Flower Power

My friend Sarah made these adorable shirts for the girls. They wore them when we went to the nursery to pick out our spring annuals. Maggie has learned that you can see pictures in the camera. Now when she sees that the camera is out, she wants to take a look and won't let you take her picture. (Thus the protesting to this picture) Maybe she has a future as a photographer.

Thank God for Grandmothers!

Jim's mom Mary graciously gave two weeks of her time to help us get settled with Claire. She cooked amazing meals for us, cared for the grandkids so we could sleep, and generally made our lives a lot easier in these early weeks. Naturally, she showered the girls with all sorts of gifts including some very pretty dresses. PawPaw came for a weekend too, but he had to get back to work eventually. The visit included lots of firsts, including our first trip to Chuck E Cheese and Maggie's first experience with Play Doh. Maggie even learned how to say "MawMaw" during the visit. We are so grateful for the love and support of family!

Maggie had a blast driving the school bus

Fashion courtesy of MawMaw

Fun with Play Doh

Sister, Sister

Maggie is such a loving big sister! She has been displaying a lot of empathy when Claire cries and really likes to give her hugs. Maggie even shared her brand new Elmo doll with her little sis. It's cute to hear the inflection in Maggie's voice when she is excited to see Claire. She exclaims, "Baaaaby!" We've also gotten a preview of Maggie doing what older siblings do best...pick on the younger one! When Maggie bounced Claire's bouncy seat a little too hard and watched her sister being jostled from side to side, she let out this sinister little laugh. It was tough to keep a straight face when issuing the warning. Overall though, the transition to having a new baby in the house is going very well. Here are the highlights...

Hugs for Claire

"Have a blanket, you look cold."

"Gimme 5"

The Great Outdoors

Last week we had gorgeous weather! Jim was off from work and we enjoyed lots of together time as a family of four. Maggie absolutely loves being outside! She is very adventurous and loves to explore our yard. She has become very coordinated lately and has learned how to navigate all our hills. We've enjoyed several trips to the park where Maggie's favorite activities are the swing and the slide. Claire has started to have more awake time, although it's not always during the day. Thankfully, we know the sleep deprivation doesn't last forever!

Almost ready to help Daddy cut the grass


Hello world!

Welcome Claire Susanna!

We are thrilled to welcome our daughter into the family! Claire Susanna arrived on Saturday, April 12th at 4:13 pm. She weighed in at 7lbs, 10 oz and was 20 inches long. Peg enjoyed another beautiful natural childbirth and is still high from the experience. Jim again proved to be a great coach and partner. Maggie is very excited about the baby and likes to give her kisses, which come a little too close to head-butts, but are precious non the less.

Here are a few pictures of Claire's first days. We are so blessed!!

Proud Papa

Maggie meeting her little sister

Coming home from the hospital

Meeting Grandma and Grandpa

Another first

As if we needed more proof that our little girl is no longer a baby... Maggie uttered her first "No!" in response to Mommy today. She's been saying the word for a while, enjoying the way it rolls off her tongue, but never directed at anyone. Just before lunch today, Maggie found an unopened granola bar in her diaper bag and proceeded to play with it/try to open it. I said, "Can you give that to Mommy please?" and I was answered with a very clear "No" accompanied by a head shake. It was hard not to laugh! I guess that's why "they" say not to offer a choice when none exist.

18 Months!

Maggie has become quite the independent toddler these days. It is often challenging since she doesn't have the vocabulary to express her desires, but it seems she has slowly come to terms with life having limits. Maggie had her 18 month check up this week and is still following the 95th percentile curve, checking in at 2'10" tall. Her vocabulary continues to expand daily, with "car" and "back" (as in to put back) as two of the more recent additions. One of her favorite activities includes putting various objects on her head and declaring "Hat!" Maggie has also started to display some type-A personality and really enjoys putting things away. From toys, to books, to the tupperware drawer, everything has it's proper place. Starting to clean up after herself couldn't come at a better time, with #2 on the way any day. We're still on baby watch with the official due date approaching next weekend. Peg had a few false starts this week, so hopefully it won't be too long till we meet the new addition to the family!

"HAT!"