Happy Birthday Claire!

Today was Claire's birthday, and since it was a work day for Chris (and many others), we didn't have a party, exactly. We just got back from our trip to DC last night, so there wasn't much time to plan anything, but we did other things to make the day special. We skipped all of the unpacking and spent the entire day doing whatever Claire wanted to do (within reason of course). We watched movies, ate whatever she wanted, play games and cards, skipped her nap, rode her new bike, and went to Chuck E Cheese for dinner. She had a blast on her special day, but did at one point tell me with a disappointed voice that I didn't get her any decorations for her birthday. So funny! She will celebrate with her family and friends in the coming days.

Here she is opening a little birthday treat from us....a game for the Leapster my sister got her for Christmas.

Riding the new bike she got for Christmas for the first time!


The birthday girl at Chuck E Cheese...

How old are are you, Claire?

Not that we go to Chuck E Cheese that often, but when we do, she ALWAYS has to ride on this horse. I am am adult and can't even figure out how to make the horse turn, go faster, stop, etc.

Trip to DC

Since Ava was doing much better on Christmas Day, we felt pretty good about making the trip to DC as planned the next day. I kept getting sidetracked and got a really late start on packing. In fact, I didn't end up finishing until a short while before we planned to leave at 4:00 am on Friday (the 26th). Needless to say, I spent much of the car ride sleeping!

We were pretty nervous about such a long drive with a baby (Claire usually does pretty well in the car), but they both did great on the way up (in large thanks to the Leapster my sister got Claire for Christmas). The trip back home, not so good - more on that later. We got to DC on Friday evening and went out to dinner with the family.

We thought everyone was well, and by Saturday morning, Claire and I were both sick. It is obvious that I was out of it when I reflect on my photos - or lack thereof - from the trip. I am pretty bummed I didn't take more. I was so drowsy/drugged from the cold/sinus medicine on Saturday that I pretty much napped when my girls did, barely ate Christmas dinner or any other meal the first two days, and scarcely remember the gift exchange. I did feel a tad better by Saturday evening and got some fresh air by going to see the national and state trees by the White House. It was really neat, but pretty crowded, so we didn't stay long.

I did happen to get a quick shot of Claire playing with one of her favorite gifts - a bat and ball from her Grandma and Grandpa Goggin.




Ava may have enjoyed the tissue paper more than her gifts! This was the first time a few of the family members had met her.




Claire spent a lot of time hanging out with Hannah, her second cousin. Claire quickly attached herself to Hannah, and wouldn't leave her side most of the weekend (except when she wanted to play with/chase/torcher the dogs). Lots of excitement for an almost four-year-old! Hannah was such a good sport and a HUGE help to us!



On Sunday, I was feeling a little better, so I went with several of the ladies in the bunch to see the Nutcracker. It was a nice treat and such a great show! That evening, we celebrated my brother-in-law's (Josh) birthday and went to see he and his wife's wonderful new home.

We headed home yesterday, so it was unfortunately a short stay. On the way back, Ava was extremely fussy and just wanted to be out of her carseat! It was certainly not as pleasant as the ride there, but I am just glad that at least one leg of the trip was easy! All I can say is thank God for Cracker Barrels - we were patrons on more than one occasion on this trip!

Merry Christmas!

When the girls woke up this morning, thankfully Ava was looking and feeling much better. This is what they found from Santa when we arrived downstairs!

Claire got a Webkinz puppy in her stocking and she LOVED it. She and her daddy went online to officially adopt him. She decided to name him Wesson.

Ava was so cute and enjoyed her new toys!

The girls in their matching Christmas pajamas....

I thought this was such a sweet picture. Claire was reaching down to love on her sister while they were opening gifts...

I made breakfast and we had a leisurely morning opening presents and enjoying each other's company (as well as our new treasures). Around lunchtime, we headed over to Nana's house (my mom). We spent most of the afternoon there, opening presents, eating and just lounging around.

Claire apparently got tired of being the one photographed. "I'm going to take your picture, mommy, say cheese!"

Daddy helping Claire figure out her Leapster, a gift from my sister and her husband.


We've had such an amazing Christmas so far (and still one more celebration to go)! We feel so blessed to be able to share it with two beautiful healthy girls this year.

