Monday, August 31, 2009

8 months


I can't believe another month has zipped right by. Could Ari and I possibly be parents to an eight month-old? The answer is fortunately yes as we continue to enjoy Claire more with each passing day. She clearly is getting physically bigger. I think the biggest change has been that people no longer look at me quizically when I tell them how old she is. They used to say, "Really? But she is so small." Then I would have to explain that she was 9 1/2 weeks early. Now that just tell me how cute she is, which as her mom I already know! Her personality is becoming more and more apparent and I am glad to report that she seems to be laid back and fun loving just like her daddy; no hints of mommy's type A personality traits yet. Developmentally, she sits without us worrying about support anymore. She is making efforts to crawl but usually just scoots backwards or turns 360 degrees. Her dexterity is much improved and she is starting to learn "tricks." When I say "spirit fingers" she will reach to touch my wiggling fingers and laugh. She will also give Ari "five" most of the time. She will take little steps when you hold her hands and can sit up from nearly lying on her back. She is also starting to be a performer. She will do something she knows excites you and look at you waiting for applause; that is a riot! All and all I would say I am certainly blessed to be her mom!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

A Whole House Full

The first weekend in August we had a big Wesleyan reunion at our house. We are so fortunate that all of Ari's college friends have remained a tight group and to encourage this to continue we invited everyone, their spouses, and children to spend the weekend at our house. Let me tell you when I say spend the weekend at our house I literally mean that there were 19 people staying with us from Friday night to Sunday afternoon. Now I know why we have such a big house; it was perfect!! Friday night was pretty low key with everyone arriving and we all sat around catching up and eating pizza. Saturday, I made a big breakfast and then we all went outside to play. We had badmitton and volleyball set up. Then there was the first annual cornhole tournament. The couples were all split up and we had a double elimination tournament. I am proud to report that Ari and Sarah Beth took the title with Nate and I coming in second. All the while kids were running around and having a great time. Then we grilled out for dinner. Soon it was time to put the kids to bed and each little family took up one room in our house and were all cozy on air mattresses. The adults stayed up drinking beer and catching up but didn't make it long; we certainly aren't as young as we used to be. Sunday morning I made a big brunch; we took a group photo and then one by one the families left. It was an awesome experience and we are looking forward to making it an annual event. A big thank you to Sara, Tom, Conner, Dan, Amber, Jason, Jen, Jakob, Josh, Addison, Beth, Andi, Alex, Evan, Amanda, Nate, Preston, Jenny, and Karen for making the trip to Cincinnati!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Our Little Carnivore

Grandma and Grandpa Leib, please skip this entry!! One of the exciting things that has happened in the last month is that Claire has become a true carnivore. We introduced her to both chicken and turkey and she loves them! Thank goodness because Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! Ari and I had decided even before we were married that our kids would eat meat until they chose not to. I am proud of him for keeping his promise and not crying when our little bear ate meat just like bears do!!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Teaser

The good news is our computer is up and running... seems we had a nasty Thai virus... the bad news is that it is already way past my bedtime and I just can't stay up any longer for more updates. I did want to put a quick pic up, though, to show you how big Claire is getting and to tell you that we will catch you up on the month's events soon!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Sorry!

Sorry for the lack of updates... our lives have been crazy and our home computer is down... more soon!