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.