Claire's First Christmas

Well, my two options right now are to clean for our New Year's Eve company tomorrow or blog about our Christmas. Since I am really comfortable on the couch I thought I would share our wonderful Christmas celebration with you all. Our busy, yet fun, week started on Monday, December 21. Adam was off work so my mom came to stay with Claire and let us run around all day. We went shopping for Claire's Christmas present, ate Moes for lunch and spent several hours at Borders reading and enjoying some coffee. Then on Tuesday mom and I baked all day! Wednesday was spent getting packed and getting the house clean.

We did Christmas at our house on Christmas Eve morning before Adam went to work. Claire opened up her presents from us and Grandpa and Grandma Smith.

Adam and I got her a Cabbage patch doll. Here she is waiting for daddy to get it out of the box.



Here is she posing with her presents from the morning. As you can tell she really loves her bike!

I went in with Adam's dad and brother to get Adam a gun.

Adam got me a gift card to Ann Taylor! I am so excited to go shopping.

After Adam got off work we headed to Richmond, KY to my parent's house. We ate a big dinner, each opened a present and played a new game - Wits and Wagers. I still love the excitment of going to bed Christmas Eve and waking up on Christmas morning! I can't wait for Claire to feel that excitment too.

Playing with the presents under the tree with Uncle Adam.

Everyone on Christmas morning!

Christmas morning we ate a bite, read the Christmas story from Luke and then began opening presents. We always start with stockings. Claire enjoyed pulling on the wrapping paper. She did become bored quickly though. I have to say that all of her presents were a big success! She loves riding her bike around the house, playing with her house and hugging on her doll. It is easy to see that Christmas is never going to be the same again!

Checking out her stocking

On the Move

Claire has learned how to move around on her own. Her crawling/scooting isn't what you would call graceful, but it gets her where she is wants to go. Everyday she seems to improve and move just a little faster. She of course is drawn to all the "off limits" areas of the room, instead of to the dozens of toys in the room. Here she is getting the remote control.

Claire has also begun to babble all day long. I absolutely love to listen to her "talk" and wish I could know what was going on in that little (or not so little) head of hers. She said "dada" very clearly once, but hasn't really said it again. She has learned how to say "mama" very clearly and most of the time it seems like she is wanting my attention when she says it. Here I was taping her and she is a little mad at me, but she says a clear "mama" so I had to put it for the world to hear.

Another new thing we have done lately is introduce her to some puffs. At first she didn't quite know what to think about them, as you can see below, but she is beginning to like them now. I love to watch her concentrate on picking up the little pieces. She doesn't get them to her mouth very well, but that is why we are practicing. Tonight when I put a piece on my hand for her to pick up, she decided to just lift my entire hand to her mouth and get the piece off my hand like that. It was cracking us up!

And last but not least here is a video of Claire just scooting, rolling, playing and laughing. It is a little longer (2 minutes or so) but I just thought it showed her sweet personality. We are head over heels for this little lady and I am sure after watching these videos you can understand why!

6 months

Wow...1/2 of a year!! I can't believe it has already been 6 months since Claire joined our family. She has changed so much in these past six months. She now shows her likes and dislikes very clearly. Recently she has been throwing little fits when she wants a change of scenery or a new toy. However, she also gets really excited when she sees something she wants to play with. She will throw her arms out to the side, open her mouth wide and almost pant with excitement. My description of it isn't that cute, but she is adorable when she does it. Claire sits up wonderfully in her own and is still rolling everywhere. She knows where her basket of toys is in the living room so as soon as I lay her down she rolls over there and starts pulling toys out.

She had her 6 month check up on Tuesday and everything went well. She weighed 14 lbs and 3.5 oz, and was 25.5 inches long. She got three shots, but did great with them. We also had her 6 month pictures made at The Picture People and I am very pleased with them.

Adam is in the second half of the semester and of course doing great in all his classes. I am enjoying staying at home with Claire. (I have to admit that I don't miss school one bit. Just the people I worked with) I am taking a class through the Seminary Wives Institute and really enjoy that time each week.
In September Claire and I went to visit the McKee family in Loveland, Ohio. We stayed two nights and I had a great time catching Ashley and Daniel, and playing with their sweet kiddos. Claire enjoyed watching the Caedmon and Chloe. She didn't however like Rocky (the dog) I have no idea where she could get that from. :) Ashley got much cuter pictures of the girls, but here is one of Claire and Chloe in their matching dresses.

