THe bIG OnE!!!

The past year has both flown by and been more life-changing than ever imaginable. We could not have comprehended the love that has grown in our hearts for our baby girl. Claire is our world, our family and our comic relief, and it's been the greatest joy to see her grow and develop over the last 365 days. Happy birthday, sweet girl...we have loved and cherished every minute!

Here's what I've been up to:

*Weighing in at 19 lbs, 15 oz (32%) and 30 1/4 inches (87%)  long, I'm continuing on my long and lean look!

*I'm cruising, climbing and crawling, but haven't built up the courage to take steps on my own yet...taking my time on this milestone! I love to run my shopping cart and stroller around the house and am really into opening and closing EVERYTHING!!

*I wave "hi" and "bye-bye," give "kisses", love snuggling (and tormenting) my doggy, will put any phone up to my ear, do "soooo big", and put anything on my "head," on command!

*I'm getting a little pickier with my eating...I love any fruit, yogurt and cheese, most grains and anything with cinnamon mixed in. Meats and veggies, no thanks! I guess mom has been hiding my vegetables in other foods, and it absolutely has me fooled!

*Words I'm saying: momma, daaaada, hi, and gee-gee (doggy).

I'm a busy girl, have quite the personality, and continue to be quite silly. Like mom and dad have said all along, we may have a comedian on our hands. Enjoy some "Beachy Birthday Bash" photos, and some from over the past month.

Beach party spread with rainbow fruit kabobs, beach ball veggie pizza...

Nutter butter flip flops...

Jello ocean cups, fish food, sand pudding...

and Mom's pride and joy...the sand-castle cake!!

 

Crabby favor pool....a big hit!

Mom wore this jumper 29 years ago on her first birthday!!

Shopping cart was a hit with the girls!

"Hi"

"Bye-bye"

"Soooo big!"

"Kisses!"

Why didn't I think of this?

Honest to God, my house would be covered in Cheerios, goldfish and puffs if it weren't for this wonderful invention. Why couldn't I have thought of this?? I'd be a millionaire for sure.

Look what I found!!

CE's newest discovery:

Thank goodness it only took her one bite to decide that the dog food is way more fun to toss around,

than to actually eat.

Slam Dunk

It's because of days like this one that I love our friends so much. Yes, thirty-year-old men having an absolutely sober (I swear!) water basketball slam-dunk contest. Priceless.

Jimmy

Bob

Spencer

The boys {all of whom may or may not have been able to walk the next day.}

{What We're Eating}

Greek Pasta Salad

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, boiled and diced (optional)
4 cups cooked whole-grain bowtie pasta OR 2 cups cooked whole grain couscous
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup halved kalamata olives
1 3.5 oz container crumbled feta cheese (I use the reduced fat sundried tomato and basil)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
4 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce:
1 1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 cup chopped cucumber
1 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients while pasta or couscous is still warm. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve with tzatziki sauce on the side. This is a great main or side dish for a summer picnic or pitch-in. It's flavorful, fresh and healthy!