Not exactly as planned

Last night, Ava was fussier than usual, but we really didn't think anything of it at the time. By this morning, she had a pretty high fever and it was clear she needed to see a doctor. They ran some tests and ruled out several things, but it turns out the diagnosis was that she just had a virus. Needless to say, this altered many of our plans for Christmas Eve. I must admit, it was a little disappointing there was no time for baking a birthday cake for Jesus, and that we weren't able to attend the Christmas Eve service at church. But as anyone in this stage of life understands, you just can't control these things and we just tried to make the best of it.

We did read Twas the Night Before Christmas and set out some cookies and milk for Santa. We said our goodbyes to Giffy, our Elf on the Shelf, who returns to Santa tonight to stay until next Thanksgiving. We completed our Advent ornament book as well as our Advent storybook.

Chris and I started a tradition a while back on Christmas Eve that has become so special to me. After the kids went to bed tonight, we made some hot chocolate and watched videos from Christmases past (well, since Claire was born). We were discussing how we had already forgotten some of the cute things Claire used to say and do. It makes me kind of sad how big she is getting and even how quickly Ava is growing. I know we'll blink our eyes and they will be grown. I just want to capture as much as I can so I won't lose these special moments! I cherish this tradition, though I am guessing as the girls get older, we'll have to put them to bed pretty early on Christmas Eve to get through them all! We'll see if we can keep it up!

Lights galore!

I have been hearing from several people that there was a place off of Hwy. 109 in Lebanon that has lots of Christmas lights and you just bascially drive through it. So tonight, we put the girls in the car, stopped to grab a quick bite and headed that way. It was pretty neat actually. It only took about 15 minutes to drive through, but we got to see Santa and Frosty! You just pay by the carload, so it was pretty cheap entertainment and got us all out of the house for a bit!

Holiday cheer

We are really trying to get Claire involved with the things we do over the holidays and are hoping that the spirit of giving (and not just getting) will catch on with her. We've tried to explain to her as we select and purchase gifts/toys for less fortunate children that some kids don't have lots of toys and clothes like she does. And I share with her as she helps pick out an angel off the tree when we grocery shop that we are providing a meal for a family who can't afford to buy as much food as we do. Don't get me wrong, I know we're not the most generous or the most giving people around, but I do feel like sometimes I need this exercise to remind me of a few things... not only that this season is about giving as well as receiving, but it's also a lesson to me to be more content with what I have and realize how blessed I really am!

Today, Claire enjoyed helping me make some baked goodies for our neighbors and was so excited to knock on doors and deliver them all. There were a few people who weren't home, which was soooooo disappointing to her! Oh well, it gives us something to look forward to tomorrow!

She also wanted to help me put together our Christmas cards and listened carefully as I told her who they were going to. She loves it that we are getting cards in the mail and wants to open them all herself to see the "surprise" inside! She loves to help wrap presents as well - she calls it helping, but it's really just handing me tape!

Our elf on the shelf has been a big hit. "Giffy" has appeared in some interesting places each morning, and Claire just can't wait to find him when she wakes up.

We're reading stories from our Advent story book every night and that's been fun. Claire has also really enjoyed the advent book with numbered ornaments and loves to hang them on the tree after we read each one.

We've already watched more than our share of Christmas movies, some of the classics and some of the new ones too. Although we've enjoyed them all, I must say we are partial to The Santa Clause movies with Tim Allen. They are just so cute and funny!

We've been to see Santa a few times now. We went to a local Breakfast with Santa event, and it was just ok. We also went to Opry Mills to see him, and Claire really enjoyed that visit because there were games to play and trains everywhere.

I just love that she is sharing in all the joys of this season - the joy of Jesus' birth, the joy of giving as well as receiving, and the joy of sharing special times with family and friends!

Christmas with Dad

Our first Christmas celebration was tonight with my dad. We all had a great time eating and opening presents. Below is Ava opening her first ever Christmas gift!


It's virtually impossible to get a picture where everyone is looking at the camera. I guess two out of three isn't bad! They love their cousin Katelyn!

More precious milestones!

Ava finally rolled over today! Once she got it, she kept doing it over and over. I wasn't concerned about her not doing it as much as I was surprised. Claire always did the physical things so early!

Her second tooth made an appearance today as well. I love the way a baby's smile looks with just those few little teeth! Cliare keeps saying to her in a cute little voice,"Let me see those toofies!"

