Surgery 2

Just kidding about the "it went great part"...

Chris had to head back in on Friday night to the ER. They kept him and had to do a minor adjustment (which lead to major relief). He's is in okay shape and is hoping to come back home tonight (Saturday). Hopefully this is our last visit to the Hospital this weekend:) Poor Guy...

Surgery

Just a quick note to thank everyone for their calls today. Chris's surgery went great! He is staying the night (per standard procedure) but should be released early tomorrow afternoon. He feels as good as can be expected. The next few weeks are the toughest part, so keep him in your thoughts. The Cincy portion of the blog post is almost done, but as you can imagine, it's kinda on the back burner. Thanks again to all of our friends and family! Especially Aunt Ginny and Aunt Jessica, who babysat all day (Aunt Jessica even stayed the night:)! Clare was full of giggles tonight and "stories" about her fun day:)

Cleveland

The first stop on our vacation was to visit Nana and Pop-Pop in Cleveland. Clare had lots of fun.

They had a great pool for her set up on the deck. Clare loved the pool. Right up until the point that Daddy, in his infinite wisdom, turned the hose up on the dolphin sprayer. Clare was not so thrilled with getting sprayed full force in the face from Mrs. Dolphin. After some kisses to both Mrs. Dolphin and Clare, the situation resolved itself. The pool was so great that I looked for one in Cincinnati so that I could lay out in it. Then I remembered that I don't "lay out". In fact, I don't really like the sun (and it doesn't like me). 'Cause I burn. This marshmallow burns so fast it's not even funny. Clare and I share sunscreen. So, that idea was quickly shelved.

We went out to eat at the always yummy Noble House, where Clare made friends with everyone. Clare ate lots of yummy food with Nana and PopPop. She does however, have Nana wrapped around her little finger. Nana respectfully declines in feeding her the yucky stuff. Clare can con Mandarin oranges out of Nana faster than I can change a diaper.

Clare also was able to meet up again with my roommate from college, Rachel, who is pregnant (yeah-Congrats:). Rachel gave Clare her first birthday present of the trip:) Clare was very interested in the tissue paper idea. One of the gifts has been a source of controversy at our house. Rachel bought Clare these great ABC Sesame Street flash cards. They are huge and super cute. So, yesterday, our first Monday back, I pulled them out and began playing with them with Clare. Clare had different ideas. She loves them and thinks everything Elmo related belongs to her. So, a small tug of war ensued with me softly explaining these are Mommy's cards. Mommy is sharing them with Clare to teach her all about the ABC's. It ended with Clare crying and Mommy virtually jumping up and down screaming "mine". It was not a pretty sight. Thankfully, Clare can't argue yet and point out that they are in fact hers. So far, the score is one for me. Although, I'm not sure a temper tantrum with a one year old is quite the "win" I was hoping for.

All and all it was a great week in Cleveland. Be sure to check back for more pictures and details.

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY!

Clare's First Birthday Tour is almost over! Our 3 week vacation celebration has ended and we are home. Chris is having surgery this week on Thursday, so we've had to postpone our Jersey Birthday Cake (hence why the party isn't over). This week is looking a little crazy with 12 month shots coming up and Chris's surgery, amongst other things (like me getting my debit card re-issued since someone kindly stole my card number on day 2 of my vacation). I'll be sure to start updating on the last three weeks, however, it will be short posts. Not sure what to do with the 778 pictures from the last 3 weeks (and that's not an exaggeration). Hope everyone had a great August!

Out of Office Reply

Okay Guys and Gals, We are almost packed and ready for out 3+ weeks of travel (as everyone knows). Be sure to check our blog out when we return on September 12th (so, 15ish). I'll have lots of fun pics, including Clare and her yummy smash cake!

See you all soon!

Pbtttthhh!

Park II

Well, today didn't go as great as yesterday.

First, Clare has some fancy new shoes! Chris took Clare to Target last night (like you didn't know that was coming, Target). Her pink jelly shoes are getting a little too small. So, we need some sneakers for our walk. She, being a girl, sweet talked Chris into getting 2 pairs instead. I've been holding off on the Robeez (not my style) and the stride-rite (although I have a coupon) until after her birthday. Plus, I want to see how much fatter her foot is going to get. So, she had a minor adjustment to her new shoes.

Second, Clare discovered that there are THINGS! ON THE GROUND! THAT SHE CAN TASTE!
Mostly, gross things I would not taste like leaves. Which, I'm curious as to why they are already falling? There are sticks (Morris girls, those are also known as switches), acorns and ants. She likes to point with one finger to things for awhile before she is brave enough to taste it. So, Clare was easily distracted on our walk today by the nature on of the woods. I'm fairly certain it will only go down hill from here.

Next, Clare discovered that this pushing, up hill, is kinda hard work. And it's hot. And maybe she should take a union 15. In the stroller. So, after about 15 minutes (which I suppose is a lot to a kid her age) she decided it was time for me to push her walker and her to sit and eat leaves.

And do you love her sumo ponytail? She almost has enough for pig tails. I'm going to try it after bath tonight! I just felt so bad for her because her little head was all hot and sweaty.

P.S. The video was taken from my regular photo camera, so it's a little rough. While our park trips are cool, their not quite video camera worthy:)