Happy Halloween

This is a pic of Claire before her Halloween party last Friday with her baby buddies. She had so much fun.

Little Mommy

Claire has loved playing "mommy" lately. She pushes her baby doll around the living room constantly. Sometimes I think the responsiblity gets to her though because she throws her baby overboard and strolls on without her. That's okay...she is still the baby for now! Of course, Eric jokeingly asks me if she is mimicing my behavior! NICE!

I can't believe she already likes to play with my purses too!
She is 1yr old! Little girls are so fabulous! I love it!

Hugs & Kisses

Usually I like Mondays because Claire and I get back into our little world for the week, clean the house, and start fresh. Sounds weird I am sure. We love love having Daddy home on the weekends but I also cherish our girl time. This weekend Eric was finally feeling better from weeks of a nagging cold. He was back in full swing...vacuuming, grocery shopping alone with Claire, mopping...you name it! Eric has always been very helpful. For the first couple of years of our relationship he did all the grocery shopping. He is great at being domestic. I would say it is because he is older and more mature but really he has always been this way according to old pals and family. It was a great weekend needless to say. We had park fun, pumpkin patching, and got all the house chores done. It has made Monday kind of lonely. Daddy rocks!

Since we had free time on our hands today due to no cleaning needed we went to the park with some friends this morning. Moms had coffee and the babies played. Perfect way to start the week. The best part was that Claire gave a hug to her buddy Kendal. It was the first time she has hugged a friend. She hugs us but I have never seen her hug her peeps! It was soooo cute! It made my day. She made our weekend too with her kisses for Mommy and Daddy. She would run over and kiss Daddy then run over and kiss Mommy. Back and forth...back and forth. Sometimes it was a closed mouth kiss but most times it was her usual open mouth kiss. Why she won't keep her mouth closed is beyond me. It's a slobbery one but we love them!!! It is so great to see this affectionate side.

XOXO!!! Happy Monday!

The good stuff

We have had so much fun at the playground lately!! It's been the highlight of our days. Yesterday Eric was able to join us so it was extra special. There is this tube slide that Claire thinks is so funny to go down with Mommy. I am a little big for this tube but it makes her giggle so we went down over and over!! We laughed so hard!

Today we went pumpkin patching at one of the local farms around here. You may be surprised how many crops and farms are out here in the desert. Gilbert is especially known for them (where we live). We managed to get some pics of Claire with the pumpkins. She isn't much for picture taking these days. It doesn't stop us though from capturing our little punkin!

Behind the lens...

...has been so much fun. I still don't know much about the camera. I just point and shoot and hope the camera does the rest! We have spent the past couple of days at the park in the neighborhood. Today we had breakfast at the park! We love being outdoors together. I have been waiting for this weather for so long now!!! Claire seems to love the fresh air. She is happiest outside exploring...even if she doesn't get off the sidewalk much!

Daddy hasn't been feeling good and working later in the evenings which isn't helping him. So it's just been us girls!! We have been having fun!

Here are some pics of the week...I decided to start posting my pics larger. I usually assume that you will click on them to see the full size if you want to. Time for a change!

Fall

Fall is starting to begin out here and the mornings are so nice. We went to the park today in our neighborhood and Claire ran up and down the sidewalk. She doesn't like grass plus it was wet with dew. She was so happy to be outside. It's funny to watch her face and see her eyes take everything in.

We got a new camera for our anniversary present to each other. I knew we were talking about getting one but I didn't know Eric actually ordered it until UPS showed up yesterday on our anniversary. So sweet! It is a 'professional' grade camera and the pics are sharper and crisp. It's fantastic. Photography is such a fun hobby and I can't wait to take pics of my favorite subject...Claire. Here are a few shots from this morning. My test shots while I learn the cam!

3 years ago

This time 3 years ago I was saying my vows. It was an absolutely beautiful day in Houston. Cool and crisp. It made getting married at noon worth it! The morning was so nice out while we were getting ready. I remember being at the hotel that morning and looking out from my balcony and being able to see the wedding site. Nevermind that is was right next to the Whataburger sign and that's how I spotted it! It was fabulous! We had a great wedding. Simple, small, and thoughtful. In these past 3 years we have moved to Arizona and had a baby. Every time we look at Claire she reminds us of our union together. It all makes sense when see the family we have created. God really did bring us together.

If only we could be on a plane tomorrow and off to Maui again! Ahhh, that would be the life. We had it so good there! What a great honeymoon! Instead of listening to the crashing waves while getting a massage I am listening to the sounds of the dishwasher and the baby monitor now. Reality check! That's life though and it is the real stuff that our lives are made of now all because of this day 3 years ago!

Lucky us.

Oh Dada

Claire loves her Daddy. She always talks about him during the day when we are together. I am just now figuring out why she says "Dada" when she sees certain things in the house. Dada lets her turn the light switch on and off...so she points and says "Dada". Daddy also lets her play with the magnets on the fridge and the car keys that hang on the wall hooks. So, I finally understand now why she looks at those things and says Dada. It won't be hard to figure out what else Daddy lets her do!! haha! We call him on the phone and she is so happy to hear his voice. Weekends are her favorite because he is home all day! He gets Claire on the weekend mornings (while I sleep in!!!) and they always have a great time going for a stroll outside, having breakfast, and watching Mickey Mouse Funhouse! They are so cute together. When I get up and come downstairs they are always on the floor playing. She is so happy. I love their relationship. Eric is a great Dad. So thorough and thoughtful.

It took this whole past year to really get into a rhythmic groove but I really think we have found our way to keeping our home happy. Things just flow now. Each step of the way we have had to learn to communicate better so all of our needs are met. I feel very lucky to have Eric by my side. Now if only he could be the one to take her to get her shots at the doc. I hate being associated with the bad stuff! She cried and cried big tears at the dr and all she kept saying was...."Dada, Dada!!!". My heart just broke.

A message

Life is short...don't take it for granted.

Slow down.

Take a deep breath.

Be in the moment and nothing more.

So many tradegies happen in the world around us. Life can often be unfair. I am no stranger to tragedy myself. Knowing you don't have control of everything in this world or when your time will be up is too much to think about so you have to just live your life. I don't live in fear of dying but I do fear that I won't leave the legecy behind for Claire that I desire. That time will run too soon. I try to write things down...to show her I love her in tangible ways. I hope it will be enough. Lately, my heart goes out to the stories I have heard of loss and pain. It has really sent me a message I hope to hold on to.