Ava has had a pretty bad case of cradle cap lately, those flaky scales babies get on their scalps. We've tried lots of things to clear it up, including the shampoos and some other tricks, but nothing has really worked. The pediatrician did give us another idea that we plan to try. Anyway, we are always pulling these "flakes" out of her hair, and Claire is now very quick to point out when Ava has "sprinkles" in her hair that we need to take care of!

Gorgeous day!

It was a gorgeous day today, so we took advantage of it and played outside for a bit while Ava was napping. It seemed that everyone in the neighborhood was outside! Claire had a great time playing with friends! We are thankful that we live in a neighborhood where everyone is so warm and friendly, and that kids of all ages love to play together!

Treasures from school

Claire's last day of mother's day out before Christmas was today, and of course they had a lot of excitement - a party, a book exchange between the kids, etc. When I picked up Claire, she had a bag full of things she had made as well as some little treats. We had a great time digging through it when we got home and she enjoyed showing it all to me. I try not to be one of those moms that keeps EVERYTHING. I know with two kids, we'll be buried under their creations in no time, so I must be choosy! I do love when they send home something that has her sweet little handprints or her picture on it. I don't dare get rid of those! I am so thankful she has such sweet teachers and that she looks forward to going to school! Here are a few of things we came home with today.
This ornament has her handprint painted on it and each of her fingers are a little snowman. You can't see it, but her name a year are painted on the back.



An angel made from her handprints...



And the little gingerbread ornament with her picture.

Ava's first tooth!

Ava got her first tooth today! She's been drooling for a long time now and the past few days she has been prety fussy, so we knew it was probably coming. I have no idea what the tooth is actually called, but it's one of the bottom middle teeth (the one on the right). The left one isn't far behind, you can feel it just under the skin.

Claire is fascinated by the whole tooth thing. For a while now, she has said that Ava can't talk b/c she doesn't have teeth. She is very excited about this milestone for Ava and loves to tell people that Ava is "growing her teeth!"

New camera (take two)

Ok, I know I just posted that we got a new camera, but there was such a good deal on the upgrade, I exchanged the Nikon D40 for the D60! I still need to take some classes, though. I am sure this thing has some features that I don't know anything about!

Christmas play date with friends

Today we had a little Christmas party play date with some friends. The girls had a ball! This was the first time that Ava has been to a playdate where I felt like she actually played! She and her friend, Carley, played on the floor while the other kids were pretty much running circles around them!


Sweet little Carley! She and Ava are going to be the best of friends, whether they like it or not!

Claire and her sweet friend, Lily, getting ready to work on a snowman craft. Miss Ellen always has cute little crafty things to do.

More of our sweet friends. I just love all of these kids to pieces! As usual, Ellen and I didn't seem to make it into any pictures!

I can do it!

Claire is learning all sorts of new things these days. She loves to spell her name and ask how to spell other things. She learned a while back how to write her first name, and now knows how to write both her first and last name. We are working on the middle name next! She is so proud (and so are we!)!

Snow day, but no snow!

Claire had a snow day from Mother's Day out today, but there was absolutely no snow! This is the second time this has happened in the past few weeks, and both times, nothing on the ground. There should at least be snow to play in! I had a long list of errands to run that would have been much easier with one kid versus two, but I just decided we'd stay home. Claire and I worked on a little foam gingerbread house I picked up from Michaels. We haven't done a real gingerbread house yet, but maybe I'll be brave enough to do that next year!

The girls enjoying each other's company!

I love this time of year!

The past week has been full of Christmas cheer! On Tuesday, our MOPS mentors held a luncheon for the leadership, and it was such a special treat. We are so fortunate to have these wonderful ladies who are so willing to share their love and wisdom with us!

On Thursday night, we had our MOPS Christmas party, and it was great fun! Because the weather was a little uncertain, I wasn't sure until the last minute if I would be going, but I am so glad I did! I remember going last year and not really knowing very many people. That was my first year in MOPS and I hadn't lived in Hendersonville very long. I got to know a few people much better that night, and I remember thinking, now that's why you should go to these events! I found myself in a different situation this time, as I was one who felt comfortable and knew many of the people there. And so I made it a point to seek out some new people myself so that maybe I could make them feel a little more at ease. It was great fun and I look forward to many more!

