Rough Nap??

Arm out of her sleeve, major blanket-face - what was she dreaming about?

Chinese New Year

Desiree and crew hosted a very fun Year of the Rat party, with great food and even exploding confetti!

I Like Bananas

But not getting my face wiped!

We Love Restaurants!!

Both Clare and Gwen really enjoy the dining out experience. They are usually much better behaved than when we eat at home. It doesn't hurt that we usually go out for lunch, at which time they are both in better spirits than at dinner time. Here they are at On the Border in Paramus, otherwise know as the Chip Place. (Clare loves her Tex Mex. A girl after my own heart.) Check out Gwen's teeth. I think she had one too many margaritas.

Playing Together

I think Clare is really happy to have Gwennie as a little playmate. Gwen always has big smile on her face whenever she is involved in whatever Clare is doing. I guess we should savor these times because before you know it, they will be teenagers and most likely fighting like crazy!

Liberty Science Center

What a great place to visit on a cold Sunday in January, especially since we get free admission and parking because Clare is enrolled in the Abbott Program. Clare liked the skyscraper exhibit, the bugs and other creepy crawlies, and the rock wall.

Day One After the Tooth Extraction

After much agonizing, we finally decided to have Clare's front tooth removed. It repeatedly abscessed and we worried for the permanent tooth. Paul said she was a really good at the dentist considering that she had to get a shot of Novocaine. She seemed OK afterwards and was even eating pizza. To be honest, I think she is much more comfortable having what was left of her old tooth gone. She always seemed to have her hand in her mouth, and her lip was often cut where the rough stump of her old tooth grazed it. We kept her out of school the day after to give the gum a chance to heal. We played at the parks at Pavonia, and checked out the new skating rink and elephant sculptures there. When I brought her to school the next day, her little classmates were all so cute asking her about the dentist.

First Bath Together

They both loved it, until Gwen's splashing got a little out of hand and Clare needed some alone time in the tub.

More Cookie Decorating

A little apres-Christmas cookie-decorating with Aunt Cheryl and Cousin Hannah.

Sledding

Clare and Nana Rock On

With their groupie Gwen

Lights in Washington Park

For years we have been saying we wanted to see the light display at Washington Park in Albany. Well we finally made it. Gwen stayed home with Paul, so it was Annie, Nana, Clare and me. The theme was fairy tales. We had a fun time seeing who could guess the fairy tale first. Some of them stumped us completely. Clare seemed to enjoy the lights, but I think she enjoyed even more, standing (out of her carseat of course) in the back of Nana's car with her head hanging out the window. Don't tell the authorities.

Christmas 2007

Christmas was a big success, as usual. Although, this year was bittersweet because it was the first one without Dad. The excitement of the kids kept our minds away from more somber thoughts. Clare was really into the presents. Gwen was really into the wrapping paper - ripping it, eating it, etc. Clare's big gifts were a digital camera and an electric guitar complete with amp. We let her open the camera at Mom's house before we went to my sister's thinking she would take photos. Silly us. Once she got around all those other presents, her camera was forgotten.

Gwen is mobile, sort of

Cookie Exchange at Claire and Renee's

Lots of princesses, lots of crazy dancing, lots of cookies. Sounds like a good time to me.

Bathtub Santa

Christmas Spectacular at Radio City

Clare and I went into New York to see the Christmas show at Radio City. It was the first time Clare and I had gone into the City on our own since Gwen was born. Clare was very excited about taking the bus. Unfortunately the day before the show she came down with a nasty cold and her tooth abscessed again to boot. Even with all that going on, she was a trooper. She really only complained when she got cold while we were out walking. She liked the show, especially any part involving Santa. She also enjoyed the light up wands they handed out at the start of the show. Afterwards, we went to M&M World in Times Square where she really had a lot of fun. (It is hard not to go a little overboard at M&M World, especially when you've got a sick kid in tow. I spent enough to get a free M&M dispenser. Just what our apartment was lacking!?!)