Happy New Year!!

A few questions and answers about how 2008 wrapped up:

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Does being a mom count since Claire was born in 2007? The fog didn't lift until 2008! It's been a new experience every step of the way!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I didn't really make any for last year. Too crazy with a 3 month old to make resolutions. This year I want to get back in shape...not original I know but I need to all the same!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? My friend, Rachel, just gave birth a few days ago to her 2nd boy. I can't wait to see her and the new baby.

4. Did anyone close to you die? My grandmother died in November.

5. What countries did you visit? Mexico

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? More peace of mind.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Sept 29 - Claire's first birthday. Nov 30- My grandma died. March 28 - Mom's 60th bday.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? I can't pick one but being a mom is a big achievement for me since I was clueless about kids before I had Claire. I feel good that I have come this far!

9. What was your biggest failure? Not being patient at times really hurt those around me.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? No. I remained pretty healthy this year so I felt pretty lucky! Claire was such a healthy baby this first year as well so it was a double blessing.

11. What was the best thing you bought? We did quite a bit this year to complete our home so this is a tough question. Probably our new camera and the desk for the loft! Love them both!

12. Where did most of your money go? House landscaping/furnishings, diapers, & formula.

13. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Claire saying "Mama" made my year! It makes my day everyday really. It was bigger than any other milestone for me.

14. What song will always remind you of 2008? I know it came out last year but Alicia Keys - No One, will remind me of this year. It reminds me of Claire and I when she was an infant.

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? Much much happier...the fog of baby land is over and that is awesome. I am sadly fatter though! LOL! I lost all the baby weight and then gained 10 lbs starting in April until now! ARGH!

16. What do you wish you’d done more of? Take walks, breathe, and listen.

17. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worrying...I worry about worrying!

18. How did you spend Christmas? We stayed in AZ with Eric's family. We had an awesome Christmas Eve at our house and we went to church at the park in our neighborhood which was so fun. We hadn't made time to go to church the past few years. We started a new tradition with the whole family...church, hot buttered rums out by the fire, and homemade chicken pot pies for dinner. We will most definitely be doing it again in the years to come! On Christmas day we went over to Tom & Carla's house for dinner. Claire being older this Christmas made things alot easier.

19. Did you fall in love in 2008? Yes. Love like I have never known before!

20. What was your favorite TV program? General Hospital; Brothers and Sisters; Oprah

21. What was the best book you read? Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

22. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 31 and it was on Mother's Day this year. It was a nice day wrapped all into one. We had just gotten back from our vacation in Mexico so we just relaxed at home with Claire.

23. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Trying to stay cute and not mommy sloppy!

24. What kept you sane? My friends and Starbucks.

25. What political issue stirred you the most? Our election. It was awesome to see all the interest in our presidential race this year.

26. Who did you miss? Amy...my friend in Austin. She is pregnant with her first baby and oh how I would love to go hang out and shop for baby stuff!

27. Who was the best new person you met? I can't pick just one! In Jan of this year I joined a baby & mommy group here in Gilbert and it was the best thing I could have ever done. They all saved my life in some way b/c I was really needing friendship in our new city with a new baby.

28. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. Be yourself and make your own choices based on your own principles. Let your friends make their choices as well and don't judge.

Backyard fun

We are finally landscaping our backyard! YAH!! The concrete to extend our patio and create a fireplace area has already been poured as you can see in the picture. We had to move all the furniture back off of the concrete so the "stamping" can begin. Stamped concrete will give the illusion of stones at the end of this process. Claire has enjoyed playing on all the open space and even running around on the rocks. We decided against grass but I am sure Claire won't miss it much being a true Arizona girl! I will post pics once the yard is done. Someday we may add some plants or trees but for now "done" means rocks and stamped concrete! We also want to add a play house for Claire. We have eyed one at Sam's Club that is perfect. She will love it!

Christmas 2008

A chef is born!! Claire loved her kitchen set she got for Christmas. She also fell in love with her "laptop". She is pretty obsessed with opening and closing it and pushing all the buttons. Everything she has wanted to do to my computer but hasn't been allowed!