On Saturday night, we had two Christmas parties to attend - one for our Sunday School class, and one with some of our neighbors. Both were great fun and it was so nice for Chris and I to have a night out without kiddos. We played two dirty Santa games, of course ate way too much, and made lots of fun memories!

We topped it off yesterday with a day filled with amazing holiday music. My mom and I went to the church Christmas program at church on the afternoon, and it was one of the best I think I've seen there. They incorporated children in some of the musical numbers, and it was just so well done. I must admit it really made me want to sing in a choir again. The last time I did that was in high school, and although I have never been a fantastic singer, I always enjoyed it!

Yesterday evening, Chris and I went with some friends to see Harry Connick, Jr's holiday show. Even though I have seen him numerous times (most every time he's been in town over the last decade), I just never get tired of him. He sings some of his old stuff, some new, but there's just always so much energy, and his voice is simply amazing. Can you tell I am a big fan?

We have another celebration or two this week with friends, and then we'll be seeing lots of family next week on into the new year. And we are just so thrilled to have two beautiful, healthy girls to celebrate with us this year!

Ava's checkup

I took Ava to the doctor today for her six month check up. The poor girl got four shots and an oral vaccine. At least, I think it was four shots. I held Ava's little hand, but couldn't watch. Chris always picks the best times to be out of town. She was a little fussy the rest of the day, but was a good sport overall. Anyway, everything checked out great. She weighed 16 pounds, 2 oz., and is 25 3/4 inches. I was a little surpised that her weight and height were considered average, as she looks pretty chubby to me! Don't get me wrong, though! I love it!

Family photo

We had pictures taken of the girls a few days ago, but I already had a Christmas card printed and I need a 4 X 6 picture to use with it (the picture place didn't print 4 X 6). So, after lunch with the family to celebrate a few December birthdays, mom and Deanna came over and we attempted to get a family picture. One person was going to take the picture, one would attempt to make the girls smile. Gosh, what an ordeal! One person blinks, one child looks away, the other slips down, etc. I never thought it would be this much trouble! This was the best family photo we got, and I still wasn't happy with it.


My neice, Katelyn, wanted to get in some pictures, and we did manage to get a cute one of her and Claire.

After many attempts, we gave up and then tried again later with just the two girls. This is the one we finally settled on for our Christmas card. I actually think it's a pretty cute one! I wish you could see Ava's sweet smile, but there's always next time!

Busy with the business

For those who don't know, I own a little business I operate out of my home called Perfectly Stated Stationery and Gifts. I started it about a year ago, ironically right around the time I found out I was pregnant with Ava. I purchased a portion of my business from someone locally, and added some additional vendors on my own. Needless to say, since Ava was born I haven't had much time to devote to it, but I have recently tried to get back in the swing of things by doing a few shows this fall on into the holidays. I don't have a web site just yet, mainly because I keep reworking its infrastructure in my mind. Many of the vendors I work with change their product offerings fairly often, and it can be difficult to keep up; not to mention most of them have their entire product line on their own sites. Anyway, launching a web site will be a New Year's resolution of mine for 2009! I just did a small "last call for the holidays" open house at my home over the weekend, and took a few pictures.

Perfectly Stated specializes in a variety of unique personalized products, including:

· Unique stationery
· Custom invitations and announcements
· Photo cards and greeting cards
· Custom stamps and embossers
· Silver, wood, glass and acrylic giftware
· Embroidered linens, accessories and baby items
· Silver, wood, crystal and shell jewelry
· Gift tags and luggage tags
· Waterproof vinyl labels and address labels
· Recipe cards, notepads, napkins and more!

Daddy's birthday

Ok, so Chris's birthday is usually right after Thanksgiving, when all the hustle and bustle of the season has started and everything is super busy. As a matter of fact, this year he was out of town this entire week, with the exception of hs actual birthday (yesterday). He said all he wanted was to hang out with us and have a Baskin Robbins mint chocolate chip ice cream cake. What?! First of all, it's like 20 degrees outside; second, the ice cream part might be good, but the cake part is NOT. Oh well, it's his birthday, not mine! Here are a few pictures from Chris's 30 something birthday.

Christmas pictures

Each year since Claire was born, we've gone to have a Christmas picture taken. I used to go to Portrait Innovations in Cool Springs, but now we have one here! We took the girls today and the were pretty cooperative. I have always been pleased with the pictures they take for the price you pay! Here are some of my favorites....