Classic Claire and her Eye for Fashion

As mentioned in the previous post, Claire has come to the point in her childhood where she no longer lets me dress her.  She insists on putting together her own outfits, and we are both learning along the way.  She is learning to express herself through her clothing, and I am learning to let go of control and simply love her individual look.  I really have come to enjoy seeing what she'll put together each day.  So much so that I thought I'd share with you some of her ensembles and the fashion rules she seems to live by. 

It's all about the layering.

Why wear one shirt when two look twice as nice?

Choose shoes that make a statement.

This is one of Claire's go-to-outfits for Sunday morning - her polka dot dress and comfy sweater...and, of course, what's an outfit without a killer pair of shoes.  In this case, her Dora clogs, a must have for the Spring season.

Accessorize Ladies!

Hats, jewelry, scarves, purses, jewelry...I have never met anyone who loves accessories as much as Claire.  And again, one is never enough. 

Work with Patterns and Textures.

In this case, striped tights with fuzzy socks and a flowered sweater work together to complete a whimsical look.

Well, that's it for now.  I'll continue to capture "Claire's Classic Looks" and pass along her advice as she continues to develop her eye for fashion. :)

Who Needs a Warranty???

Obviously we do...

                                                    On the Left :: Claire Cracked the Screen.

                                                    Middle Left :: Henry's Bottle Runneth Over.

                                                    Middle Right :: Just a Bad Buy Online. 

                                                    And On the Right :: Finally, a good one.   

                                                               Now nobody touch it!

On a Side Note ::

I wanted to briefly explain to our blogger friends and family the reason behind our recent "blogging hibernation".  Truthfully, it's been a trying season of life as Joe finishes his Masters.  We've had a rocky few weeks as we've had difficulties with the University and have been under some serious stress.  Joe has worked so hard, maintaining a 3.9 GPA, and wants to finish well, so we continue to pray Philippians 1:6 for him, which says "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ".   I'm not sure Paul and Timothy were referencing stressful Student Teaching or difficult faculty advisors, but I think it still applies :).   

Thank you to our wonderful family and friends that have committed to pray us through these difficult days.  We really appreciate it. 

On the Upside ::

I'm in the midst of a putting together a Fun Fashion Blog from Claire.  Lately she insists on picking out her own clothes, and let me tell you, she has some interesting ideas.  Can't wait to share them with you!

Snow Day

* * * * * * * Our Snow Day Snapshots * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Monthly Milestones

Henry Samuel, you are 9 Months (and 5 days) Old.

Things you are learning and loving:

:: You have learned to go from the sitting position to the crawling position.  You just haven't figured out where to go from there.  I'm afraid it won't be long now.

:: You are loving table food.  You still take your bottles and baby food well, but there's a special glimmer in your eyes when you get your hands on that big boy food.

:: You are loving music.  You like to "dance" to it during the day, and fall asleep to it at night.

:: You are learning your stretches and exercises.  After this most recent surgery, you still favor your stomach, and you don't like to put too much weight on it or stretch those muscles, so that's what we're working on. 

You continue to be my happy, happy boy.  Even in fighting off a cold this past week, you are still so easy-going.  You have, however, developed a very normal case of separation anxiety.  You do not like watching us walk out of the room, unless you have your favorite stuffed doggy, Scout, by your side to play you some music. 

At your recent check-up, you measured in the 80th percentile for height and the 3rd percentile for weight.  Yes, that's right, the 3rd percentile.  The doctor seemed confident that you're growing well, though, and that you are just bound to be long and lean. 

9 Months - I really can't believe how quickly it's gone.

We love you Buddy!  Just don't grow up too quickly.

** Thanks to our incredible Care Group for Henry's hat & mittens.  So adorable!

L-O-V-E

L is for the way you look at me

O is for the only one I see

V is very, very extraordinary

E is even more than anyone that you adore can 

Love was made for you and me.

A Belated Birthday Blog

Even though Claire's birthday was last week Sunday, the celebration began a few weeks prior to that as we got together with my side of the family to have a joint birthday party for Gracie (5), Claire (3), and Sylvia (7).  It was all about the girls!

We made some of their favorite foods for lunch.

And then they all sat by Grandpa for devotions.

Coming off the Christmas season, Claire was no stranger to those brightly colored packages.  She loved opening gifts from her cousins and grandparents.

Grandpa made her these beautiful blocks.

Henry just sat back and enjoyed the party.

** Notice those chompers!

And of course, what's a party without cake!

Happy Birthday girls!  We love each of you!

The next phase of our Birthday Celebration was our annual trip to SnipIts, a local salon exclusively for kids.  It's special for Claire to get a "real" haircut.

This is before...

During...

And After...  

While the experience was fun, I think Claire was a bit confused by it all.  It seems when anyone commented on her haircut, she would point to the new flower clip they gave her at the salon.  And the next morning, after sleeping with the clip in her hair, it had fallen out in her bed and she was terribly concerned that she had lost her "new haircut".    

The Saturday before Claire's birthday was a fun-filled day as we celebrated with Joe's family.  In the morning we had a birthday brunch with Grandpa and Grandma Rosen.

Grandma knows how much Claire likes princesses.

And of course there was more cake. 

And while I thought 3 candles was appropriate...

Claire thought differently.

Making a wish...

and digging in!

Henry waiting for his share of the cake...

I guess he gave up and took a nap instead.

That afternoon, after the birthday girl also took a nap, we headed over to the pizza shop to have a birthday party with the Puplises. 

Clarie opened some more goodies.

And visited with family.

It worked out that Grandpa and Grandma Sternberg

could come to the party as well.

Do you think Claire will share any of her birthday cookies?

A mother can dream!

I think Henry wants some pizza!

 And if all this wasn't enough, it wasn't even officially her birthday yet.

So Sunday we geared up for a day of family celebration.  Definitely a more laid back day, but a celebration nonetheless. 

We started off the morning with Mickey Mouse pancakes and a juice box. 

It doesn't get much better than that!

The weather was beautiful that day, so after church we decided play outside.

Claire enjoyed her new finger paints.

Henry enjoyed the sights and sounds.

There were just a few small gifts from us as well.  Lately she's become more interested in helping me in the kitchen, so I made her an apron.

...And this is me trying to get her excited about her new apron. 

I'm not sure she was as thrilled with it as I had hoped she would be.

Oh well, it's the thought that counts!

Here's our 3 year old with her birthday gifts from us:

her apron, play food, hair clips, and rain boots. 

Henry gave her the purple ball.  It matches his ball that he uses to do his physical therapy.  Now they can do their exercises together.

Well, that's it!  Our baby is officially 3 years old and truly

 growing into her name: "Bright and Beautiful".

We love you Claire!

Catching Up...

Joe and Henry back home after their "boy's afternoon out".

This was a few weeks ago already that Joe and Henry went to Aunt Linda's basketball game, but I've been slacking in my "blogging responsibilities" lately.  There's just always something!  I will work on catching up, I promise.  Coming soon... Claire's Birthday weekend.  I can't believe my baby is 3 years old!