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!