70 days

This is how long we have until we move! This entire week I have spent the majority of my free time finding items to sell at our yard sale next month. Its amazing at how coming into this marriage 5 1/2 years ago, we didn't have much stuff, BUT now we have SO much! I almost wish it was practical to just sell everything. I know that that isn't possible, wishful thinking though.

We're so excited to be moving, not only because we'll be close enough to family we can drive to visit and see them more than once a year, but because we bought a house! We're actually having it built and are so excited for this new adventure. We can't wait for Claire (and CoCo) to have a big yard to play and so much more room in the house in general.

70 days isn't long, and I know its going to go fast. I just hope everything with the move goes smooth!

Pro Bowl 2011

A little tailgating fun before the game.

It was a great day for the game (minus the 30 minute down pour)

Silly Face

Claire was counting Randy's "rainy day" money and make some cute faces. She made this face ALL day and only to me! She is so funny!

The last Christmas on the beach

2011 is here

Ringing in the New Year with some good friends! Can't believe its 2011 already!!

Party time!

Claire's first birthday party was a hit! We invited a few friends over to have a little pool party. Randy and I figured this would be the only year that Claire could actually have her party outside.

Our lil' fish, she played in the water the entire 2 hours.

Claire's first taste of a cupcake. She didn't dive into it as I was hoping, she sort of ate it "lady" like.

Our baby is ONE

I can't believe that today is Claire's first birthday! This past year has been AMAZING and sadly has gown too fast. Claire has changed our lives for the better and while she has been learning new things, she has taught Randy and I many new things too! Two most important lessons that Claire has taught us, is unconditional love and PATIENCE. Claire is truly a blessing and I hope that we've been able to show her that and that we can continue to do so.

We love you Claire bear!

A Day with Mom

Beach Fun

Last weekend we took Claire to Barber's Point, for a relaxing Sunday. She LOVED the water! This was her first encounter with sand, and she didn't have any problems with it. Randy and Claire played in the water for about an hour and a half. Thankfully Claire only had a small taste of sand. She was a full on giggle box every time the water came up and she didn't mind that it was a tiny bit cold. We are going to take advantage of the warm "winter".

Saying Aloha to Hawaii

Randy found out on Tuesday that he was chosen to be an Instructor at the Captain's Career course at Ft. Jackson in South Carolina. We will be moving back to the mainland in April!!!! We are both so excited to be moving back and be so close to both of our families. The next 5 months are going to fly by and I can't wait to say ALOHA to Hawaii. Its been an amazing ride, and we have enjoyed our time here....but its time to begin the next chapter in our life.

Thanksgiving

Randy, Claire and I had a great Thanksgiving in Florida with family. It has been 2 years since Randy has been to Florida, so it was a great "homecoming" for him, as well. We had 2 Thanksgivings, and Claire LOVED all the food! We also had the opportunity to goto Sea World with Randy's sister and her family. That was so much fun. I haven't been there since I was in Jr. high, and it was awesome to watch Claire take it all in.

Here is the link to Snapfish, so you can view ALL the pictures :o)

http://www2.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=5451605009/a=33052411_33052411/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

Happy Mother's Day

Today is the best day! I can't believe I'm a mother to a 4 month old!! Where has the time gone. I'm truly blessed to have Claire in my life, and I can't imagine what it was like without her. I never knew you could love someone so much!

Rolly Polly and Chatter box

The title says it all. Claire has a new trick and loves to talk. She started to roll over some last night, but I thought it was an accident. Then this morning at Stroller Strides she was doing it again. I am just happy that I was able to get it on video for her daddy. He's gonna love this!

I'm so glad that I have such a happy baby! She really only cries when she is wet and/or "starving". I hope she stays this happy, especially when she hits the "terrible twos" stage. Wishful thinking, I'm sure.

Enjoy!

Beach and Zoo pictures

Two monkeys sleeping at the zoo. Wonder who is more comfy? We can't wait for daddy to be home, so we can show him ALL the animals.

This is at North Shore. We found some shade under a palm tree. She had a blast. She is a regular Beach Bum! Her daddy would be proud.

Girls Gone Wild

Claire and I had some visitors this past week. My cousin Lindsey and her friend Kelly came for a visit. We had so much fun in such a short time. Every day was a new adventure for Claire. We took the girls to Barbers' Point and set Claire up in her new Cabana. She loved it!

We also took them to a Luau. Claire was the talk of the place. She was happy to show off her Hula Girl outfit. Yes, I did try to get her a job while we were there. Sadly, they said she was too cute for the show. Lindsey and Kelly had a great time, and enjoyed the food and drinks.

Claire and I had so much fun! Its always nice to have family come and visit. And of course its always nice to have a little help with Claire-McBear. I'm hoping that Lindsey and Kelly had as much fun as Claire and I did. I know that Claire will miss her "back seat buddies".

Busted!

I laid Claire down, thinking she was asleep, so that I could get a quick shower. I had the monitor in my bathroom and I could hear her "talking", so I thought I would sneak a peak. She has been "talking" nonstop since. She definitely gets that from me :o)

More Easter Fun

Claire and I dyed some eggs. We each have one with our names on them, its kind of hard to see CoCo's but she has one too. Claire is still learning to control her head, but she LOVES being able to see what's going on. We did have fun with the eggs, but we did miss daddy. I think he could have made some more creative eggs.

Sadly though, I forgot to put the eggs in the refridge after they dried, so I don't get any egg salad this year :o( That is what mommy-hood does to you, makes you forget things. All in all it was a good Easter. We went to Mass and Claire was good, slept through most of it. Then we enjoyed a nice relaxing day at home, full of napping, sewing and doing laundry.

Easter Morning

Happy Easter! The Bunny made it to our house, and left some really cute things for Miss Claire.

Easter Fun

Here is some video footage of Claire dying Easter Eggs. I think she had fun, however, next year will be much entertaining for all of us. I also added a video of Claire sitting in her Bumbo seat. She is starting to get used to it. I think she likes being able to see everything around her now :o)

12 weeks and a new trick

I can't believe that its already been 12 weeks! Its amazing the amount of changes that Claire goes through ever week. I am enjoying seeing her personality come through. Its also nice to see that she is starting to look a little like her mommy *finally* :o)

While we were watching TV, she decided she wanted to try to sit up. With the boppy there for support and just in case she flopped over, she almost got it!

I'm so proud of her and with a little more practice, she'll be using her bumbo seat in no time.