Yes, There Is A Guidebook!

"Why doesn't my baby come with a guidebook?"

Congratulations mothers! I found one!

Back when I was pregnant, I read book after book after book. I wanted to be prepared and know everything I could about how to raise a baby. I am a devout follower of the "Babywise" series and read Babywise I & II multiple times. Despite my avid reading program, questions, concerns, doubts, and issues still constantly arise. After much searching on the Internet, I came across this website: www.babywisemom.com.

I absolutely LOVE this website. It is a "quick reference to find answers to questions you encounter while implementing Babywise...". It has tons of posts on anything you want to know about and the best part is that you can submit questions and in about two weeks, the author will reply with some guidance. I've never posted on the site, but anytime I have a question about an issue Claire is having (currently we are working on separation anxiety), I look to this site for advice.

Obviously, despite my wishes, Claire is still going to have many problems that even the "babywise mom" can't solve, but I will take all the recommendations I can get. So take a peek! Next time you are wondering what to do with your child, I assure you, she will have great suggestions.

Introducing...

EMMA LANE

2 weeks ago, Erik's sister gave birth to a beautiful girl they named Emma Lane. She is so adorable and we love having another niece to play with...I mean look at. Claire and Emma are going to have so much fun together in years to come. Welcome home Emma!

Daddy / Daughter Time

During the week, Erik only gets to see Claire for about 30 minutes everyday because of how much he works. I know it's hard for him and he misses his little Claire Bear. On Wednesday's he sometimes doesn't see her at all because he has to go to Young Men's after work which is sad. I heard somewhere recently that time is a depreciating asset. So true!

Yesterday at Young Men's, they were having a combined activity where they played Wally Ball. Erik really wanted me and Claire to go with him but Claire normally goes to bed around 7:30 pm so my initial answer was 'no'. Erik persisted since he hadn't seen Claire that day so I made an exception. I was hesitant because I knew Claire would be very fussy since we would be out late, so I made a deal with Erik. If we were to go, he had to hold Claire the ENTIRE time. Usually when we are out doing things I hold her when she gets fussy. Erik wanted to spend more time with his daughter so even if she was tired and cranky, it was his choice to keep her up, so he had to hold her. I thought we would have been out of there in less than an hour. I was wrong.

There was so much commotion around us that Claire didn't fuss a bit. Erik even held her as he played a couple of games with the youth. She had so much fun watching the ball go back and forth. I was so glad he got to spend time with Claire and that she was happy even though it was two hours past her bed time. She sure loves Daddy!

Remember Those You Love

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Today is a wonderful day where we get to celebrate the love we have for our spouses, children, pets, siblings, nieces/nephews, grandparents, and friends. In years past, I've focused solely on Erik, but now that I have a child I feel an urgency to express my love for everyone in my life.

Erik, you are the most wonderful husband and an even better father. I love you more than life itself and I am so happy that I get to spend eternity with you. Claire, you are such a joy to have in my life. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to raise you as my daughter and my love for you grows every day. Khloe, my four-legged child, you give me unconditional love and I hope that some day when we are in heaven together, you will understand how much you have meant to me and our family. To the rest of my family, you inspire me everyday. You have provided me with so much in this life and I will always be grateful for your thoughtfulness and generosity.

A few weeks ago, I took these adorable pictures of Claire. I think they perfectly capture the diversity of emotions we often feel on Valentine's Day. As we've grown through the years we have probably felt every extreme from happiness and true love to sadness and despair. Thankfully, the years of being sad for me are gone. I am so grateful that I get to be happy every year on Valentine's Day.

I appreciate the love you all have for me and want you to know how much I love you in return. Have a great day today and don't forget to remember EVERYONE you love.

Somebody Loves Bath Time!

The Best Babysitters Around!

Erik's younger sister, Kari, is due to have her first child later this week; a baby girl they are going to name Emma. We are all so excited for her and Tom. They are going to be such great parents. Erik and I have made sure to take advantage of their childlessness recently and for selfish reasons, I'm slightly disappointed they are going to have a baby of their own. No more babysitters available 24/7. :)

Kari and Tom are so sweet with Claire and they are genuinely excited to take care of her. A mother's dream! Tom has already tried to teach her how to draw...with unlined paper of course. He says lines limit a child's imagination. So cute! (A little background...Tom is an architect.)

Emma, you are going to have wonderful parents and we are so excited to meet you! I know Emma and Claire were friends in heaven and Claire can't wait to see her again and show her around town.

Wordless Wednesday - Is It Summer Yet?