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!!!

Belly Laughs

I'm not sure what is more funny...Claire laughing or Brad dancing...I think this could be on America's Funniest Home Videos...

Ouch!

Poor Claire. Brad and I were cleaning out the closest in the playroom and Claire pulled her heavy wooden puzzle down from a shelf and it caught her right on the nose. She took it like a champ...only cried for like 5 seconds. I felt so bad that I baked chocolate chip cookies for her. OK, maybe they were more for me than her, but I gave her a small taste. As soon as she had a bite she immediately began using the sign for more. You may be able to see some of the chocolate on her face. At least we don't have any pictures scheduled soon...I'm not sure how long this will take to heal. And she hasn't even started walking yet so i guess this is just a taste of the bumps and bruises...

Fat Brad

Ok, before you gasp and say "Lisa, how could you?!"...I have his permission on this one. Some of the girls in my Stroller Strides group can't believe that Brad was at one time 60 pounds heavier than he is now. I am very proud of him and the example of health that he is setting for Claire. I dug up some old pictures of Brad to prove that he's come a long way! A side note...there was a time when we were 100+ pounds apart, but when I was pregnant and had gained 50 pounds we were dangerously close to weighing the same!!! Something I thought would never happen! Let me also say that I love Brad no matter what size he is...I am lucky that he just keeps getting better with age!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We spent Christmas in Lubbock this year. Mimi was excited to have all of us at her house this year. And surprise...Santa was very kind to Claire again! The only bad thing was that Claire had a 102.5 temperature on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning so she wasn't feeling too great. I think it was just teething, but still it was no fun. On New Year's Eve Brad and I got to go out to dinner while Mimi and Grandad babysat since they are in town for the Cotton Bowl. We went to Ruth's Chris in downtown Ft. Worth and I had the best steak ever! The Parsons family had a wonderful 2008 and we can't wait to see what 2009 has in store for us!