Look who's walking!

We saw her first steps a little less than a week ago, but today was the first day she was really able to put several together and walk across the room! There's no stopping her now!



WHOOOAAAA!

Fun at the pool

Today, we took the girls out to the neighborhood pool for the first time this summer. Ava was much too small last year to really be in the pool, so this was her first real experience. The water was sooooooo cold that she didn't care much for it this time. She still had a ball watching and hanging out on the side.

Claire was so excited to bring the swimming puppy that Santa brought her at Christmas. It was fresh out of the box!

She got a kick out of watering the puppy to make him walk on the concrete!

We HEART Smoothies!

Ever since I brought my Magic Bullet as one of my favorite things to a MOPS meeting, several people have asked me about the smoothies I mentioned we make on a regular basis. I thought I would post our favorite "recipes." Keep in mind these measurements are approximate and completely suited to our tastes!

Jen/Claire
1/2 cup crushed ice
1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
3/4 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 -3/4 cup 100% apple juice
2 Tbls. plain yogurt (I use organic)
2 bananas
1 tsp. honey

Chris
1/2 cup crushed ice
3/4 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
3/4 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 -3/4 cup orange juice
2 Tbls. natural peanut butter
1 banana
1 tsp. honey

Frozen fruit makes it thicker; so if you use fresh fruit, you'll need more crushed ice. We put everything in our individual cups, screw on the top with the blade and place on top of the Magic Bullet to blend. Refreshing and easy!

I'm allergic

Yesterday as we were out running errands, Claire was talking about how she loved dogs and cats. "Mommy, I really want a dog and a cat," she said. "Well, Claire," I said, "we don't have them because Mommy is allergic to cats and also some dogs." Claire replied, "What's allergic?" I told her, "They make me sneeze and breathe heavily and sometimes make my eyes puffy and red." So that was that, and I changed the subject. "We're going to Zaxby's to pick up some food. Do you want chicken or a grilled cheese?" I asked. Claire's reply: "I don't want Zaxby's, Mommy. I'm allergic."

Claire's new do!

Claire went to get a very special hair cut today. Although I have loved her having long hair, we recently decided it was time - it was getting out of proportion with her body and the tangles were getting difficult to comb out. I discovered a while back that you could donate hair to Locks of Love if it was 10 inches long, so we decided we'd bite the bullet when it reached that length. We've talked to her a few times about what it meant to give her hair to someone who needs it, and although it doesn't completely resonate now, it may make her feel good later on in life!

We took her to this cute little salon called Sweet and Sassy, which is where we went last year for her first (ever) hair cut. We had such a great experience last time that we decided to go back.



Before picture....

Waiting in a big fluffy chair....

Here we go! Out comes the measuring tape....

...and snip-snap! Ten inches gone!

Is this really my hair?

The movie was a huge help. Not one peep that she wanted to get up!

Daddy and Ava watching along....

All finished! She looks like such a big girl now.

What do you think, Ava?

Waiting for her mini pedicure....a special treat for donating her hair!

Ok, this cracked me up. They brought her a "spritini" in a plastic glass to enjoy while she was having her toes done. HA!

Finished product....

Awakening

As I woke up this morning, I heard Claire talking in Ava's room. I must admit I was a little bothered by this, since she knows that she is not to go into Ava's room without one of us (a rule we established after she thought it fun to go and wake her occasionally). So I popped out of bed and stuck my head into Ava's room. Here is what I saw (well, this was actually a minute later...I quickly hid so as not to be seen and dashed away for my camera).

Claire had the rocking chair in front of the crib and was "reading" to Ava. The book was "What do you say," a pretty easy one to recite from memory. I was so touched that I didn't say a word about her being in there without permission. I decided it was more important to savor that precious little moment!

Claire's house

Instead of building a fort, Claire likes to build a "house." She gathers the pillows from the sofa and chairs and places them strategically as a roof and door. Then, before going in to hide, she collects a few of her favorite toys, grabs a drink and coaster (mommy is so proud), as well as her play phone so she doesn't miss a call. The inside of her "home" is adorned with a few different items each time it's built, but she consistently places the same picture in there of her baby sister. It's so sweet that of all the pictures we have, she chooses one of Ava!

Claire's preschool program

At the end of each school year, Claire's preschool does a sweet little show and each class sings a few songs. Before this morning's show, Claire kept talking about going on the stage and that all the mommies would be there. I felt bad that Chris was out of town for work and had to miss it, but a friend's husband was kind enough to help me with taking a video while I took pictures! I was nervous about bringing Ava, but she was an angel the ENTIRE time and I think she enjoyed watching all of the big kids sing! Claire did a wonderful job! One of my favorite memories of this performance is her singing the song "I'm going to stop what I'm doing, and just say thanks." She kept saying "fanks," and it was just so sweet. She can say the "th" sound, but she really has to concentrate to do it. Next year, we'll be going to a preschool graduation (sniff, sniff). I can't believe how fast time flies!

Happy Mother's Day!

I feel so blessed I was chosen to be the mother of these two beautiful, healthy little girls. I am thankful that my husband works so hard to provide for us and allow me the opportunity to stay at home to take care of them. I am grateful for nearby family who are eager to help with them when they can. And I cherish my sweet friends who are sharing this journey with me and who encourage me when I need it!

Soccer season wrap up

Last night was Claire's final soccer game of the season! We've had a great time watching her play. Obviously, there was quite a learning curve since she had never played before, but she has greatly improved over the season and came very close (a few times) to scoring a goal. Well, there's always next season! We are so proud of her for trying something new and for doing her best!

Receiving her trophy after the game!

Sharing a cupcake with her baby sister!

You know you're really beat...

...when you fall asleep during a four-minute time out!