Big Sister in Training

Oh, hey, remember this thing I have called a blog? It's about timeC I get back to this, sorry folks.

We have been crazy busy lately....between the holidays, traveling and getting ready for the baby, things are a little crazy around here.  I could really use a laundry maid right about now...any takers? :)  

Here are some pictures from November to update you a little bit...

 Claire got a stroller for her birthday and loves to take her baby for walks around the house.  On this day, she asked me if she could bring her baby and stroller outside, and I told her I thought it was too cold for the baby (or in mommy terms...I don't want to), so Claire quickly grabbed a new outfit for the baby that has a hood, some socks, and a blanket.  Sooo, baby came out with us. :)  She's too smart for me!

 Claire really loved helping me decorate the tree and wanted all the ornaments to be 'up high!'

 She really loves her bitty baby, and has been getting really good practice in for when her brother gets here.  She loves to change, feed, burp and snuggle with her baby.  She will put her blankie on her shoulder, hold the baby and bounch and sway saying 'shh shh shh' to help her baby settle down.  It is SO sweet.

I will try and update again soon with pictures from our visit to VA/DC to see Bud while he was away for work, our trip to IA to meet 'baby Wy', Christmas and my ever growing belly.  Stay tuned!

She's 2!

Our baby girl turned TWO on Thursday, and we celebrated on Saturday with her friends.  We had a fabulous Mickey party complete with the best bounce house ever, all of Claire's favorite foods, and of course, cupcakes!

I can't believe that in two short years, our beautiful baby has grown in to such an amazing little girl!  She is wild and hilarious like her daddy and sweet like her mommy, the best of both worlds. :)

 2010

2012

Daddy's Girl

Claire is absolutely loving her daddy these days, and it completely melts my heart.  She has always been more of a momma's girl, but the past month or so she just adores him.  She cries when he leaves with out her, runs to him when he gets home and her newest favorite thing is to sit down in the morning and share a bowl of cereal with him.  So sweet.  They are out running some errands right now, and she was so excited to go.  She just looks and me and waves and says, "Bye, mama! Love you!"  When he leaves with out her? Big alligator tears and my sweet girl standing at the door crying for her dada.  It breaks my heart and makes me completely dread the next time we have to say good bye to him, because her heart is going to be just as broken as mine.  Here are my two favorite pictures of them from the past couple weeks.

Bud was really hesitant when we found out Claire was a girl, and now being a Daddy to a girl completely fits him.  We even had friends comment that they were surprised he didn't want a girl with how wonderful he is with her.  They are two peas in a pod, and make each other giggle like no one else can.  I am so thankful for my little family!

Happy Birthday, Rah Rah!

Today is my favorite sister and Claire's favorite aunt's birthday!  Claire absolutely adores her Rah Rah, as do I.  I am so thankful and blessed to have such a wonderful big sister.  

  From matching Christmas sweaters to matching baby bumps!

It is so fun to me that we both had our sweet baby girls, and now we are getting ready to have baby boys!  Some day we WILL live close to each other so that our kids can be wonderful friends.  

We LOVE you, Sarah!  Happy Birthday!!

Halfway!

Finally!   I feel like I am a whole new person this week.  Apparently it took half the pregnancy, but oh well.  My house has been clean for a whole week, little dude's room is making some progress, Claire's room has gotten a lot of attention and our room is clean.  That's a lot, people.  I am SO thankful to be feeling like myself again!  Our little guy doesn't feel so little, and makes his presence known A LOT.

The next few months are going to fly--we are packed for October, November is very busy and then Christmas in December...it seems like it will be January before we know it.  So, we are trying to get as much done now as we can so we are ready for him if he decides to come early.  (Not holding my breath on that one, but better safe than sorry.)

18 weeks!

18 Weeks!  I am starting to feel a little more human lately, so that is a good thing.  I am also feeling a lot of kicks and jabs from the little dude--I think he is preparing me for the energy that he will have. :)  I know he is going to be just like his dad, and that means a constant, ridiculous amount of energy until he crashes.  Watch out!

(A Few of) The Many Faces of Claire

I took all these pictures in a span of less than 5 minutes.  This girl cracks me up.

Such a silly smile. :)