We had a great Christmas. We had Eric's brother, Bill, fly in at the last minute from Seattle and escape the snow. Tom, Carla and her brother Eric joined us for Christmas Eve church and dinner. The service was held in the park in our neighborhood so we walked down the street and Claire was able to run around and play when she got too antsy. She loved the holiday music! We walked back home and enjoyed some chicken pot pies, salad, and an awesome chocolate wafer dessert that Eric made. We sat out by the fire and drank hot buttered rums. The next day we went over to Tom and Carla's house for Christmas dinner and had another wonderful meal. We went and looked at Christmas lights and a house in their neighborhood that has a train out front and decorates the mountain behind their house with giant snowflakes that light up. It was incredible and Claire loved the lights!

That about sums up our Christmas holiday. We enjoyed family time together and of course Claire made everyone's Christmas that much sweeter. She may not "get it" yet but she sure loves all the attention and hugs from her aunts and uncles. We feel pretty blessed!

Oh! You beautiful doll,

...you great big beautiful doll!!!I know I am her mom so that makes me bias but she is so stinkin cute. I finally broke down at 14 months old and got portraits taken of Claire. It was worth it. She came in fighting and "stress-tested" that dress (and the tights, shoes, and hair clip) kicking and screaming but she recovered and we got some good shots. Can't wait to send the family their copies. I told them they will need to clear some wall space for all of her 5x7 photos I ordered! HA!!

Brrr

It's actually been kind of chilly lately! It's awesome. Winter has finally arrived. Claire was all bundled up in her fur lined hoodie and loving the cool air!
Not much new lately to report. We are spending our holiday here in AZ with Eric's brother and his wife. It will just be a small gathering. We don't do presents for each other anymore which is nice. No stress of holiday shopping. The only person I buy a gift for is Abby (my niece). Kids are fun to shop for. Claire gets the hookup from all of her relatives! It's wonderful. We are currently landscaping our backyard and that is Eric and I's gift to each other! That is how Eric and I do gifts now....we buy something big for the house or a little something we have wanted and that's our holiday or birthday gift.

Happy Holiday Season!!!

Santa

Santa knows his stuff. He rattled off a statistic to me that 85% of kids Claire's age do not like the old fat man! He was right! I think the picture speaks for itself. I feel horrible just looking at this picture. What was I thinking? That she would miraculously smile when the photographer started to jingle some bells and the elf did her happy dance? Um, no...she kept telling me, "NO NO GO!!". Pretty sure this is gonna cost us in therapy down the road! :) I know we will laugh about this someday when she is older. In the years to come I have no doubt she will learn to love Santa and tell him all her wishes for Christmas.

What she's doing now...

Claire is currently fascinated with.... Elmo, Elmo, Elmo!

She loves to say... NO! She has varying degrees of the word no as well. Different tones and moods.

She recently did something so funny/cute when she... said "OHH COOL!" over and over and over for her aunts and uncles. So funny.

The personality trait I see beginning to develop that is rather new is... separation anxiety big time when we leave a room but I know that is temporary. Claire has no fear in most new situations.

Her favorite toy of the moment is... her Busy Ball Popper and Elmo TMX.

Foods she is really liking now... Broccoli, baked potatoes, and Morning Star veggie burgers
I can occupy her easy by... giving her goldfish and an Elmo or Baby Einstein movie.

Claire's favorite time of day is... morning, especially weekend mornings with Daddy. Breakfast and cartoons!

When Claire is in a bad mood, she... cries and stomps her feet. Lately it doesn't take much to send her into extreme crying when we take something from her or tell her no.

She melts my heart when... she says runs back and forth between Eric and I to give us hugs and kisses.

Farewell

I am probably 3 or 4 in this picture with my Grandma. I love how much we are enjoying ourselves just relaxing. I find it even funnier that she is smoking a cigarette! 1981 for ya!