Fall is such a great time in Kentucky and we are thoroughly enjoying it. We have already celebrated my brother's birthday, gone to the "World's Largest Halloween Party" at the zoo, had pictures made and are planning a trip to the local Huber's Farm in a couple of weeks. Such a fun month!!

Peas. . .No Thank You

Claire has been eating cereal for over a month now so we decided to add some veggies to her diet. She first tried carrots; which she enjoyed. Yesterday I decided to let her try some peas. As you can tell from the video she didn't really like them. I did try them again at dinner and she ate them a lot better.

Everyday Claire does something new. . .Lately she has been "talking" more instead of squealing and grunting. And then even more recent we have been hearing some consonant sounds in the midst of her talking. It is so fun to listen to her babble. I caught on video another cute "first". She has a Jumperoo that my parents got for her. I have put her in it before, but she didn't really know what to do and would just sit there. Well, yesterday she figured out how to bounce and jump and was having a good ol' time in it. (Oh yeah and I turn the camera sideways for a while, I have no idea what I was thinking. . .sorry)

Here is third video of Claire giggling. I absolutely love to hear her giggle. We never know what will make her laugh. At this particular time I had yawned and she started laughing. So I kept making a yawning noise and she kept laughing. Sorry you have to hear my annoying noises on the video too.

Look What I Can Do!!!

A Lot Has Been Happening Around Here

August has been a busy month around the Smith house. Claire turned 4 months on August 4th. On the morning of her doctor's appointment, Louisville had some serious storms that resulted in a lot of flash flooding. (Luckily it didn't flood where we live.) So we braved the storms and took Claire to her checkup. She was 24 inches long and weighed 12 lbs and 8.5 oz. Percentile wise she was 50% for height, 25% for weight, and 75% for her head circumference! The doctor said she looked great and healthy. She also received her second round of immunizations.

See my yellow band-aids?

Later that day while Claire was playing on her gym she rolled back to stomach all on her own for the first time. Grandpa Smith got to experience this moment over the phone!

On my belly

Then on August 9, we headed south to Florida. I have to admit I was very nervous about how Claire would do on the airplane and with our busy traveling schedule. But she did great the entire trip! We got up early Sunday morning for a 7:00 flight. She slept in the airport while we were waiting to board. Then while we were waiting to board we hear some little "tootles" coming from her! Great timing! She did great on the flight down. Sarah and Josh picked us up at the airport and we headed down to Adam's Granddad and Grandma Smith's house. We were able to see aunts, uncles and cousins while there. Some of whom we hadn't seen for a couple years. Adam and I also got to go out on the lake for a little bit while Claire was napping.

On the airplane. She doesn't look very happy but she did great!

Great Grandparents

Sunday night we headed to Adam's moms house. While there Claire was able to get into a pool for the first time. She wasn't exactly a huge fan, but she sure looked cute in her little bathing suit. She enjoyed chilling in Uncle J's and Grandma's arms more than swimming.

That evening we head to Yamato's, a Japanese restaurant, for a wonderful dinner!

The whole Gang!

Monday night we headed to Sanford to Adam's dad's house. Claire did a great job with all the traveling. She obviously felt right at home in her Grandpa's arms as you can see in the picture below. On Wednesday night Josh, Sarah, Adam and I headed out to Colorado Fondue for a night out while the grandparents and aunts babysat Claire. We had a great time and laughed a lot! It was just the break we needed before we came back to KY to face school. We had a great time in Florida and were not ready to come home! We love our Florida family!

Adam started school this past week so we are preparing for another busy fall. This is the first time since Kindergarten that I haven't had to "go back to school!" I feel truly blessed to be able to stay home with her and am trying to savor every moment as they seem to be passing so quickly.

Quick update

So, Claire had her 4 month check up and everything looked good. We leave for a visit to Florida in two days. I am very excited to see everyone and a little nervous about flying with Claire. Since we are leaving in two days I have a lot on my plate these days and don't have time for a full update. I just wanted to say hey and I will put up some pictures and more details about Claire when we get back!!

I'm Growing Up!

Here are a few pictures to show the fun things Claire is doing these days.

She doesn't scream immediately when placed on her tummy, and she is starting to stick that little bottom in the air in preperation for crawling.

She enjoys watching a Baby Einstein video while lounging in her Boppy.

