A true love story never ends...: 2014

It's been one year, guys.
One. YEAR.

That's 365 days, not to mention 365 nights. About 250 of those nights included at least one nighttime feeding. The other 115 or so ended in brief panic that Claire wasn't okay. That something unimaginable had happened to her in the middle of the night, followed by relief and feeling silly for panicking.

One year. 525,600 minutes. (Or at least that's what the song says, I honestly didn't feel like doing the math) That's a million smiles, a hundred thousand giggles, thousands of bottles and hundreds of messy diapers.

At times, this year has felt interminable, at times it has felt like the blink of an eye. There were nights in those first few sleepless months that I couldn't see how we would make it to a year and now, looking back, it feels like it has gone too fast.

Claire has grown from a little 5 1/2 pound, wrinkled, skinny, bald, and absolutely perfect newborn, to an energetic, intelligent, happy toddler who mimics everything her mommy and daddy say or do.

When Claire was born, everything changed. My whole life changed. At times it was awesome, at times it was miserable, but I wouldn't trade those times (awesome or miserable) for anything. Claire has turned my marriage into a family. She taught me that I am stronger than I thought possible. She has brought Nick and I closer together and brought so much joy to her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Claire has given me so many heart-stopping smiles that I don't know how to repay her. I try to be the best mother that I can, but I fall so far short of what she deserves.

But enough with the mushy stuff. Bring on the pictures!

Because Pinterest

She actually left this hat on for about 25 seconds, which is about 24.5 seconds longer than I predicted.

Grandma and Grandpa got Claire a Star Wars book! My poor child is going to grow up thinking that most adults are nerds.

She liked playing with the noisy tissue paper. Actually- she likes playing with most noisy things. Also making noise. Especially during quiet moments like her second-cousin's baptism. Sigh.

Kyle and Lex got her this awesome outfit. Freaking awesome. Having an uncle like Kyle will ensure that Claire is slightly more well-rounded.

Grinnin' like a fool!

It's mah par-tay and I'll cry if I want to! I would cry too if 8 tone-deaf adults tried to sing to me.

So. Funny story. Did you know that some babies who are not allergic to eggs and who have eaten eggs on several occasions without any adverse reaction can still be very allergic to raw egg whites? Did you further know that some bakeries put egg whites in their frosting? Knowledge!

Claire is okay now, but she had a mean-looking skin rash wherever the frosting touched her arms or face. Thank goodness she's such a neat freak and didn't go to town on the cupcake like some babies do!

All clean! Such a big girl!

The back of her birthday outfit says, "Cutest little bum in town!" because I'm weird like that.

Story time with Grandpa! She still loves pulling things out of his pocket.

Grandma teaching Claire Pat-a-Cake. She's almost got the whole arm-rolling thing down. Unfortunately she seems to have inherited my sense of coordination.

Happy birthday my sweet girl! It's been a crazy, stressful, wonderful year and I can't wait for more!

A few weeks ago we decided that we needed some updated family photos. The really good kind that we could hang on the wall- not the kind I take with my phone. :) I called up the amazing and talented Alaina. (http://adigitaldarkroom.blogspot.com/ ) We wanted to do fall pictures but some of the local foliage did not want to cooperate! Stupid leaves! Why can't you die at a time that is convenient for me? :P