My grandmother passed away on November 30. She was 80 years old and lived a good life. The past couple of years were hard on her without my Pa. So I feel at peace knowing she is with him again and in a better place.

She will be buried in Kermit, TX. I am not traveling there for the graveside service but my mom and brother are attending. I am thinking about them during this time and sending long distance hugs.

Holiday Sandwhich

No, you are not seeing things...Claire is a holiday sandwhich of outifts! My sister in law's friend, Ginnie, was one of the gals who chipped in to purchase Claire's Halloween costume. Since her and her family always join us for Thanksgiving we thought she'd get a kick out of seeing her in it live. Of course, Arizona is just warm enough outside to run around in a sleeveless, fairy princess dress on Thanksgiving! Tia (Aunt Carla) went shopping again and purchased Claire's beautiful Christmas dress. So, we had to try that on as well. We even got a clip in her hair!! It's a Christmas miracle!!!

We enjoyed our Thanksgiving. Lots of great food, drinks, family and friends. We even had a little rain to make it feel all cozy inside.

Tis the season!

Shopping Buddy

Today I took Claire to the mall. We don't usually go to this mall because it is further away (Chandler Mall) but it has a Gap and we don't have one by the house! I must say we also got the most badass parking spot. Right up front on the food court side. Amazing!!! She had gotten her 2nd round of the flu shot this morning and I wanted to cheer her up with some Starbucks pumpkin bread...coffee for me of course...and some girl's shopping. She played in the play zone. We ate lunch in the food court. Did you know Paradise Bakery has mac-n-cheese for the little ones? Yum!! She looked so cute sitting in her highchair eating lunch alone with me. Watching her play in the kid area is always a laugh. She gets all in to it now and runs wild! She even had her arms above her head waving them around squealing at one point. She is a hoot and very fast once she finds the darn exit. Mama has to put on her running shoes to keep up with her.

It was a special day together. Something so ordinary like a trip to the mall made me really cherish our time together. Just us girls. Someday we will try again for a sibling. I don't know what will happen but I can't help but wonder how it will be when it isn't just us. For now...I will just enjoy the moments like today with her little blue eyes staring at me with a mouth full of my turkey sandwich and a little grin.

Proud moment

YAH!! We got out and voted today. I have waited for this moment for a long time. I know she has no clue what is going on but what a proud moment it was for me to bring my daughter to the polls! This year has been so exciting. To see a woman and an African-American running together in this election has been inspiring. By the time Claire can vote this will be no big deal I am sure! I will always encourage her to create her own opinions and be open to others views. Most importantly I want her to know how important it is to vote and exercise your right not only as an American but as a woman!

This face

How can this face not make a bad day better!?
























We all have our ups and downs in life.I won't bore you with my "downs" but rest assured I have them. There are days I am certain my husband is speaking another language or moments when Claire is driving me up the wall with her new toddlerisms. BUT...every time I look into these big blue eyes I feel a sense of ease. I love this little face!!! She has certainly given Eric and I a purpose greater than ourselves. It makes us want a to be better people for each other and for her.

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.

A look back

This time a year ago I thought Claire was never coming out!! We had gone 4 days over my due date which felt like an eternity. I thought I was going into labor for about 2 weeks so it really felt like forever. Thinking about where we were a year ago is crazy! We were dying to see this little person. I was dying to get this 8lb baby out of my body! She was moving and grooving in there. Finally....I went into labor at 12:30am the 29th. My water never broke but the contractions were real and were coming every 5 mintues like clockwork. We went to the hospital around 4am. I tried to labor at home but it was getting too painful. I was in labor for 22 hours. At 9:50pm on a Sat night she arrived. The most beautiful little girl...okay, the most smooshed looking little girl! We were all exhausted. My mom and Eric's family were waiting anxiously in the waiting area...all exhausted as well!

It has been sentimental looking back as I plan and prepare Claire's birthday parties. She had a wonderful family party yesterday and tomorrow on her actual birthday all of her friends will be coming over. It has been a fun celebration weekend. All the Cox siblings arrived last week and we have been enjoying their company. She got lots of goodies to play with and unique gifts from the heart. Of course...she got shoes for her new walking feet!

