Peek a Boo

Claire has learned to play on her own!

Kennesaw Mountain

Yesterday we took advantage of the gorgeous weather we've been having and went hiking with Claire.  We hiked up and down and around nearby Kennesaw Mountain.  Here are some pictures from the adventure:

Picnic lunch at the top of the mountain

Enjoying some grapes with Daddy

Phew...hiking is hard work...time for a nap!

Clearly, Claire was the one deciding which way we should go! 

Go Tigers!

Time to start teaching her that she is a Clemson Tigers fan!

Funny Videos

Enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day

Hi everyone!  Happy Valentine's Day!  Sorry it's been awhile since I've posted anything.  Claire was sick for several days.  We ended up having to go to the doctor several times because her white blood cell count was high.  They ran several tests and took x-rays, but everything came back normal.  Fortunately, the broad spectrum antibiotic that they gave her seemed to do the trick and she's all better now.  It was very difficult watching her suffer through the blood being drawn and the IV and shots, so we are very glad that it's over.  We were blessed to have my mom came to town for a few days last week to help out.

One day last week, Claire took off for our steps and quickly climbed half way up!  On her second attempt, she climbed all the way up.  She didn't act like it was anything new at all, just took off!  Her wave has transitioned from a whole-arm wave to just her hand.  I just can't get enough of it--it's too cute!  Her favorite song right now is one from our latest Kindermusik class.  It involves clapping your hands at a certain point.  She not only claps, but she does so at the right point in the song--she knows when it's coming!  The end of the song is "Turn around so merrily."  If we are holding her, we will turn around with her.  If we aren't holding her, she moves her hands back and forth, almost like she's doing the twist. 

Here are a few videos from this weekend.  Enjoy!

Eye Doctor

I took Claire to our eye doctor yesterday.  At my last checkup, the doctor had mentioned that they do a free screening for babies who are 6 to 12 months old.  I wasn't sure what they were going to be able to do, but I figured it couldn't hurt.  The doctor used some props like a flashing frog and cartoons to get a look into Claire's eyes.  They even dilated her eyes.  When the nurse put the drops in, Claire just closed her eyes but didn't put up much of a fuss.  The nurse said, "Wow, that's one of the best dilations I've ever had--and that's including adults!"  The doctor said that right now Claire is a bit farsighted, but that is very normal for her age and no indication that she may need glasses in the future.  Otherwise, Claire's eyes are very healthy and look great!  They even had a little pair of sunglasses for Claire.  Who knew they made them that size?  Of course, Claire would not wear them, but I got a few shots of her in them at home because they are just too funny!

Claire sure keeps me on my toes!  She is able to go over to her CD player, open it up, and take the CD out.  She also likes to go into the pantry and pull down the bottom row of my spices and herbs.  She chases Brooks around, and pulls out the toilet paper whenever we're not looking. 

We have two books that have special places for Claire to feel different textures (for example soft bunny ears, rough grass).  These have become two of Claire's favorites, and she has learned where to touch on each page. 

Here is a video of Claire playing with Matt.  Notice how she tries to kiss him by biting his nose!