Climbing to new heights

Claire has started climbing the stairs and made it to the top of the 14 high stairs. She is pretty fearless though, so you have to stand behind her. She easily pulls herself up and even took some very akward steps pushing the Bumbo chair.

She is almost one - but still seems like such a baby to me. Lots of cute fat rolls still and still likes to cuddle. We are excited to celebrate Claire's birthday in Fargo with all of the Grandparents, Robs sister and my brother who is flying in from South Carolina. It is hard to know what to get her - except maybe something of her own - since she has had mostly hand-me-downs from Alley most of her life.

No significant words yet - I tought I heard her say "Mommy" the other day, Rob thought she said "Thank you" - and daycare thought she said "ball" and "All done". She likes to clap spontaneously and shake her head no to everything.

Feed me!

Claire is certainly a good eater! She eats better than the picky 2 year old that Alley is. Claire hasn't learned patience though and becomes quite vocal when she is getting hungry. I am trying to teach her a few signs in sign language like we did with Alley - but she so far just gets frustrated - almost saying Just Feed Me Already!

She is however starting to use her hands for clapping and trying to figure out a wave - so far she just puts her hand up in the air. No real words yet - a lot of babble - Ba, mamamama, Heyah.

She is pulling herself up on furniture but hasn't lean to cruise or walk along beside them. She is quite the crawler though and quickly is off if you don't watch her. She finds her sister very neat and wants to do everything her she is. I anticipate some fights in our future, as Claire at her young age has figured out how to throw temper tantrums - mostly over a sought after toy.