Happy Birthday Claire! It's all about you baby!

Tummy Troubles

First...Claire has had some yucky poops for the past 5 days now. TMI, I know! This has been her first illness. I am thankful it hasn't been any worse but changing super smelly diapers every hour is getting pretty old! Her butt is so red and I know she is tired of everything going right through her. Doc says it's pretty much got to be viral. I did oticed today that one of her upper teeth has finally popped through. YAH! I hope it will give her some relief.

Second...my stomach dropped and I just had an ache today after reading about a young woman who lost her husband yesterday while he was serving in Afghanistan. I read about the loss on my friend's blog and I just felt a hurt for this woman even though I don't know her. My friend Stephanie's husband and this man were in the same troop. I was sad for her and for their daughter. She won't have a dad now. I had my dad for 22 yrs and it wasn't enough. I can't imagine what any less would feel like. The pain of sudden loss is something I understand. Losing a husband and the father of my child....that is a pain I don't want to understand. Sometimes I don't think saying a prayer is enough but it's all I can do for someone I don't know.

On a happier note....Claire is getting better each day at walking. You would think she had been doing it for weeks now. She is everywhere. Unfortunately so is everything else. We are currently looking for the TV remote. HELP!

She walks

She is walking! It's official. With every day she has improved and tonight she was just toddling around. She will still crawl here and there which I expect for awhile but I think crawling is soon to be a memory. Our little girl is leaving babyland and in only 7 more days it will be official. It is bittersweet when I think about it but every time I see her walk I just light up with pride!

(yes, she is in her sunday gear...cardinals jersey watching the game with dad. i am working on a bow so she will be girly!!)

TGIF

There hasn't been much to blog about lately. Last weekend the hurricane occupied our time...watching the TV relentlessly as if we still lived in Houston. It was hard to watch all the damage from afar. Luckily, all of our loved ones are ok.

Claire took some steps last night on her own. She is on her way to being a walker in no time! It is so exciting!

Here are some fun pics of Claire:

oh these curls...

9/11

Happy Birthday Pacey Joy!! 10 years old today! On a day of sadness and remembrance for our nation, I have a bright spot. My sweet cat and companion for the past 8 years. Pacey was adopted at 2 1/2 yrs old from a shelter in Houston. I didn't know her birthday so I added 6 months to the day I got her and it was September. Since I was born on the 11th of May I made hers September 11. At the time it was early 2001 still so I didn't know what the day would come to mean to us all. Eric's best friend's birthday is also today as are many others. They cannot change their birthdate just because tragedy struck nor did I change the chosen birthday for Pacey. Oh Pacers...you are loved.

Today always makes me lose my breath for a moment remembering that awful morning. I will always know where I was and how I felt. It's amazing to have lived through something that Claire will only read about in a history book someday. I never thought in my day and age that I would witness war or tragedy of this magnitude. To all the men and women who lost their lives...I pray for your families. For all the service people...troops, firemen, policemen and women....who risked their lives and still do everyday to protect us...thank you.

All done!!!

We did it! We finished the living room curtains and pillows. If I may say so myself...we did a great job! I purchased the gold colored pillows but everything else was custom created. I seriously can't thank Liz enough for all her hard work. She sewed her brains out this week! She has lots of babysitting coming her way in return! :) I am kind of sad our project is over because we had so much fun together!

BEFORE/AFTER:

Crafting

Thanks to some good advice from a friend I picked up some new hobbies outside of Claire. I am not normally a crafty person or patient enough to craft but it's been fun and kept my mind busy.