She loves to put her hands in her mouth.

She smiles all the time.

And this picture I included because I thought it was cute!!

Finding My Voice

For the past week or so Claire had given up making her cute "oohs" and "aahs" and was only making grunting noises. We kept telling her to open her mouth and "talk" to us. Yesterday while playing in her pack and play she all of a sudden started making these squealing noises. They were cracking me up! She continued to do it later that night as well. I think she has found her voice! Sometimes she is so loud that she startles herself!!! :)

Claire is not only learning to use her voice, but she is learning to move as well. She has yet to roll over, but she is really good at arching her back. She can then scoot her body around. Take a look at these before and after pictures I took. Today she started out laying one way while we were playing. As we were playing and she was observing she turned about 90 degrees! It looks like we need to start babyproofing the house.

I started facing this way, but. . . .

I finished facing this way!

Bath Time

For a little while Claire did not like getting a bath. It didn't matter what the time of day, or what kind of bath (sponge or in her tub) she would cry the entire time. It made for a pretty stressful time. Then one day she decided it wasn't so bad after all.

Here she is getting ready to get all clean!

Hair and body wet. . . .check

Shampoo in hair with a cool hairstyle . . . check


Clean, dry and happy. . . check

Excited to take a bath

Claire was talking up a storm to Adam last night. She was making these new sounds we hadn't heard before. The taping isn't the best because I had to keep the camera out of sight. As soon as the she sees the camera she stops playing and just stares at it!

Claire had her two month check up on Friday, May 29th. Her length was 22 1/2 inches which put her in the 50th percentile for length. Her weight was 10 lbs 4.5 oz, which put her in the 35th percentile for weight. Her head circumference was 16 1/2 inches putting her in the 60th percentile in head size. She is one smart lady with that big brain! She also received 3 vaccinations; one oral and two shots. Adam was able to go to this appointment with me and he sat beside her during the vaccinations. Overall Claire did well. She cried but calmed down pretty quickly. She was very sleepy that day. Whe was actually extra cuddly that day and I enjoyed being able to hold and comfort her.

We also gave Claire her first bottle this week. I wasn't sure how she would do with it, but she took it without any problems. Adam gave her the first bottle on Friday night. At first she just played with it, not sure what to do. Eventually she caught on the it contained food! Adam enjoyed feeding her as she stared at him the entire time.

She also stayed with a babysitter for the first time this week. I had to go to school for 5 hours for closing day and do some work in my room. Lauren Arnold came and watched her for 3 hours. ( Adam stayed with her the first two hours I was gone, and then had to go to work.) That was the longest I had been away from her.

She is 9 weeks old and becoming more fun each day! She gives us smiles all day long, watches us walk across the room, looks at toys and "talks" to us. Sometimes I feel like my heart is going to burst from an overflow of love for her!

Claire loves to kick and play while laying on her changing table.

Claire's Growing!

I can't believe it, but Claire is already 5 weeks old! It is weird to think that five weeks ago we were in the hospital waiting to meet her. Things are quickly becoming normal in the Smith house. However, it is a new kind of normal; a better kind of normal.

I took Claire to get a shot on Thursday. I was expecting the worst. She was a real trooper though. While she did cry when the nurse stuck her she quickly stopped and was quite content while I dressed her. She didn't seem phased at all by the shot. While at the doctor's office we went ahead and weighed Claire. She now weighs 9 lbs and 2 oz. I can't believe she has gained 2 pounds. I am glad because it means she is healthy, but sad because she is growing so quickly! ( Just and FYI for anyone that reads this and lives in Lousiville - We take Claire to Springs Pediatrics and I highly recommend it! They have been excellent so far!!)

Claire went to her first church service last Sunday. She attended Crosspoint Baptist Church in Richmond, KY. She seemed to enjoy the singing, but fell asleep once the sermon started! We have pictures to post and even some videos. However, the cords I need to post them are right beside where Claire is sleeping and I'm not going to risk waking her up. She is a little fussy today and I want her to get her sleep. I'll get them up as soon as possible though. Also for you out of town family I am going to try and post weekly so you can see her growth! Hold me accountable!!

