Oh Friends. Where to start?

Clare has been extra wild lately, which has lent itself to significantly less internet time for me. Thus, less blog updates for you.

So, there's lots to catch you up on.

Clare is doing lots of new stuff, mostly centered around climbing and learning new words. She's up to like 35+ words!! I was excited at the last Pedi appt. when they told me she was a very advanced in her speech (shocking, huh? Who'd a thunk my kid could talk? Or Chris's for that matter?). Everything is still "What is this/that" and "Who is this/that". She understands what the word "NO!" means and uses it on me often. Just this morning I asked her to lift her hands up so I could put her tray on and she told me "No!" several times and refused to do it. We do have a communication break down when I utilize the same word, but such is life.

Clare had a very, very Merry Christmas. One day, when Clare goes away to school (which after today may be boarding school for 5 year olds) I'll learn to post videos again. She was super excited to see what Santa had left her and said "Wow" over and over again. She loves her play kitchen and play "eats" with us all of the time. She also says "mmmmm.....Good?" after each bite she gives you (which is really just her way of making fun of me, since I must ask her that a lot). She loves her tent/tunnel, which she drags her teddy bear and dog into each morning and then "talks" to them. She's just full of stories.

Another update is Clare's super twitchy temper. She has started throwing temper tantrums that give Aunt Heather a run for her money. If you don't do what she wants, when she wants it, then I'm sorry about your luck. Shockingly, this has lead to a multitude of battles between she and I.

After such a temper tantrum today at the grocery store (that was one of my most embarrassing moments in life) Chris rescued me (her?) by taking her out this evening, allowing me to show you a bazillion pictures of my kid. Ahhh, mommy time.



Clare on Christmas Eve waiting for company!
Clare and Aunt Jessica (the bestest babysitter E-V-E-R) on Christmas Eve.
Clare and Aunt Ginny on Christmas Eve
Clare playing with Jeff's new phone, which was super cute.
Clare climbing up for more snuggles with Uncle Jeff
Clare's play kitchen that Santa bought her! It's super cute and will get taller as she does.
Clare's Christmas pile from Santa and Grandmama/Grandpa Richardson and the Richardson side of the family.
The princess play tent and tunnel that has proven to be a big hit
Clare finally "opening" a few presents before returning to her kitchen/tunnel to ignore me.
Yeah! Paper!
Showing us what she intends to do with the kitchen (she was on our dining room table TWICE already using this kitchen to get there)
Ohhhhh! An alphabet train! Clare was very excited. She loves it. This was right after she crazy for the teddy bear.
In the alphabet train bag.
Talking to one of her Yo Gabba Gabba friends.
All dressed up on Christmas night and playing with her fun toys from the Gages and her Godmom!
Nana and Clare on Christmas Night!
Nana and PopPop with Clare before Jammie time.
The next morning when she came down and saw all of the presents Nana and PopPop had brought.
Looking at one of her outfits...
Reading one of her new books with Nana
Sitting on her big box, in a daze
Showing off her new boots!
Dancing in her new boots?
Checking out her new bath towel which is too cute

At Grandmom Bohl's for the Family Christmas on Saturday.
Hanging out with her Sierra, who thankfully chased Clare all night!
Sam the Man enjoying a pretzel
Sunday, all dressed up for the E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES! (I was wearing a Bengals Hoodie if that helps)





Over at Aunt Steph's and Ben's for a playdate with her BFF Sophie. Clare loved the phone cord, which she would hold up to her ear and "talk" on the phone for quite awhile!
Her BFF, Sophie
Just their little legs as they were hiding behind the curtain telling secrets
Chasing each other
Rocking in Aunt Steph's chair, a new favorite
Aunt Steph and Sophie playing peek-a-boo from the sunroom
Clare and Aunt Steph making faces...
The Girls giggling and laughing at Aunt Steph from the other side
What happens when Chris is allowed to dress Clare (a sleeper/dress?)

Hopefully, I'll be better in the New Year about updating. I miss the days when Clare slept all day or at least stayed where I put her!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and enjoys a great New Year!