Here are some results of the recent crafting. I have been using pictures of more expensive items as my inspiration for some projects or pics of decorating to copy:

1st project, ribbon picture board for Claire's room:


















inspiration birthday tee $34:






















my handmade tee $7 (i laid the rhinestones myself so they aren't perfect but it's cute!):























inspiration picture for decorating our shelves:























our newly decorated shelves & coordinating frame collage:

Bye bye bye

See ya tattoo!! It will be a long year but in the big picture of life a year is nothing. That's how long it will take before the tattoo on my foot will become a memory. Tattoos are a way of expression for many people. Unfortunately, later in life you tend to not see them as necessary anymore to express your feelings. Or atleast I don't feel the need anymore...not on my foot anyway. Tattoos are addictive. I have 4 total. I truly only love the one on my stomach. It's pretty...it means something to me...and I had it done with my best friend. I love it. It went through my pregnancy and came back just fine! Not that I regret the others but I just don't care about them anymore. Since the process of laser removal is painful and expensive I am just removing the one on my foot. It's just ugly and been such a pain in the work world. No makeup really covers a tattoo. I don't care what they promise. I had my first treatment on Friday. It hurt but it was quick. I am ready for the long road ahead. What doesn't hurt is the fact that the doc is a total beefcake hottie. Dr. McHottie!

We have been shopping this weekend for house stuff again. Piece by piece we are making our home just as we want it to be. We got a new table for our kitchen. Since we don't have a formal dining room in our house we wanted a table that could be casual enough for the kitchen area but have a leaf in it to make it a nice big dinner table for the family. We settled on a counter height table which is so fun! We got some much needed pots and pans finally as well. We have been using our collegiate looking pots for too long! We are not serious chefs but having a decent pot is something every adult should have in their lifetime!

I am also making new curtains with my friend Liz. She sews and has good taste. With her guidance I am making our home a cozier place. The last addition to my creative streak is a ribbon picture board for Claire's room. It's going to be so cute. I want to have a display of pictures of her first year out at her birthday party and the ribbon board will be perfect. Claire is having 2 parties...one family...and one friends. She is ONE for crying out loud. It's a special day though so we should celebrate!

I will post pics of all my creations soon!

Happy Labor Day

and Happy September!! One of the 3 day weekends I used to live for when I had a real jobby job. Just knowing it's Claire's birth month kind of makes me tear up. I can't believe we are already here. To think what I was doing this time last year. If only I knew I had 29 LONG days to go!

Claire took 2 naps a day for the past 4 days. However, today she put an end to that new record. Oh well, she is ever changing. She has really improved her self feeding the past few days. She is trying new stuff and actually eating it rather than just tossing it on the floor(which still happens btw but less). Eric got a new car this week and he has spent the past 5 hours detailing it to protect his new baby from the elements. He is still not done! Men!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend and my TX peeps are staying safe during the hurricane rains. We are having a nice weekend. Time to grill some hot dogs! :)

Change and other stuff

Our new nap schedule has changed things around here. It's been interesting adapting to one nap a day. Losing that afternoon nap is hard because she really can't handle it (but don't tell her that as this new schedule was her idea..much to my protest!). But when change happens sometimes you just have to follow. As much as I want to be in control...because I am the Mommy, because I know better and I am older....I am still just a student in this parenting world and Claire has been a forgiving subject.

Okay, have you ever checked on your child when the room got too quiet and they aren't in your sight? I check on her and if she is indeed just playing still and not into something she shouldn't be then I try to back away very quietly without her seeing me. Never make eye contact. That's my rule! It's sad but true. Once she sees me it's over. Her attention will be back on me and if I walk away she will freak out. With one nap a day I have to sneak these breaks in when I can. At dinner time we put her in the exersaucer to watch a DVD for 20 minutes. Again, we never make eye contact. She watches the TV and we eat dinner. We glance over at her lovingly but NEVER EVER make eye contact. We love her but if you want peace that is the rule!

I saw this book online:

The title cracks me up. As Claire STOOD up in the front part of the shopping cart and held onto the handles while I pushed her through Target I realized how true that book title was. I would have thought that was terrible as a pre-parent but when she is cracking up it's hard to stop. Yes, I tried not to let others see us for fear they might think I was a bad mom who let their child do unsafe things but hey she was having fun and so was I. No harm done. When they are this little you are largely responsible for their  happiness. This means keeping an open mind!