other december fun

Auntie Dee dee came over and we made Christmas cookies.  

 getting so big...

 And Meema and Heeho came to visit for Clara's dedication.

More than anything Clara loves to read books!

 Sam and Heeho may have had a blast playing Memory...

ballerina show

One of my first dates with Sam involved going with another mother/daughter pair to a "ballerina show."  The first half of the show was a bit stressful as Sam tried to figure out what exactly was happening and why she couldn't participate in the show.  I don't think she stopped moving.  Once the second half started she settled in better.  It was fun to experience her first ballerina show together.  We were super excited to go with my mentor and her daughter (who happens to be the girl's babysitter).  

dates with Sam

Tim and I have made a new commitment to take turns taking Sam on dates.  and the other has a stay at home date with Clara.  Here is one of Sam and Tim's first dates - to the touch tank near our house.  She had a blast... 45 min putting your hands in freezing cold water touching hermit crabs is awesome.  The only down side is when you leave and realize your hands are numb...

cousins

Sam and Ellis played almost non-stop, slept in the same room and rarely fought.  These two couldn't be cuter together.  

 funny faces

 sweet girls

 still interested

 last lady standing.  any guesses on who loves having her picture taken?

 loving life.

thankful for cousins who are also dear friends.

birthday celebrations

We celebrated four birthdays while we were in Colorado.  Clara.  Tim.  Vickie.  Janae.  

Clara got her own cake - everyone else had to share.  Here is meema holding the cake for Clara and I am holding the Knipp birthday headband in place.  

 Classic.  older sister blows out the candle while little sister looks on...

 She was so cute as she went face first into the cake.

 Sugar smile.

 Sam also got to blow out the big people cake candles.   It was a great night for Sam.

 Lets eat the chocolate cake!!

 Every night Heeho read books before bed.  These precious moments were some of my favorites!!

sharing

Clara always enjoys other people's food...  

"oh Maci, i notice you are eating..."

 "yum..."

 "here i will pat you in gratitude..."

 cute cousins

disney on ice

in my continued effort to pass along a love for Disney to the next generation we went to see Disney on Ice!!

before the show - can you tell how excited tim was :)

 pigpen got in a fight, and she loves a good straw.

 As soon as we got to our seats sam was locked in - she didn't want to go anywhere - she did not want to miss anything!!

 I suppose I can look at you part way....

 Papa and Clara

The night was a huge hit for Sam - she loved every moment.  It was super cute to see her joy.  She clapped after every song.  She talks everyday about the special show where we got to see Cinderella and Tangled.

latest cuteness

Sam loves hanging out on the counter and helping me bake - here she is waiting for the muffins to cool:

 playing her violin

 and her drums

 woody and jesse ready to go to the church party.  you would never know it but jesse was THRILLED :)

 auntie dee dee the cat and clara the ladybug

 pre-church party book time

 Sam has been over the moon for her bike.  When it is sunny she want to be outside riding.

one year old

Clara Louise - oh child.  In many ways you have changed my life forever.  You are strong and sweet.  You have many needs and have a voice to communicate your needs.  You don't sleep real well, but give great middle of the night smiles and cuddles.  The Lord has used you and your sister in this last year to teach me what is means to grow deeply in the area of patience and greater surrender.

You are super close to walking and taking more and more steps each day.  You love most food.  You love being dirty and have acquired the nickname pigpen.  Baths are mandatory around here for you, but it is ok because you love them.  You want everything your sister has.  You have a tender heart towards babies and love to give others hugs.  You have developed a love for reading and love the book "Brown bear, Brown bear, what do you see?"  You love your sister and she makes you laugh more than anyone.

You are quick to smile.  You are reckless and are constantly throwing your little body around.  You love a party.  You are living up to the meaning of your name - bright warrior.  You are a great delight!!  We love you so much Clara Louise.

one year ago tomorrow

Clara first birthday is tomorrow.  In some ways it is hard to believe it has been a year and yet remembering life without her also feels impossible.  Those first few moments after she was born were certainly a window into her personality and in some ways telling of the journey this year has been.  She cried and cried and cried - showing her strength and her opinion and her desire to be close to me.  Don't get me wrong - she is a great delight but she her high demands have also been a challenge - from nights of endless crying to preferring to spend her days in my arms - she has never ceased to make her desires known.  I know this will serve her well.  

 Watching Clara and Sam together brings us such joy.  These two love each other and it has been such an answer to prayer to see their relationship develop into one of playful friends.  Managing each of their needs has been another challenge, as well as having the patience for two, but the Lord has been endlessly faithful.

 Clara's sweet presence and joyful smile are two of my favorite things.

 Well it is getting late and I hope to reflect more tomorrow - as well as post some current pictures.  I am thankful I will spend the day tomorrow with my one year old.  Marking the end of this first year feels like a big deal.  She is such a gift but it has been a crazy year.