Throw back

So I'm feeling a bit nostalgic. Blame the pregnancy, I am.

This is one of my all-time favorite pictures. I forget how incredibly tiny Claire was when she was born. It's funny because, at the time, it just seemed normal because she was MY baby. My first and only. I didn't know any different. I didn't really get everyone's shock when they saw her. Isn't she perfect?

She's Country

I love country music.

I mean, REALLY love it.

Much to my husband's dismay, I might add.

And I really, really want Claire to love it too.

Yesterday I spent a lot of time in my car, by myself, going to random meetings. It was such a beautiful day. Perfect for having your car windows down and the radio up a bit. The kind of weather that makes me miss being a YL leader and how fun contact work is this time of year with Spring sports and playing outside. And the kind of weather that actually makes me miss horrible, jacked up trucks that make up every 3rd or 4th car in Georgia.

Current favorites (it changes often):
Lady Antebellum
Jason Aldean
Keith Urban
the Zac Brown Band


Side note: I STILL haven't gotten new batteries for either of my cameras so I apologize (AGAIN) for the lack of very cute Claire pictures.

Two under two

If you haven't heard our great news, here goes:

Claire will be a big sister around December 10th!

I apologize if you're finding out on here. I haven't gotten to actually tell many people in person because it's still early on, I'm only 8 weeks, but it's already been an adventure. I've been to the ER once, had two ultrasounds, and have developed migraines that make me want to hide in my bed. Everything seems to be okay, and the doctor is optimistic. If you think of me and this kiddo, please pray for us. I'm feeling a lot worse this time around.

I decided to just post it on here because, chances are with the way that I'm feeling, you may not see me for a while!! And I've been asked if the news is "public" yet; so yes, now it is.

And she's off...

Claire took 8 steps on her own tonight! She stood up on one side of the room and just started walking towards us. I could not be happier. She LOVES to be outside and I'm so ready for her to not be crawling all over the concrete. I'd like the option to be there to walk.

I'm still here

I haven't abandoned my blog. Not that I'm sure that many more than my sister check it, but I'm not jumping ship.

I'm beyond tired, can barely think straight, and cannot think of a creative thing to blog about. And I would just continue to post pictures of Claire but my camera batteries are dead.

So fear not. I'll think of something soon....

Until then I'll leave you with what Claire's been doing these days:

*She insists on playing outside ALL THE TIME. She will continuously take you to the back door to take her outside.
*She pushed a giant broom around the driveway with Jeremy today for a good while. She screamed when I took her to the backyard. Claire was quickly distracted by her toys back there though.
*She digs in a pot of dirt with the Elmo gardening tools from my Mom.
*She is whining like it's nobody's business. And it's really getting old.
*She likes to hold onto your fingers and walk around the house.
*She puts various things in her play stroller and pushes them around the house.
*She uses a baby bottle to feed her baby doll.
*I'm trying desperately to teach her to give kisses. Yesterday she actually gave me a few!
*She can high five like a champ.
*In the morning she and I have a new little routine: I change her diaper, grab her nighttime binkie and skunk, and then we cuddle up on the couch for 20-30 minutes. It's great.

After bath hair do

I love this picture.

Claire at 1 year and a few weeks

Claire has quite the personality.

Things that she did today that made me crack up:

1. She wants me or Jeremy to help her walk. She carefully chooses a finger from each hand to hold and then guides you where she wants to go. So cute.

2. I gave her pasta for dinner. I took her shirt off but didn't think through the clean up and giant mess that would happen. She rubbed pasta and sauce all over her tummy for the second half of her meal. Amazing.

3. Claire gives you her cheesy smile when she puts on the sunglasses she got over the weekend. (thanks, Winnie!)

4. My mom gave her a little gardening kit. (Thanks, Mom!!) Claire pulled the little shovels out while Diane jumped into the box it came in. Claire then proceeded to "dig" Diane out of the box.

5. Apparently, she has a bit of a hollow leg. She cuddled up with me on the couch and we shared some cheerios before she went to bed. (She's becoming a bit more of a cuddler!)

Both of my cameras died tonight so sorry that there are no pictures!! Going to get new batteries now...