In My Daughter's Eyes

The other day I was in the car and heard a song by Martina McBride called "In My Daughter's Eyes". I have listened to this song in the past, but I'm pretty sure it was before I had Claire. Hearing it again after having two daughter's was emotional for me. I love the lyrics... they are just so true! Life is so different when you are a mother and you look at life through your child's eyes. Your views and perspectives TOTALLY change. I love how it has changed me. Being a mother has made me a better person, more loving and compassionate. I am so thankful God allowed me to have two beautiful little girls. I thank Him everyday for the gift of motherhood. It is the best gift imaginable! To watch the video of Martina singing this song click on this link...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLS0Y40WwlA

In My Daughter's Eyes

In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I want to be
In my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes
Everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light
And the world is at peace

This miracle God gave to me
Gives me strength when I'm weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes

And when she wraps her hand around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart
Has had enough
It's givin' more when you feel like givin' up
I've seen the light
It's in my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes
I can see the future
A reflection of who I am

And what we'll be
And though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone

I hope you'll see
How happy she made me
For I'll be there
In my daughter's eyes

First Time SLEDDING!

Yes... my baby went sledding. I have to admit, I was not in favor of the whole sledding idea when Ben mentioned he waned to take Claire recently. Ben assured me she would be fine so Ben, Grammy & Grandpa and Claire headed out for some fun. I wasn't sure Claire would enjoy it because she can be hesitant about new things at first (of which I am SO thankful for... she normally isn't a daredevil!). Well, she proved me wrong this time! Claire loved sledding and even wanted to pull her sled back up the hill all by herself! Grammy got some great pictures of their snow adventure! Despite the fun... WE ARE READY FOR SPRING and warm weather activities!!

All bundled up!

Daddy & Claire out for some wintertime fun!!

I love this "from behind" shot of Grandpa, Claire & Daddy going up the hill!

Grandpa, Claire & Daddy from the front!

Claire was adamant about taking her sled up the hill by herself!

Going DOWN!

Grammy and Grandpa with their snow bunny!!

TWO Months Old!

Well... I am a little late posting Anna's 2 month pictures, but better late than never! On February 21, Anna turned two months old. She is getting so big! She is very alert now... does NOT like to be held like a baby. She wants to be held facing out so she can see what's going on! She continues to smile all the time and has started to become verbal. She coos and talks to us now... especially to Claire! When she was 9 weeks old she began rolling over. I couldn't believe it. At first I thought it was a fluke, but she preceeded to roll over 5 more times that evening! I still can't believe my little baby is rolling. She also started reaching/batting at objects. It's amazing how quickly they grow and develop!

At her 2 month well check, Anna weighed 10.8 pounds (50th percentile), 23 inches long (75th percentile) and her head continues to stay in the 3oth percentile. She is such a sweet baby and has such a joyful spirit. I can't imagine our life and family without her!!

I am lucky enough to see this smile MANY times a day!

Anna recently discovered her tongue!

My little cuties!

How funny is this!!

Good Times!

Last week we had two days of play time with friends and family. Tuesday afternoon Landon and Anna came to play and on Wednesday Cousin Caroline came over! We had so much fun hanging out with everyone!!

Claire LOVES her cousin Caroline. She recently started saying her name which is so cute. It kind of sounds like "Arowine". At one point she said it better, but she get's lazy with her words after she has been saying them for a while!

Claire & Caroline playing in Claire's crib! Aren't they adorable?? They are both very active little girls, but they are so much fun and so cute together!

"WE WANT FOOD, WE WANT FOOD!"

Aunt Heather made us a delicious dinner. Thanks Heather... we really appreciate you bringing over all the great food!

Anna smiling at Miss Deanna. Deanna is getting some practice holding a little girl. She is going to have a baby girl in May!

Anna was just passing out the smiles. Here she is cheesing it up with Miss Brittney! Brittney is also due in May with baby Grant. We can't wait to meet Grant and Olivia!

Our two little Anna's! Big Anna wasn't so sure about having another Anna. It was a bit confusing for her!

The gang... Claire, Landon and Anna!

Anna & Claire were both VERY ready for their afternoon naps! They are both sharing Claire's pillow and Anna found one of Claire's pacifiers to use!

As you can see... Claire likes to entertain in her crib!

Thanks to Deanna and Brittney for bringing over lunch. We had Cheesecake Factory for the adults and Wendy's for the kids!! YUM!

Daddy... Will You Be My Valentine?

Happy Valentine's Day Daddy! We love you bunches!! Thank you for working hard for us so Mommy can stay home and take care us.

I know Ben hopes he is the only Valentine in Claire and Anna's life for a very, very, very long time!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

How sweet is this picture? I love how Claire is holding Anna's hand and talking to her!

Claire always presses her head up against Anna's face! It's her form of affection!!

TOO CUTE!! Love, love, love it!

Look at these faces. You just want to eat them up! They're edible!!

Claire is fascinated with Anna's face. She touches her face all the time. She points to her eyes, nose, ears, mouth, lips. She has been able to recognize body parts for a long time, but she is recently started to verbalize all the parts too! Claire's vocabulary has exploded within the last several weeks. It's so much fun!

Sharing my Snack!

Claire is very good (too good sometimes!) at sharing her snacks and juice and pacifiers and anything she has with her baby sister! I was able to capture some pictures of Claire attempting to feed Anna her "fishies" (goldfish). It's hard to scold her because it's just so cute! She is so sweet with her. I love to watch Claire's maternal instincts coming out with Anna!

"Do you want one of my fishies Anna? They're yummy!!"

"Mmmm, that is good Claire! Thanks for sharing them with me!!"

"You're welcome Anna! You can have my fishies anytime!"

Always smiling!!

I think Claire is really starting to look like a big girl. I'm sure it is partly because I am comparing her to Anna now!

Happy Birthday Aunt Beth

Last night we celebrated Aunt Beth's 23rd birthday. Yesterday was her actual birthday so it was nice to be able to spend time with Aunt Beth! We had a great time eating a delicious homemade dinner by Grammy and hanging out! Claire liked helping Aunt Beth open up her gifts and she also enjoyed the cake and ice cream... YUM YUM!!!

Happy Birthday Aunt Beth. We love you very much!

Anna with Aunt Beth (above) and Papa (below)

Helping Aunt Beth blow out her candles! Make a wish...

Aunt Beth holding the girls!

Our little CUTIE!

Claire loves her Aunt Beth! Beth always plays with Claire, here they are playing on the ground!!

Claire assisted Beth in the gift opening!

Claire's favorite gift was the umbrella Aunt Beth received from Grammy!