Our Big "Claire Bear"!

As you can see, our Claire Bear (as she is affectionately known by her Daddy), is getting to be a big girl. She definitely has a mind of her own & isn't afraid to let us know how she's feeling! It is so much fun to see her personality start to develop. Everyday is something new and we can't wait to see what every new day brings from our girl! She is truly the best thing to ever happen to us and we thank God for her!!!

My Cousin Caroline!

Today I went to my Aunt Heather & Uncle Scott's house to visit my cousin Caroline. We had a lot of fun and of course Mommy & Aunt Heather made us have yet another photo shoot. Caroline wasn't too sure about it, but I tried to be the big cousin and help get little Caroline through it. I tried to tell her she better get use to the picture taking because it has only just begun!

Picture time again????

I think Caroline is pretending to be asleep... somebody should tell her that trick doesn't work. They'll keep taking pictures anyway!

Do you think they'll notice if I put her in a head lock????

These people are crazy... how many pictures do you need anyway?

I am so done with this. Is it over yet? I think Caroline really is asleep now... wish I was.

Where did they take my cousin? I'm sorry about the head lock. I promise I won't do it again... can you bring her back???

Welcome Caroline Grace McDowell!

Today we went to the hospital to visit the baby and we found out her name is Caroline! It's a beautiful name for a beautiful baby.... it really fits her! We also got pictures of Claire & Caroline together. Claire looked like a bus next to Caroline, but it was so cute to finally see the girls together! They were both calm during the photo shoot. It was like they already loved being around one another. It was so much fun!!! Welcome to the world little Caroline! You are VERY loved!!

Happy Birthday Baby!

Scott & Heather are the proud parents of a beautiful, healthy, little girl. Mom and baby are doing great. The name is still being negotiated, but we are promised a name by tomorrow. We do know the middle name is Grace and of course the last name is McDowell. She was born Sunday, October 1st at 8:19pm after a very quick, but intense labor & delivery. Heather did an awesome job... we are so proud of you!! The baby weighed 8lbs 2oz and was 20 3/4 inches long!! She is absolutely adorable with tons of long, jet black hair. I can't wait to get pictures of Claire & the baby together. They are going to be so cute!! Congratulations Scott & Heather and welcome Baby Girl McDowell to the family. We love you so much already!

It's Fall!

Mommy says today is the first day of October so it's time to break out the Fall outfits including my cute pumpkin outfit she put on me today! Mommy said this is her very favorite time of year! I think I like it, too! By the way... I have some very exciting news. I heard my Mommy & Daddy saying that Aunt Heather is probably going to have my baby cousin today or tomorrow! I can't wait to meet her. We've been waiting a long time! I'll update everyone when she comes!

Just Chillin'

Just a couple pictures of my girls relaxing at home. This is about the extent of the excitement we see at home during the day... evenings, however, are a different story. Just ask daddy about that! Claire seems to like to fuss a little in the evenings as do most babies, but last night mommy went to see Beauty & the Beast at the Schuster and daddy babysat. From what daddy says Claire had only a few brief moments of calmness. He tried everything, but nothing worked. I hate to say it, but as soon as I came home and held her she stopped crying and I mean immediately. Ben says it's my fault for holding her 23 hours a day. Hey, they're only little once!

Are you talking to me?

Claire is really starting to come alive. She is smiling & talking all the time! I can't believe how much she's changed in such a short amount of time. She's very interested in her surroundings and wants to be apart of the action. The newborn stage is definitely gone!

A Day With Cousin Lauren!

Today cousin Lauren came over to spend the day with us and have a slumber party. We are having so much fun. I really loved my tummy time with Lauren. She kept me very entertained! I love you Lauren!

(Lauren took the two pictures of Claire all by herself... I think we have a future photographer here!)

I'm Two Months!

On Saturday Claire turned 2 months old! Today we went for her 2 month check up. Claire weighs 12 lbs 9 oz and is 23.75 inches long. She is in the 90th percentile for length and 75th percentile for weight & head circumference! She is getting to be a chunk! I can't believe how big she's gotten! She has almost doubled her lowest weight of 7 pounds. Wow!!!

Love My Bumbo!

Today Claire sat in her Bumbo for the first time! She really liked it... for about 5 minutes! That was hard work holding up her huge noggin'!!!

Thumb Sucker?

Recently I found my hand and I love sucking on it.... today I found my thumb and I think I like that even better! Mommy is a little worried because she said thumbs are hard to take away and she doesn't want me sucking my thumb until I'm 10 years old. Don't worry mommy I just like it now!

Road Trip!!

Yesterday we drove to Akron for Ben's cousins wedding! Most of his extended family live in the Akron area so we were able to visit with them and introduce them to Claire! We had a great time and Miss Claire was excellent on the 3 plus hour trip!

This is a 4 generation picture... Ben's Grandpa, his mom (Grammy!), Ben & Claire! How neat!

Ben's Aunt Pat holding Claire at the reception!

Out for a Stroll!

Last week on Labor Day, Ben and I had our first date since Claire arrived! We went to a Reds game and ate dinner at the restaurant that overlooks the field! We had great seats right behind home plate!! Ben's mom & dad babysat with Claire and these are a couple pictures they took on their walk with Claire! She had a lot of fun with Grammy & Grandpa!

Getting SO Big!

Just a couple pics of Claire sitting up on the couch! She loves it when we sit her in the corner of the couch... I think she feels like a big girl! She just smiles and looks around. Where did my little baby go?
Notice the gut, cheeks & double chin!

Our Sweet Maddie!

Today marks 5 months since we lost our sweet Maddie. In some ways it seems like a lifetime ago and in other ways it seems like yesterday. We miss her so much. She was such a wonderful creature who taught us so much about love, selflessness, patience, and she taught us how to let go of something we loved so dearly. She taught us so many life lessons. She gave us more than we ever gave her! Who would've ever thought a "disposable dog" that wasn't making enough money at the racing track could come into our lives and change us so much for the better! We will always be grateful for our 6 years we had with Maddie, although I wish it were much more. She was the best dog ever and truly our first baby. I wish she could've met Claire and Claire could've met Maddie. I couldn't wait to take pictures of them together... for Claire to grow up with her. Life doesn't always take the path we want or expect. Maddie taught me that for sure. We will always love and miss you Maddie! You will forever hold a piece of our hearts....

GO BUCKS!

Today we dressed our girls up in their Ohio State get-ups to root on the Buckeyes (& cousin Ben... Go Ben!!!!!). As you can see Claire is very excited about the Bucks first game. She can't wait! Sophie wasn't so sure! Thank you Uncle Shawn for the OSU outfit... we love it. Notice Claire's Brutus slippers. When you squeeze Brutus' head he plays the Ohio State fight song! GO BUCKEYES!