ABC Weekend!

Here's the little ABC Story of our Weekend!

Our weekend was Awesome! We took a Big step in our journey of parenthood. For the first time in five months, we left Clare with someone other than family, and we went out on a Date. It was a wonderful day...which started with Eating at one of our Favorite restaurants. We then drove to Tampa to see David Copperfield, one of the world's Greatest illusionists. Holy Smokes...it was an amazing show!

Following the show, we went to Coldstone for some Ice cream. Just in case you were wondering, it was delicious! We felt like young Kids in Love as we Made our way from one part of the evening to the Next, and we knew that Our little Clare Bear was in good hands. Parenthood has changed our marriage in Quite a few ways, but they're all for the better. As we Reflect on the last year, we see that we've been Showered in blessings, and we are Truly grateful for God's Unending provision and protection.

After our Very special day, We were ready to get back to our little squirt. She was eXtra cuddly, and we were happy to be back together as our family of three. :) You'll have to stay tuned for more adventures from the Mama and Zookeeper.

A bit of this and that...

This picture is at Ann's new townhouse.

We check on the place every few days. In won't be long before she's too big for the swing.

That will be a sad day.
Phil working at home. This was his temporary make-shift office. Snuggle time...the best part of the day!

Happy Birthday, Uncles!

Today is "Uncle" Tory's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! All of Clare's blood relatives live FAR AWAY,

so Tory and Sarah have become her (and our) Florida family.

Clare can't wait to celebrate with "Uncle" Tory! :)Yesterday was Uncle Adam's birthday, and Clare is saving a BIG HUG for the next time she sees him!

Jail Break!!!

This is how we found Clare after her nap the other day. She kicked off the blankets (even the one hanging from the crib...as seen on the floor) and had both legs through the same set of bars.
Clearly, it was all fun and games for our little Stinker. :)

5-months "old" TODAY!

This is Clare Bear at 3-weeks old. This is Clare Bear at 5-months old. She is growing so quickly, and we love every stage of the journey!

62 or 26???

By the looks of how Phil and Clare are dressed, you would think that it was 26 degrees outside. The temperature (as displayed by the handsome weather man), however, was 62 degrees. Even though we are Michigan natives, our blood has officially thinned out to the wimpy Florida levels. We bundled up for our chilly 62 degree walk, and our Southern Belle stayed nice and warm in daddy's arms.

You would think that Clare's genetics would point her towards tennis, diving, swimming, or running, but she is clearly preparing to be a professional ski-jumper. Good form, huh?!

I Love My Auntie!

Hi Auntie Ann! I miss you...and I love you. My pajamas even say so! Please come back SOON!

HUGE SALE!!!

There is a HUGE SALE with Discovery Toys right now. Check it out with this link, and then click on Winter Sale. It's a great time to stock up on goodies for the rest of the year. Let me know if you have any questions or if you need any help. :)

Snoozing!

Clare takes after her daddy when it comes to catching little cat-naps wherever, and whenever, possible. Oh...what a life!
Daddy-Daughter Nap Time!

Clare Goes SOLID!

After a few nights of Clare waking up hungry, we knew that it was time to start giving her more to eat. I know that is hard to believe when you look at the size of her cheeks, but she's a growing girl...in more ways than one. Anyhow, we took advantage of the expertise of Grandma and Grandpa Hillary as our little Gerber Baby had her debut with Rice Cereal. Grandma held her arms, I held the spoon and food, Daddy held the video camera, and Grandpa held the camera. It was quite an event...all on record.

She loved it when the food entered her mouth, but she loved it even more when she spit it down her chins and neck.

It was more of a game than an actual feeding session.

By the way, we officially go through more bibs during a day than diapers.

In case you were wondering about my hairy arms, Phil had taken over at this point.

Snapshots of the last week

It was a busy week for our little Clare Bear!Clareplane!
"Playing" with a turtle in the neighborhood...to make daddy proud!
Flirting with Pam!

Lunch with The Huissens in Sarasota...

Clare needed some time with her other "sisters/aunts..."

Grandpa and Grandma Durham had to share with

"Grandpa and Grandma Huissen."

Clareobics with Auntie Ann.

After bath time with Grandma. No, she didn't bathe in the pool.

Cuddled up with Auntie Ann.

Moments before our Christmas feast!

Sleeping in Grandpa's arms!

KNOCKED OUT!

Sleeping in Grandma's arms!

CAMERA SHY!

What does it take to get a 4-month-old to look at the camera???

This one is my favorite! The wind caught her at just the right time.