Sunshine and Rain

We have been getting some pretty good downpours in the afternoon...so when Brad got home from work one day this week he took Claire outside to splash in the rain! She started out in her rain boots but they didn't last long...one step into the street and water filled them! Brad insisted it is more fun to play barefoot in the rain anyway! They both had fun and were soaked when they finally came inside. Here are some pictures of my sunshine too!

Breastfeeding

Ok, sorry if this is more than you ever wanted to know about me but I have to get it off my chest (ha ha, get it?) I nursed Claire until she was 14 months old. It was really hard at first, I can remember crying about it, but I never gave up and I'm so glad because some of my favorite memories of Claire as a baby are when I was feeding her. So I thought by the time Aubrey came along I was a pro at it...not so much. She never really latched on correctly (maybe it is because of her small jaw). At her 4 month check up she had only gained a pound and a half in two months. The Dr. suggested I supplement a few feedings with formula and weigh her again in 2 weeks to make sure she is gaining. he did not pressure me...he is a great Dr. Well, Aubrey LOVES drinking formula from a bottle and after a week I can already tell she is rounding out more. What a relief right? Well, I can't seem to stop beating myself up about "quiting" and that I was not giving her enough to eat when I was exclusively breastfeeding her. I also hear comments from friends about how much better breastfeeding is for your baby. I get advise from almost everywhere and I finally just had to decide what I think is best for Aubrey. Thank God Brad is supportive either way! I mean, Clarie was breastfed and she still ended up with a peanut allergy, was in the hospital for dehydration from an illness and so on...all the things that are not supposed to happen if you breastfeed. Aubrey is thriving on the formula...she is rolling over now and is much more alert and HAPPY. No more gas either!!! So I am am currently weaning her from the breast. I am anxious to see the Dr. next week to see how much she has gained. I will miss our feedings together, but I know this is the best for both of us!

Girls Trip!

Last weekend I went to Austin with some super fun girlfriends of mine for an overnight trip! Brad took care of both girls while I was able to relax and have fun! As much as I love being with my girls, I really did need a break. I missed them, but it felt great to relax by the pool, enjoy an amazing dinner (chewing each bite 30 times ;) and have adult conversations with intelligent, funny girls. They are all amazing Moms and just great people to know and be friends with! We had a blast and I can't wait to do it again! Brad did a great job with the girls...but when I got home he said "I don't want your job". ;)

Visit to Kingwood

This past Saturday - Thursday I got brave and drove the girls to Houston to visit my parents! Brad works all day so since Claire has a break from school right now (and since my parents have a pool) I decided it was the perfect time to go on a mini vacation. The girls did great on the drive...we only had to stop once so I could feed Aubrey and take Claire to the bathroom. We had so much fun while we were there! Claire loved swimming with Pop-Pop. I took walks with the stroller in the morning before it got too hot. Grandmom had tons of new toys and clothes for the girls. We had a Bar-B-Q and I got to meet a lot of my Mom's friends and introduce them to Aubrey! My sister and I got pedicures and went to see Sex and the City. We spent an afternoon at the Country Club at the water park...lots of fun! It was a great trip, but we were ready to get home to see Brad. He was at work when we got home but he had hung a "Welcome Home" sign, left flowers and hung sparkly streamers from the doorways. He missed us!

Claire vs Aubrey

I was looking at pictures of Claire when she was Aubrey's age and I thought it would be fun to dress Aubrey in one of her old outfits and take pictures to compare! They are the same age in these pictures. Claire was a little chunkier then Aubrey is and she was better at rolling onto her side. Claire's head was also bigger...so as petite as Claire is, I think Aubrey will be even smaller! I don't think they look alike but I also think you can tell they are sisters. The pictures go Aubrey, Claire, Aubrey, Claire!

MDO Graduation

Last week Claire and her friends graduated from the Toddler Class at Holy Cross Lutheran Church's Mother's Day Out program. Brad and I, along with Liberty and Gracie's parents, went to watch their end of the year program. They sang songs, there was a slide show and some of their artwork was displayed and framed. The girls did such a good job...I have video of the performance that I need to upload. I was a little sad thinking that her High School graduation will be right around the corner...but she has done so well at school, learned a lot and made some great friends. She will be attending the summer program and will go back in the fall again with her friends!

Potty Training and Movie!

It's official...Claire is potty trained!!! She lets us know now when she has to pee and poop in her potty! She wears big girl panties at home and pull ups when we are out sometimes if I am nervous that she might have an accident but so far she has kept them dry. She even went to the potty at church today. It is so nice not to have to change two sets of diapers now. She did such a good job that we took her to see the new Shrek movie. She was so excited...we have seen the other three Shrek movies 6,000 times so even I was looking forward to seeing a new one. She loves getting popcorn! Aubrey was awake the whole time and again we left before the movie was over because they were both over it about an hour into the movie. I am so proud of my big girl!!!