Hello 30

Well, I turned 30 today! It was a great weekend so I didn't have time to feel old ;) Our good friends Mike and Cortney came up from Houston on Sat. to see Claire and pay up on our yearly bet. Mike and I worked together in Houston (my first job out of college) and we have been great friends ever since! They are Aggies so every year we make a bet on the Tech/ATM football game...loser has to pay for the other couple's dinner. So for the past 7 or so years we have been doing this I think we've had to pay once!!! Anyways we got a babysitter (thanks so much Nancy and Marshall) and we went out to a nice dinner and had a blast catching up. We only get to see each other about once or twice a year and I miss their kids (I am their son's Godmother). So that was great. Then Sunday morning Brad got up with Claire, we went to my church, he baked me a cake (see picture of Claire after devouring it) and made us dinner! I had a relaxing day thanks to him...it was the best! Oh and my brother came over to wish me a happy birthday!!I got a ton of birthday well wishes, thanks everyone, you make me feel special! My parents gift to me is to watch Claire while we go on an overnight trip (on them)! I already have the bed and breakfast/ spa picked out...I think we will go in April for our anniversary. I'm ready to make my 30's three times as better as my 20's were!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

The three of us had a picnic at the Ft. worth Botanic Gardens for Valentine's Day! We got Chick-Fil-A then went to the park to open our cards and eat. It was a little colder than I would have liked...but Brad and I were bigger babies about it than Claire was. We had fun and I loved spending the day with my two Valentines!!!

Valentine Party!

This morning we were invited to a Valentine Party at Lesli and Morgan's beautiful home. It was so much fun to exchange Valentines and to eat all the yummy food and play with Claire's friends. We are so lucky to be a part of this Stroller Strides group. These girls keep me fit, sane and allow me to have adult conversation! They are a great group of Moms and kiddos...Happy Valentines Day everyone!!!

Funny Faces

Walking Video!

1 Year Stats

Claire had her 1 year check-up today! She weighs 18lbs 5oz (10%), she is 29 3/4in (75%) and her head is in the 75%. So nothing new...still tall and skinny. I need to give her more whole milk which will be a challenge because she hates it, but the Dr. gave me these chocolate straws for her to drink the milk through and it worked! She drank a whole glass of milk through a chocolate straw. I wish my doctor would make me drink everything through a chocolate straw! She still has to face backward in her car seat because she is not 20 lbs yet. He also said to stay away from peanuts and we may have her tested around age 2 to see how severe her reaction to peanuts really is. She took her vaccinations like a champ. Overall he said she is doing great. I will post video of her walking tonight!

Peanut Allergy

This morning for breakfast I gave Claire a little bit of peanut butter on some toast since she is a year old now. Bad idea. Almost instantly she broke out in a rash and hives. It looked like she was attacked by fire ants. These pictures don't show how bad it was...it was much worse in person. Her voice also got raspy which scared me so I called the doctor and they told me to give her Benedryl and a bath and to watch her breathing...which scared me even more. Ten minutes after the medicine and bath she is all better (thank God)! No peanuts for Claire for awhile. The icing on the cake is that she is scheduled to take her 1 year pictures today...

Happy 1st Birthday!

We celebrated Claire's 1st birthday this weekend with family and close friends. It was such a special day and we are just so lucky to have so many people that love Claire. She was such a good girl all day and she wants to say a big thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with her! I only cried once...when I opened a card from my parents and found that her 1st year of college is paid for! I didn't get to take a lot of pictures because I was busy with Claire and the party but it was so fun...lots of presents, cake and good times with everyone! She goes to the doctor next week so I will update you then with her stats! Here are a few facts about Claire at one year old:

- Claire can say eyes, hi, howdy, duck, dada, mama and can sign more, all done, eat, drink and she waves

- She eats everything that we eat and I haven't found anything she doesn't like (except milk and water which is why I am still breastfeeding her)

- Claire is the sweetest little girl and has a great personality. She makes my laugh everyday.

- She loves to read books, go for walks and snuggle.

- She can take three steps by herself but I wouldn't say she is walking just yet

- Claire loves animals and her dogs. Tina lets Claire poke her eyeball...poor dogs, but they love her as much as I do.

- Claire is the only grandchild on both sides of the family so she gets lots of attention and gifts...I am trying super hard to make sure she isn't a spoiled princess ;)

- Claire is the best thing that has ever happened to us and I am so lucky to spend everyday with her. The first year went by so fast! We love you Claire!!!