seven

can't believe i have a seven year old!

say "cheeseballs"

claire, nana and kieran

my girl

claire with her bestie

i can't believe my little lady is now 7. seems like yesterday we put her in the crib for the very first time and were amazed at how tiny she seemed. Thank you Lord for an incredible daughter. i can't imagine my life without her. love you ecm!

She's 6!

My little lady turned six recently-I can't believe it! We had so much fun celebrating her special day (weekend) with family and friends. I am so thankful for 6 years with my sassy and silly ECM. I love you little lady!

Last Day

Friday was Claire's last day of preschool. It was quite an emotional day. We have both made such wonderful new friends and it was bittersweet as many of us will be going in different directions. Having said that, we are so thankful for our new friendships and the fantastic memories from these last two years. It is hard to believe that she will be in kindergarten in just a few short months. The program was so sweet-there is nothing like watching a bunch of adorable little four-year olds singing songs in chapel. I am so proud of you Eleanor Claire-I love you with all of my heart little lady!!!

Classmates Marlee and Ryan

This is "Micheal!"

The same place my preschool photo was taken

Sweet friends Tanner and Kai

We can't forget Henry

Lucy

Henry and I stopped at the library today and picked up a few books. One of those was a step into reading version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for Claire. I had forgotten until opening the book just how many people have told us that Claire looks like Lucy. If you have ever seen the movie, it is quite uncanny the resemblance.

She's 5!

As the saying goes, "Time flies when you are having fun." I cannot believe it has been an entire year since I was crying as I posted pictures from her 4th birthday. My little lady is certainly growing up quickly (she reminds me all of the time). She is so amazing to me. She is certainly wise beyond her years. I remember at 2 years old she was asking people if they had Jesus in their heart (without prompting). Lately she has been reading more and more which just blows my mind. Even after teaching for 15 years and witnessing the progress firsthand, it is so different when it is your own child. Don't get me wrong, life is not always a picnic with my sweet girl (we have very similar personalities), but I wouldn't trade a single moment. I love you Eleanor Claire!!!

Do you like the classy cake holder?

A new pillow from favorite friends

So like her mother!

Henry helping with the candles.

So exciting!

So silly!

First Day of Pre-K

Today was Claire's first day of preschool and she was "very exciting." Needless to say, she was exhausted when I picked her up from school. We are looking forward to another great year.

Haircut

There is nothing like a little lady with a fresh haircut!

Birthday Girl

I am a bit late on posting, but what's new?! I cannot believe it, but my little lady turned 4 on January 9th. It seems like only yesterday that I was being wheeled to our car with tears in my eyes while asking the sweet nurse if she could please come home with us. There have been many crazy moments in these past four years, but I would not trade a single second of time spent with Eleanor Claire. Happy Birthday sweetie, I love you with all of my heart!

Here are some of the birthday highlights:

The requested castle cake

Goggles from Henry for swimming lessons

The doll bed (refinished by Daddy) that belonged to me, her grandmother, and her great grandmother, Eleanor.

The shirt says it all.

New Ride

"I can do it myself."

Claire is very excited about her new Disney Princess bike! She wanted to ride on the bike path, so we took her down to the boardwalk the other night. I must admit it brought tears to my eyes to see our "little lady" looking like such a big girl. She did a great job and only caused a few accidents as she took in the sights instead of focusing on the bike traffic.

Ballet Class

Claire has been talking about taking ballet as long as we can remember. So tonight was the night for her very first class. She was so excited sitting with the other little girls eagerly awaiting. Imagine our surprise halfway through the class when the door opened and out comes the teacher with a crying child, yes Claire, who chose not to participate! We shall see what happens next week.

Say Ahhhh!

Claire went to the dentist for the first time and was a very brave girl. She had her teeth flossed and cleaned, had a flouride treatment and then the tragic news struck. . . the dentist told her she was a big girl and it was time to stop sucking her thumb.

Happy Birthday Claire!

January 2005

Waiting patiently

Claire and Daddy in her new garden cottage.

Claire opening the beautiful jewelry box from her buddy Owen.

Happy Birthday to our "Little Lady." I cannot believe that it has already been three years. It seems like just yesterday that I told Chris we needed to go to the hospital and we ran around in circles getting things together. Twenty-three short hours later, God blessed us with a beautiful baby girl. Eleanor Claire made her debut at 5:47 pm, January 9th. What a joy these three years have been!

Claire had a wonderful birthday! On her actual birthday, her friend Owen came over for a playdate. We knew it would be a great time when he showed up with a giant Disney Princess balloon! They played outside, ate pizza and licked the icing off of cupcakes. Today we were able to celebrate with family and Claire had a blast. Thank you to everyone for a very special day! To see more birthday pictures click here.