Playgroup Halloween Party

On Sunday, our February Baby Playgroup had a Halloween party. All the babies came in costume to play while the adults chatted and discussed how adorable all the costumed babies were.

Claire, dressed as an elephant, was joined by Curran (the party's petite hostess) the dinosaur.
Here we have, l to r, Claire the Elephant, Hailey the Cow, Jackson the Shark, Pumpkin Auggie and Dinosaur Curran.
As the afternoon went on, some more friends arrived as others departed. The later line up included, l to r, Dylan the Bear, Monkey Erica, Curran the Dinosaur, Dragon Dylan, Hailey the Cow, Tessa sporting Asian Silk and Kitty Cat Claire (the elephant ensemble was toasty, so Claire showed off her all black cat outfit).

Lazy Sunday Afternoon with her Friends

Matt, Claire and I met up with two of Claire’s friends last Sunday to catch up. The girls enjoyed some tummy time on a blanket in the shade. It was a beautiful sunny day and this grassy area in front of a Starbucks in the Presidio was perfect.

Curran is 4 days younger than Claire. Look at all that hair!

Tessa is one day younger than Curran. If only we all had dared to leave our rooms and meet each other in the hospital!

Brunch with Robin and Arnaud

I'm thrilled that my friend Robin has moved to the Bay Area. Robin and I cheered and suffered through differential equations together at Dartmouth. She is now an attorney in Palo Alto and she and her husband Arnaud live near the ball park.

Robin and Arnaud had us over for brunch on Saturday, where we enjoyed their fabulous view while dining on home made sourdough pancakes with berry compote and bacon. In addition, they had a very special guest, 4 month old Santiago. Santiago's mother, also Robin, cheered with us as well. Robin and her husband were off celebrating their anniversary while Godparents Robin and Arnaud babysat. What a cutie!

Santiago helps open the Champagne bottle

Friends Holding Claire, a Series

I try to snap a photo whenever someone besides me holds Claire. This is the series so far (excluding family - those are posted in abundance!)

Janice, a colleague of Matt's, visited us at the hospital.

Mark, whose fabulous wedding we attended in Savannah last April, visited one evening with his wife Jenn. Both held her; both left adorned with spit up.

Maggie valiantly tried to get Claire to fall asleep. We appreciated the effort, but alas it was in vain.

Claire is still not as big as Greg was when he was born.

Anne coordinated nicely with Claire's outfit.

With 5 nieces and nephews, Brian is still not comfortable with the infant holding. He looks forward to toddlerhood and beyond.

Robin, my friend my Dartmouth year, claimed her as soon as we walked in the door.

Olivia was excited to hold the baby, with assistance from Lisa.

Claire and Lauren in Action

We spent Easter weekend in Torrance with Betsy, Evan and Lauren. The girls had lots of quality time with each other playing on the floor. Frequently, Lauren would mistake Claire for a toy and try to put her in her mouth.

Spring Break, Part 1, Misc

Here are some more miscellaneous photos from the weekend in Torrance - they are too cute to keep to myself.

Pit stop en route to SoCal - side of the road burping

Lauren entertaining her self in her crib at the end of her nap - with one sock

(Safely) enjoying the warm sunshine in the backyard

Sun hats are all the rage for the under 1 set

Matt's trying to figure out what's so fun about lying down with arms up

Mom, I can't see!

Must. Get. Every. Last. Bit.

You have a little something on your face.

Spring Break, Part 1, Easter!

Easter Sunday found us with a flurry of activities. First, we had brunch after watching the girls play in their coordinating bunny ensembles. Then it was time for Easter "baskets" assembled by Grandma Cindy. After some more nap cycles, we all geared up and walked to the municipal pitch & putt where the men played a round and the gals walked a few holes and moseyed home. During this outing, the boys felt the earthquake as they waited at a tee, but Betsy and I didn't notice it at all walking home. After that excitement, we packed up and journeyed to Evan's parents' home in Rancho Palos Verdes for Easter dinner.

Would you like your sippy cup upside down?

Walking to the pitch & putt course

Lauren will mouth on anything in her path

Claire is in here somewhere, I promise.

Lauren fell asleep on the walk home, clutching her interlocking rings. She held them the whole way home.

Nga, Luke, Betsy, Lauren, Claire, me

on Sue & Terry's deck overlooking LA to Long Beach

Claire loved this mobile set up in Sue's kitchen so much, we searched for one immediately upon returning home - and got one free!

Spring Break, Part 1

For Matt's Spring Break this year, we packed up the car (stuffed it to the gills, really) and headed South. First, we spent the weekend in Torrance with Betsy, Evan and Lauren. We had fun watching the girls play on the floor together. Lauren was fascinated by Claire. Matt and I were fascinated by Lauren's ability to fall asleep on her own.

Lauren enjoys some sweet potato

Hey! I recognize that outfit!

Why, yes, my teething ring is silver, why do you ask?

Now I'll just mouth on Claire's blanket. She won't mind, right?

Lauren is thrilled to visit with her cousin. Claire's not so sure.

Isn't this fun, Claire? Claire?

Quit punching me!

Mom! Lauren's attacking me!

Betsy's photos from the weekend are here