Upstate for Feb School Vacation

OK so it isn't Florida but it is always fun to visit Nana, even in the cold. Our trip up was delayed a day because Clare and I caught a stomach bug (and then gave it to Nana - more on that later), but we had a good time for the five days we were there. Here we are in the playland in Colonie Center after visiting the LL Bean store. Clare also started a new series of paintings, trying out a new type of canvas - paper plates. It was amazing how excited she was to paint and cut out the plates. A very good 79 cent investment on Nana's part.

We bought a house!

Just a small bit of information I have neglected to mention. We are all very excited. Not sure if Clare fully understands she won't be seeing her school friends everyday, but it will be an adjustment for all of us.

First Steps - February 16, 2008

She did it. Gwen took her first steps. It was only two but they were without assistance.

Fun in the Sand

We spent the first day of Clare's school vacation hanging out with Dylan, Steve and Taylor. We played at a very windy Maxwell Place playground for a bit before heading over to the 'beach'. Dylan and Clare had a great time digging in the sand and filling up whatever we could find (i.e. the bag from our bagels). When we got home, Clare left behind little piles of sand from her pants cuffs all over the apartment.

Look Ma, No Hands

Gwen is testing her balance a lot these days. She'll be walking before long. Oh help us!

Valentine's Day Party at School

Clare's class had a very fun Valentine's party complete with lots of junk food and crazy dancing!! She received loads of sweet Valentines from her classmates.

Opening Valentine's Gifts

Nana and Annie sent a fabulous selection of gifts, as usual. Nana also sent along very special handmade Valentines. Here is the opening frenzy.

Making Valentines

Clare made all of the Valentines that she gave to her classmates. She was very focused on the whole project, coming home from school and painting a few at a time. She did a great job.

HFA Cabin Fever

We went to Cabin Fever for the first time this year and certainly got our money's worth. Clare and I were there for almost 3 hours. (Paul took Gwen home for a nap after about an hour.) Clare made Valentines, got her face painted, danced, played ping pong with Amanda and got a really cool balloon sculpture hat.

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