What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas

View from our room during the day.

View from our room at night and during a fountain show.

It's been a while since my last post due to the fact that the husband and I went to Las Vegas this week. Jeremy worked the first couple of days while I slept, read a mindless book, got a massage, slept, read, slept, read.... you get the idea.

Once Jeremy was done working, we switched hotels to stay at the Bellagio the last two nights. A-mazing. It was beautiful and MUCH different from the Rio. Overall, we really felt like we did the whole "Vegas experience": gambled some, got to go to a trendy nightclub (thanks to Jeremy's work), saw Penn & Teller (for free, thanks, again, Jeremy's work), got to eat at Mesa Grill (the most amazing meal we've EVER eaten- more on that later), saw "O", laid out by the pool (and actually got a little tan!), shopped, and walked around on the strip. Yes, it was wonderful but we talked about Claire a LOT and missed her so much.

To sum up our trip, here are some quotes from the week:

Jeremy: "My accuracy rating is 98%."
Katy: "How did you determine that?"
Jeremy: "98%, Katy, 98%."

Jeremy (while we were at the nightclub for Jeremy's expo with an awesome DJ and no dancing): "I yearn in my heart for Josh Lang to be here. HE would dance."

Jeremy (while we were watching 2 girls who began to dance as a crowd of men formed around them and talking about how sad it was): "Maybe I should get up and start dancing to distract them. Then the guys wouldn't stare at those girls. You know, for Jesus."

Katy (talking about the sweet lady in charge of the restaurant Keno game): "She looks like a gelfling!"
side note: I kind of feel badly about this now but it made Jeremy laugh really hard at breakfast.

Jeremy (while Jeremy was mourning the fact that he was almost done with his dinner at Mesa Grill): "Bobby Flay has ruined me. I'm going to become a vegetarian."

Overall, it was the perfect kind of trip: really enjoyed it and was ready to come home.

Fort Martin

There are a whole lot of things that I love about my husband, but since we've had Claire, I've especially begun to appreciate his creativity. He's been building all sorts of things around here (mostly computers these days) and has been doing a lot of handy work. I'm very proud of him.

We've discovered that Claire really like to crawl under things so Jeremy built her this "fort" this morning. She loved it! Diane crawled in with her for a few minutes, and Jack almost took the whole thing down when I gave Claire a few cheerios for a snack. Overall, though, it was a success!

Chillin out, maxin, relaxin, all cool... or something like that

Claire's preferred way to drink her bottle. Kicked back, little feet crossed.
One hand usually behind her head
while the other is usually playing with my hair.
Love her and love this time with her because she is NOT a snuggler.

This was after Annie's Valentine's Day tea party on February 13th.
It was GORGEOUS and we had fun. Can't wait for next year!
Thanks for hosting, Maddie. I'll be emailing you soon about C's birthday party! (hint, hint)

By the way, Maddie's awesome and she has a great blog.
I adore her; she's a great mom and one of the most creative people I've EVER met.

11 months

One more month until we can turn the carseat around!!!!!!!!!!

I mean, happy 11 months, baby girl!

I love you so much and can't believe you will be 1 next month!

Patience

Climbing over Jack in order to continue playing with the basket.
Claire played in and with this laundry basket for hours yesterday.

Claire also played ON Jack for a good bit of yesterday afternoon.
He's such a great dog.
Can you see all of Claire's teeth?
Adorable.

Valentine's Day

Claire saying, "Yes, happy Valentine's Day. Now will you please remove this bib because it's getting in the way of my block building and destroying. Thank you."

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone, and Happy Birthday to my Mom!
Claire hopes her Gram had a wonderful day!!

Bath time

Claire's first bath at home


Claire at 6 months


Claire just three weeks ago at 10 months.

It's hard to believe how tiny our little girl was when we brought her home! We thank God every day for such a healthy, blessing she is. She's incredibly independent; we realize now that was a gift from birth when she was delivered screaming and breathing on her own at 34 weeks!

10 1/2 months

Can't handle the cuteness!

Food faves

Claire's Top 5 Favorite Foods List (right now);

5: sweet potatoes
4: peas
3: turkey/chicken slices
2: bread
1: cheese

Pasta is also a huge hit. The girl HATES yogurt. I try every now and then, but she is just not a fan.

Happy girl

Love her.

The Wave

So yesterday morning I was holding Claire while I was turning on the Today show. I turned it on just as the audience outside was waving to the camera. What does my cute daughter do? Wave back to the people. So adorable.

We're also realizing that Claire is able to distinguish who her "Dada" is. Yes, she says it all the time, but this morning she crawled into the room, saying, "Dada," and then waved to him. I, on the other hand, am "Nana" to Claire. Nana like Dada with an N. And it's usually while whining or crying.

I could care less what she calls me these days; I'm enjoying her being my little shadow. She's suddenly a momma's girl which I do love.

New in the life of Claire: Last week she started trying to stand on her (she can do a few seconds) and this week she's been stacking blocks and rings on her own.

For you, Jack

Dear Jack,
You are a wonderful dog. You became my roommate in November of 2002. It was the day of the Auburn/Alabama game, and I made Amy come to Columbus to help take care of you. I was living in the "shoe box" and I'd been on YL staff for just a few months. You were an absolutely insane puppy but we stuck it out.

Then we met Jeremy. You instantly loved him. I knew you were happy about our marriage and new living arrangement because he regularly began taking you for runs and played with you every day after work. You missed living with Max but you sure took to Jeremy.

Then we got Diane, the cat. She was a good distraction since Jeremy left for Iraq just two days later. You didn't pay much attention to her at first but now you're good friends. It's fun watching you chase her.

And now we have sweet Claire. She cried a lot when we brought her home and we pay an awful lot of attention to her. Now she pulls your hair and ears and tends to hit you. She suddenly loves to crawl all over you too. I know she annoys you but you will soon love her. Yes, we tend to neglect you now. We can't take you on walks as often and we can't pet you constantly, but we try to still snuggle with you, take you for walks/runs when we can, and give you treats. I know you're coming around a little bit more now that Claire shares her food with you.

We've been through a lot, Jack, and I love you. You're the greatest dog ever!

Love,
Katy

P.S. Can someone read this to Jack? Thanks!