Halloween Fun!

Happy Halloween!! Traditionally Lee and I are not big Halloween fans. But seeing as this is Claire's first Halloween, we decided to join in and have a little fun. Lee always gets to dress up for work, and it's interesting to decide what he's going to be and put his costume together. Last year he was Hillary Clinton--it was hilarious. This year he decided to go with a sports theme and be a football. The costume is an inflatable one--it's really neat how it works and stays full. After Lee came home from work, we got Claire ready for her big debut. Claire sported a Mexican poncho and sombrero. She seemed to really enjoy being dressed up and loved visiting the neighbors. After we went 'trick-or-treating' on our street, we headed out to dinner with Kathy and Damon. Where did we eat? Mexican, of course!! Claire and her costume were a big hit at La Parilla. The waiters and waitresses all admired her costume and she got her first balloon. Well, she saw and touched her first balloon while I held it. She loved batting it and trying to grab it. We had a great time!! She rubbed most of her moustache off!Claire and Daddy getting ready to go out

Lee's inflatable costume

Go Vote!!

Today was Claire's first election! She had a great time waiting in line to cast her ballot--she's a republican, of course. She's been a very outspoken McCain supporter and was so excited to be able to do her civic duty. We waited outside the Canton library for about 20 minutes. She made lots of friends, as she does everywhere we go. Once we finished, she wore her 'I'm a Georgia Voter' sticker with pride. Look at my sticker!!

Changes...

Claire has decided that she now likes to sleep with her little booty up in the air. It makes me nervous, since she's on her stomach, but it is so cute! She pulls her knees up under her and falls right to sleep.

Claire has found her feet! She's been playing with them for a while now, but she has discovered that they now reach her mouth. Yuck! Of course now we have to make sure to keep the dogs from giving her a foot bath! Claire has grown so much I can't hardly believe it. Just this week we had another first--Claire and I went shopping and she sat up in her stroller without the carrier! She loved being able to look around and see everything that was going on. She made lots of friends and loved talking to people. Of course it was hard for me to not be able to see her while I was walking. We're both going to have to get used to this!

Claire and Bunny

Random Pictures

Sleeping in Papa's arms
Getting ready for some big girl food!
Yummy cereal!Enjoying dinner conversation
I love my Great-Aunt Debbie!

Two weekends in a row!!

The past 2 weekends we have spent time in Duluth. What a treat! Claire doesn't get to see her Grammy and Grandpa Bill as often as she'd like, so she sure enjoys these trips. The first weekend we stopped and spent the night on our way back from Charlotte. Grammy decided to take Claire shopping for new clothes--what fun!! Claire will be the best dressed girl on the block. This weekend we decided to spend Friday night in Duluth so we could get an early start on our way to Athens--to see our first UGA game of the season. Since Bill went with us to the game, Grammy had Claire all to herself for the day. They had a fun day playing, eating big girl food, and visiting Great-Grandaddy Dyer. We can't wait until next time!Claire with some of her new outfits
Playing with Grammy
Grandpa Bill
Playing with Great-Grandaddy

Thank you, Lord, for a healthy baby!

Today was Claire's 6 month check up. I always dread these visits because of the shots. Claire has done so well each time she's gotten vaccines, but I still can't stand to see her hurting. The first part of the visit was great. Claire now weighs 15 pounds 13 ounces and is 25" long. The doctor commented on how unusual it is to have such a clean chart--she has only been seen for healthy checkups and has had no issues. Thank you Lord!! She was smiling and happy during the exam and showed off her sweet disposition. We were given the go-ahead for fruits and vegetables so we will start those tomorrow. I'll spare you the details of the last part of the visit when the crying started--but Claire sure was a trooper!!

To end on a happy note, I thought I'd throw in a picture of one of Claire's favorite evening activities--reading with Daddy.

Charlotte Visit

This weekend we travelled to Charlotte to visit some of our dearest friends, the Fraziers. Craig and I have been friends for over 13 years and he and Lee were college roommates. It's so nice to enjoy time together with friends you really have history with--good and bad! We spent time with Craig, Whitney, and their little girl Madison. We visited the botanical gardens to see the butterfly exhibit and take pictures. We were also able to visit their church and have lunch at Sister Frazier's house. Claire loved meeting new people and exploring new spaces. All in all it was a great weekend!

Craig enjoying the butterfly exhibit a little too much :)
Enjoying the great outdoors!

Claire and Daddy in the splash fountain--Claire didn't like it too much!

The boys with their little ladies

Cousin Sarah's Wedding

This weekend my cousin Sarah was married. We have been looking forward to this event for months! Sarah was a beautiful bride. The wedding was held at Barnsley Gardens in Adairsville, GA and was gorgeous. She had luscious fall colors at the outdoor ceremony and the reception was held in the ruins on the property--such ambiance! We had a wonderful time celebrating this exciting time with her and her new hubby Nathan. She deserves much happiness and I'm so glad I was able to be there to see it. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Brock!

Claire with Great-Aunt Debbie

Ladies' Day Out

Today was a very exciting day. This morning Mrs. King came to visit Claire and I. We had such a nice time visiting and catching up. Claire was in her usual jovial mood and wasn't shy! She rolled around on her blanket, laughed, and chatted with Mrs. King. Then we packed up and went to lunch at Ruby Tuesday. We enjoyed delicious food while Claire made friends with the hostesses. This was such a treat for us both--a beautiful day and a lovely visit. We can't wait for our next lunch date--we will definitely not wait another 5 months!

Claire was exhausted after her busy day

A New Perspective

After nearly 6 months, I was finally brave enough to try out our 'Baby Bjorn' baby carrier. Claire loved it! I'm still too nervous to put her in it outside of the house, but that will come. I just need some practice over carpet and not in a parking lot. She really liked being able to look around. The carrier is great!!