Officer Claire

Patrolling the backyard at day care in the new cop car. Taking the job very, very seriously.

Brewer's Helper

Matt needed to "rack" the latest batch of beer on Sunday which first called for cleaning the carboy. Claire thought this looked like fun and volunteered to scrub.

One year, Four Months

New words: shoes, cracker (sounds like "taco"), apple, buddy, dada (old word, new meaning: banana) gesundheit (might have been a fluke, but 3 of us heard her), all done
New teeth: lots of molars
New activities: giving hugs and more coordinated kisses, sitting on laps unsolicited

Snapshots of Day C(l)a(i)re

We receive some adorable, amusing and silly photos of Claire sent to us most days. These are some of the most memorable from the last couple months.

After a bath, before dressing.

Excited for meatballs!

And another bath. This time with shades.

Ring Around the Rosy

I arrived at day care one Friday afternoon to see the remaining 4 children lying quietly on the floor. I don't know about other day cares but this was quite unusual! Ellen was playing ring around the rosy with each kid in turn and, best of all, they waited patiently(ish) for their turn. Quite a trick! And a dizzying workout for Ellen.

Playing with the Hamper

Claire spent some time in the spare bedroom playing with her laundry hamper. She makes some sounds of frustration, but know that I did not torture her and she repeatedly pulled the hamper over her head even knowing that she may encounter challenges removing herself.

Two Idiots Brewing

Matt and Brian have taken up a new hobby. This series is from the first batch. Since then, they have bottled their second batch and the third batch is fermenting after Saturday's brewing efforts.

We sold the condo despite the gurgling coming from the carboy in the closet, emitting a hoppy/yeasty/beer-like scent. Now the beer making equipment has its own dedicated cabinet downstairs.

Grandma's April Visit

My mom came for a long weekend to spend some time playing and helping sort the chaotic downstairs. In between Claire's naps/our working, we found time to have fun at the playground, coloring and typical toddler time.

Misc Florida Fun

The hotel provided a grill for our barbecue, but they neglected to provide adequate grilling utensils. So Toby and Steve improvised with a ladle and some knives.

The pool was the default destination for everyone - no big surprise there!

Waiting for the tram in Animal Kingdom.

Claire had fun in the car - living it up facing forward for the week.

Fountain

We crashed the pool area at the Disney Contemporary Resort for a bit after leaving the park. This interactive water fountain was a huge hit for all kids (and adults) and a spectacular play space for a toddler. Claire could not have been happier.

Disney World

Toby and Steve treated the family to a week in Florida over spring break this year. Everyone enjoyed getting away to a warm (hot) spot.

The first day's activities included dinner at Epcot. Claire was most excited to see the icon of Epcot and pointed to it saying "ball!"

The second day included brunch at Chef Mickey's, where the characters come visit during your meal. Aileen and Jack loved meeting them all and getting their autographs. Claire was dubious.

Cupcake!

Enjoying a treat at her pal Nas' 2nd birthday party

Fifteen Months

A few days (week+) late, here's Claire and the elephant at 15 months. Miss Busy was not interested in sitting still in the chair - so I have to keep trying. Might need to try alternate ways to capture her growth!

Oh what a beautiful morning

A gorgeous crisp day in SF

Curtains

After her bath tonight, Claire took off towards the living room windows and played in the curtains as she likes to do.

14 Months

Ever on the move, Claire makes this task challenging! She is fully walking now, going from a few furtive steps to walking over just a few weeks. She will occasionally drop to her knees but will rise when prompted.

Claire's vocabulary has increased to include up, down, more, please and the ever-popular "no." "Please" is almost always accompanied by the sign and she will string two words together - generally "up please." She is learning her manners - thanks to Ellen's day care!