Claire-Two Months

All Smiles



Check out my dark hair



Excuse Me!



My how I love my little Claire! She really has started to come alive. I'll be the first to admit I'm really not a huge fan of the newborn phase. I adore the newness of little babes, but I'm much more in love with a little baby who can smile and coo. It really helps me feel connected with my little ones.

Weeks 5-9 were pretty rough. It seemed like sleep was hard to come by during the day. Claire loved to be held when sleeping. She would cry the moment I put her down in the crib. This was a bit hard with a adventurous and needy toddler. The baby Bjorn became my best friend. Week 10 was our turning point. Claire cooed for the first time which melted my heart and still does. I seriously could spend hours listening to her coo. She gets quite talkative at night right before she goes to bed. She also loves to talk and interact most when I'm changing her. She also started sleeping longer at night--9-10 hour stretches! Woohoo! I feel like a new woman. She likes to keep me on my toes though because each night she varies her wake-up time. We're not out of the woods just yet, but I do see the light at the end!

We had a great 2 month visit. She continues to top the charts with her height (24 1/2 inches) and weight (12 lb, 4 oz).

Things that I've loved this month--

*How much she loves to look at her brother--she'll follow him around the room when she's laying on her playmat

*How she and her daddy have connected this month--he's figured out how to soothe her and to make her smile. I love watching them cuddle.

*How laid back she is; she will gladly take a break from eating or playing if I need to take care of her brother or make dinner. She's surprised me with her flexibility. Judging from her first 9 weeks I thought she might be high maintenance! I'm hoping I was wrong.:)

Small Spaces

John Parker loves small spaces. It's been a slight obsession of his a couple of months now. He loves to stuff himself, blankie, and toys into crates, toy boxes, or plastic containers. It's ADORABLE!!!

He can play amidst his homemade fort for a half hour or more. The other day he wedged himself into the kitchen cabinets along with his blankie and closed the doors; it was so cute!!! What I love most is that he knows no size, time and time again he invites me to play in the cabinet or crate. I love that he thinks his big mama can fit. It's so fun to see his mind at work; his imagination is definitely emerging.

Claire-One Month

I have loved how so many of my fellow friends and bloggers recap each month with their little ones. It's fun to see a picture of how they are growing and to hear how they've changed. So here goes, I am behind as usual. However, 10 years from now I won't care. I'll just love looking back at pictures of my little Claire bear.

Things that have happened this month--

*We've learned that you are a hungry girl--you can eat. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised since you were 9 lb, 11 oz at birth. You eat every 2 to 3 hours, but mostly 2.

*You are a cuddler; you love to be held by anyone and everyone. You've gotten lots of good cuddle time with mommy, daddy, family, and friends this month.

*You started smiling so early on (day 20 to be exact) and haven't stopped! I love your sweet smile.

*I am not ashamed that I'm a little bit more relaxed this go around--I love to snuggle with you during nap time and often snooze with you while your brother sleeps.

*I didn't waste anytime putting you in your play gym or bouncy seat. You love the flashing light, just like your brother. You smile at the giraffe in your bouncy seat.

In many ways, the 1st month was a blur filled with wonder and exhaustion. We are so glad that you are a part of our family. Daily, we thank the Lord for how healthy you are.

Giving Thanks!

It's hard to believe that our little Claire Bear is already 2 months old. We have been so amazed by the generosity of family and friends. I never expected such an outpouring of love especially for a second child. We have loved all the visits, cards, and care packages. We were blown away to have received 7 weeks of meals!!! I loved not cooking! However, my waste line needed a break since I chowed down on most of the baked goods. Here are some pictures from the last couple of months. We truly can't thank you all enough for helping to ease our transition.