Build a Claire Bear

Every year, one of the best parts of my birthday celebration is when Aunt Sammi takes me to Build a Bear. A few weeks ago, Claire got to go on her first annual birthday Build a Bear trip!


As the experi-
enced big sister, I had to show Claire the ropes. First, I let her choose which sound would go into her bear.


Next I showed her how to put enough stuffing into the bear so that she isn't too hard or too soft. This is a very delicate procedure!


Claire had to feel for herself to see if I performed a quality stuffing job.

Even though I was bathing the bear, Claire was the one giggling like she was being tickled!

Claire couldn't contain her excitement as Aunt Sammi and I dressed her new bear. Patience, Claire!!

The last step is to create a name for the bear. We decided that Lady Shamrock had a nice ring to it!!

We think Claire had a great time.
Our St. Patrick's Day baby loves her St. Patrick's Day bear!! Thanks, Aunt Sammi!

ONE YEAR OLD!!!

One year ago today, the luck of the Irish smiled upon us as we welcomed Claire Abigail into our family!!

It has been quite a year!!

First photo with Daddy and Big Sis Charlotte

First nap with Daddy

First of a million kisses from Charlotte

First blow-out

First photography session with the phenomenal Jessica Barnak

First dip in the Atlantic Ocean

First bathing suit (getting ready for a future Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover!)

First Halloween costume

First Christmas!

First pretend sleepover with Charlotte

First Birthday!

We love our sweet, chubby, giggly, adorable, red headed Claire Bear!!! You've made our family complete!!!!

Prison Break!!

Today we broke free from our winter prison!!

It was so sunny and warm that we decided we had to go to our local park to play. Mommy said we have no food for dinner tonight, but we couldn't pass up this beautiful weather just to go to the grocery store!!

While we were at the park, Claire got to swing on a playground swing for the first time EVER!! She was a little unsure at first...

I stepped in immediately to begin my role as official big sister pusher.

It only took one push to convince Claire that playing on a swing is FUN!!

Good thing we had lunch over an hour before swinging!!

Just for fun - here is a photo of me on my first outdoor swing! I was ten months old in this photo. I had more hair than Claire does, but I look as unsure about it as she did at first! :)

Lazy Sunday

Just hanging out with my sis watching SuperWhy on a lazy Sunday morning...

She looked too cute NOT to kiss!!

Claire was a little bored later that afternoon, so she decided to practice her new favorite word on Emmet! (you might need to turn up the volume to hear her)

While Claire was busy bothering Emmet, my Sunday turned into anything but lazy!! Genna and her mommy took us to Build a Bear for Genna's 5th birthday!! We had SOOO much fun!!

We had to prepare the hearts before we put them in our stuffed kitties!

Proof that Genna and I are BFF's - we both made the same kitty with the same access-ories!!! She named hers Faith, and I named mine Lady Cha Cha (pronounced "sha sha" -it's my Lady GaGa name!)

Thank you SO much for inviting me Genna. I always have a blast when I'm with you!