Portraits of Claira

July update (so far)

We're settling into the new house. It's not quite "home" yet but it is definitely getting there!
Claira, as always, adores Ellia. She gives us the most insight into her personality when we catch expressions that she gives Ellia.

Claira still doesn't have a set wake up time for her mornings. It could be anywhere from 5AM to 8AM. One things for certain, when she's up - she is up and ready to go. In the wee hours she plays on our bed, enjoying her sturdy sitting up ability.

I thought this picture of Ellia was beautiful...she finally wanted to wear the "BIG SISTER" shirt we made together months ago, she's actually wearing a shirt, and her face...well, she looks so much older...and I get a glimpse of her future "big girl" beauty.

June SISTER update (after the fact)

Bath time in the new house!

Matching PJ's from Auntie EJ...too, too cute! (And I wish I had a pair)

Long awaited new crib and mattress for Claira! Ellia is still very helpful with Claira; dancing for her, bringing her toys or giving me suggestions as to why she might be crying ("Maybe dirty diaper"). At times she swipes toys right from under Claira's little hands and it makes Claira cry immediately. We're practicing asking for the toy first or bringing another toy for Claira to play with. By then, of course, Ellia has usually lost interest in the entire situation anyway. (sigh)

Both girls love spending time with their Grandpa's. And they light up their Grandpa's eyes whenever they are around them. Ellia is much more excited about Angel's games now. She was absolutely giddy on the way to this game. It used to take her about 3 innings to warm up to the situation (the huge crowd, lots of noise). This time she leaned in to me and whispered "Mommy, I not scared anymore. Not too loud."

June ELLIA update (after the fact)

Ellia adjusted to the new house very well! Sometimes if she couldn't find a toy she would say "Aw man...at old house...aw maaan..."
This month she went bowling for the first time. She has a 'new move' when she's proud of something she's done. It's the athletic "YES" with the arm pump.

During the days that were actually warm and sunny this June, Ellia got right into the summer swim season. She felt very special to get swim instruction with star Register reporters Jen and Laylon who taught her to "motor boat".

She always enjoys her time with Mikayla ("kayla"). She'd pretty much do anything Mikayla asked, she thinks so highly of her.

Yay! Finally her own pool! We bought a cheap-o blowup pool & I bought a nice sturdy slide from a dad on Craigslist. She's loving it and we're loving her having her own backyard.

June CLAIRA update (after the fact)

Claira had many new adventures this month:
- Playing while sitting up, 1st tooth, eating baby food
Claira continues to be a wonderful, chubby, smiley little girl.
She is showing a determined and concentrated personality while also being easy going;
one that seems to dive right in to new challenges.

May update (after the fact)

The month of May found us very busy:
- Adjusting to our new "get-out-the-door routine" with Grandma/train, Ellia/school,
Mommy & Daddy/work
- Packing, packing and more packing

- Moving into our 1st house!