times. This experience was the hardest, most selfless, most rewarding thing I have ever done or probably ever will do in my entire life!!!) I am having a few issues with the whole milk though...I don't think her little belly likes the DHA. Call me crazy but when I started her on whole milk she started with organic with DHA...the throwing up began (not all the time but just every now and then)....then WalMart was out of the milk with DHA, so I settled for the plain organic milk...throwing up stopped......WM got the DHA milk back in, so I switched back...throwing up started up again. My Claire had a whirlwind of a time with throwing up/ spitting up until she was about 8 months old. With DHA naturally part of breast milk, I am starting to think she and DHA don't mix. I am not the brightest bulb in the box when it comes to science/health/medicine but I can't help to notice this common link.

Camel ride
A traveling zoo, as I call it, came to town...literally set up cages of animals on a parking lot. One of those was a camel, so of course we had to have our first camel riding experience. Claire laughed and smiled the entire time. Who would have thought walking around in 3 big circles could be so entertaining???

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Claire's Paw-ty....and more

HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT BIRTHDAY WEEK BABY CLAIRE!!!!
WE LOVE YOU! Eating Birthday Pancake
Walking in school on her birthday

Swinging on Birthday Night

Birthday Night Cupcake



Exactly One Year Old picture.....10/7/2009 8:24pm
Happy Birthday sign at school

Birthday Party at school


YUM!

Walking into her PAW-TY














Claire and her Daddy

Birthday Girl!



Let's open presents:)

Daddy helping open gifts!


A yawn on her birthday...just one!

Cake in her dog bowl!


Hello...talking on her phone!




What a week....Claire turned ONE!!! Wednesday was the big day:) Miss Claire got up early and ate her birthday pancake and watched Playhouse Disney....then the birthday girl, walked to her class at school that morning for the very first time! Wednesday night we played, played, played and enjoyed a birthday cupcake! Then, on Friday Claire had a birthday party at school. She and another little boy shared a birthday week so they shared a party together. It was so nice of her teachers to have them a party! Of course, I had to go and take pictures of this event.

Saturday was the PAW-ty!!!!! It was a little chilly so we pulled out the heaters and PAW-tied!!! Claire had so much fun and loved all the people and all her gifts!! Thank you to everyone! She was so good the whole time. The playhouse from Nana and Pepaw was a BIG hit and the little Elmo kitchen! Iggy and Gagi gave her the most beautiful cross necklace that she can wear forever! Claire is now riding in style thanks to Gamie and Pop Pop. She loves facing forward...just kicking her legs and laughing. We had so much fun planning this first birthday party! All the little kids loved wearing their dog ears and eating their cupcakes out of dog bowls! Too Cute:) Happy First Birthday Week Baby Claire....you are now taking a much needed nap...you played so hard yesterday you are still worn out today! Love you baby girl!