Someday

This week, I've enjoyed watching Henry as he studies Joe's work on the front stoop.  He gets so into it.  It's as if he's secretly counting down the days until he can help too.  There is just something about a boy and his dirt.

Seems Like Summer

With Summer approaching and the days getting longer, the kids are excited to have more time for the things they love.
 

Dancing

Exploring

Playing

Cuddling

Ready or not, Summer, here we come!

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.