Claire has been in our lives for 16 days now. We already can't remember what we did before she joined our family. Well, that's only partly true, we do remember sleeping! We had our two week check up on Friday. Claire did excellent at the doctor's office. She peed everywhere while undressed, but that is a daily occurence here at the house so I was prepared with an extra outfit. Claire measured 20 1/4 inches long and 7 lbs. 10.5 oz. I was thrilled to see she had already surpassed her birthweight. She is a fast eater and I had been worried that she was not getting enough to eat. All of her reflexes were great as well. Basically the doctor said thanks for making his morning easy, and that she looked great. I also loved my doctor! He was wonderful!

Claire lost her umbilical cord stump Saturday night. Adam and I were thrilled and love being able to rub all over her little belly. She is also becoming much more alert during the day and seems to enjoy taking in all the new sights around her.

Having a baby is the most wonderful and scariest thing Adam and I have ever done in our lives. We have to remind ourselves that we trusted God to get us pregnant, trusted Him to keep her safe during pregnancy and now we have to trust Him with her life. She is ultimately His and we have the privelege of being her parents and trying our best to point her towards Him. Thanks for the prayers. If you are close by we love to show her off to visitors!!

She's Here!!

Claire Danielle Smith arrived on April 4th at 11:41 p.m. (10 days before her due date!) She was 7 pounds and 3 ounces and is 19 1/2 inches long. She has a head full of beautiful light brown hair. I know that we are a little biased, but we believe she is the most beautiful baby we have ever seen!!

After working through contractions Thursday and Friday night, I called the doctor Saturday morning. At that time she said it didn't sound like I was in labor and to take some medicine to help me sleep through the night. My mom and dad were already on their way to Louisville to help with some last minute projects around the house before Claire came. All day the contractions increased in intensity and frequency. Finally I called the doctor again at 5:15 and this time she said to come in and get checked out. I called Adam on the "planned emergency phone." He said, "Why did you call me on this phone!" He rushed home and we made the journey to the hospital.

We were checked in at 6:30. By the time the nurse checked in on us, I was already 6-7 cm. dialated. They broke my water at 10:00 and she arrived at 11:41.

Family and friends have been a huge help this week and we look forward to sharing this experience with other friends and family in the weeks to come. We will work on posting more pictures soon; we just have to take our eyes off of her to post on here and that is hard work!!!!

Wow! We are almost there! On Tuesday, March 24, we will be considered full term and Claire is welcome to make her debut anytime! I am still pretty comfortable overall. Sleeping is difficult, but everyone just keeps telling me this is preparing me for her arrival.

We had a shower on Saturday, March 21. It was a wonderful day! I was able to connect with some friends I hadn't seen in awhile, and was blown away by all the wonderful gifts.

Please keep Adam and I in your prayers as we are anxious and excited to meet our little girl! We are looking forward to meeting her, and to getting to spend some time with family. Also pray for Adam as he is in the middle of a semester at Southern and is trying to balance school, work and prepare for our little girl. Hopefully next post you will be seeing a family of three.

2 Month Countdown!!

Adam made me pose for a more recent picture the other day claiming that my belly had grown since he had seen me that morning. We are 8 weeks, 2 months or 58 days away from our due date. Adam asked if I knew how many hours away, but I can't do two-digit by two-digit multiplication in my head. According to the last doctor's appointment everything is going just as it should be. I failed the 1 hour glucose test, but passed the 3 hour test. I heard it wasn't that unusual to fail the first test, but it did have us worried for a few days. We are now to the point where we go the doctor every two weeks.

Our first shower is this Friday. I am so excited to get a few things and start setting them up. I will be posting pictures of her room after we work on it some more this weekend. Keep us in your prayers as we are getting closer to the due date.

Winter Wonderland. . . Kind of

Well, our lives have been put on hold since Tuesday morning. Overnight a winter storm blew through Kentucky and didn't stop until Wednesday afternoon. We were first hit with several inches of snow, an inch of ice and then another couple inches of snow. While the snow is beautiful the ice is a pain. Tuesday night we were awoken several times to the sound of tree limbs falling in our yard. Thankfully nothing fell on our house or garage. Due to the ice, 190,000 homes were without power, in Louisville alone. We only lost our power for about an hour on Tuesday night. We are SO thankful to have power and heat. Here are a few pictures of what we woke up to on Wednesday morning after the ice had done it's damage. Adam worked for hours in our yard moving limbs, clearing a walkway, cleaning our cars and working on clearing the driveway. He even had to use a chainsaw to cut down some hanging branches. Although we are ready for this to mess to disappear we have been very lucky.