CEO is 1!!!!!

 

At 1 year Clare is....

21 lbs, and 29 inches long

 

Wearing size 3 diapers,  size 12-18 month clothes and size 4 shoes.

 

Clare is now finishing up her last bit of formula that we had left over, and is also drinking whole milk from cups.  She drinks about 24 oz a day.  No more bottles!  Big girl!  She also loves to drink V8 Fusion, and water.

 

Clare eats all "big people" food, except for grabbers, and she loves most everything we give her.  She likes my cooking, and loves to take things out of her cooking drawer  and help while I make meals.  Clare loves eggplant, bananas, pasta, lemongrass chicken, chicken shu mai, homemade 5 food group meatballs, nitrate free or veggie hot/corn dogs, PIZZA, hamburgers, waffles, turkey sausage, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, quesadillas(with cheese and left over baby food inside), fig newtons, and lots lots more!  Oh...The girl will stand on her head for a goldfish, or teddy graham too!

 

Clare has 8 teeth,  but now almost has 10 though as her two bottom molars are just poking through!  She had her first dentist visit yesterday and they said her pearly whites are gorgeous!  She has been brushing every day, since the first one came in at 4 months, so I would hope so!

 

 

 

Clare loves all things Sesame Street, and when I say loves... I mean LOOOOOVVVVVEEESSSS!  Anytime she sees anything that has to do with Sesame Street, you can count on an ear piercing "WOOK" (aka look) squeal!  She will stop whatever she is doing at the sound of Elmo, and can pick Elmo, Cookie, Big Bird, and Ernie's rubber duckie out when asked for each one.  So smart!  She even had a Sesame Street 1st birthday party!

 

 

Clare is speaking more, and more as well.  She says lots of things that we are not sure we know yet, thank goodness for pointing, but we can pick out quite a bit.  She makes all kinds of sounds and can say HEY, duck, look, Momma, Dada, Nana, dog, drink, good girl, Big Bird, she has a special sound that means Elmo, bye bye, ball, baby, no no, and nods her head yes. :)  At her 1 year checkup she even said "Momma bye bye bye bye".  I think she wanted me to get her out of there before her shots!  We are looking forward to more translations in the future!

 

Clare likes to swing, slide, climb, and walk in her squeaker shoes.  She loves to play ball, play with her "monies"(old debit cards of mine), and likes to check out my mom's BIG dog Nadia with her stethoscope.  She loves to be read to, to listen to music and dance and likes to go to the petting zoo down the street from our house.  She loves anything tht she has to think about, and will stick with things until she gets the hang of it. :)

 

Clare is the best part of our lives, and we are so thankful to have her here.  She makes us feel so loved and so lucky.  She is a witty, funny, smart, beautiful, amazing person.  We can't wait for many more years to come!!!

 

WE LOVE YOU CLARE BEAR!!!

 

 



 

 



CEO is 11 months old!

At 11 months Clare is...

 

 

Wearing size 3 diapers and 12-18 month clothes.

No checkup this month but she is growing so fast!

Clare is drinking 6 ounces of formula every 4 hours-ish during the waking hours. She eats all tablefood, loves grabbers, and anything in the "puff" food group. She loves eggplant, chinese food, and veggie corn dogs. She is eating three meals a day, and a snack. She is still such an adventurous eater!

Clare takes a bottle in the morning, but takes the rest of her formula from a practice cup during the day. She learned to drink from a straw as well. :)

She learned to walk this month!  She had only taken a few steps until her Uncle Michael's bday party.  While he was opening gifts, she stood right up and took off!  There's no stopping her now! 

 

Clare is a very independent little lady who rarely wants help. :) She is even brushing her own teeth most nights.

 

Clare Ellison got to meet Pervis Ellison this month as well!  He thought it was so cool that she is named after him.  He went right up and asked if he could hold her.  She went to him right away!  She wasn't even scared being up so high! ;)

 

 

 

Clare made her first trip to the Ky state fair this month, and got to see real live ducks!  She was SO excited to see the ducks.

 

We are loving every second of getting to experience all these things with her.  It is seeing things through a child's eyes that make them brand ner for us as well!

 

See you next month!



CEO is 10 months!!!

At 10 months Clare is...

Wearing size 3 diapers and 12-18 month clothes.

No checkup this month but she is growing so fast!

Clare is drinking 6 ounces of formula every 4 hours-ish during the waking hours. She eats all tablefood, loves grabbers, and anything in the "puff" food group. She loves fish, salsa and chicken apple meatballs.  She is eating three meals a day, and a snack. She will eat just about any food you put in front of her.  Thank goodness for a good eater!

Clare takes a bottle in the morning, and before bed, but takes the rest of her formula from her Louie the Cardinal Bird sippy cup during the day.  She learned to drink from a straw as well. :)

She is learning something new everyday!  It is so hard to keep up.  I am finding it really hard to leave her to go to work!  I'm so scared I will miss so much at this fast pace!

She is practicing her sounds and words...

Learning to walk...(with Murray and Harry always by her side)

Gearing up for a job in security...

or a greeter...

Clare's favorite game is peekaboo.  Even Bentley joins in sometimes.

She has such a good sense of humor developing.  Her facial expressions tell it all.

Don't blink or you might miss something!!!  We will see you in another short month!!!

CEO is 9 months!

At 9 months Clare is...
(All over the place as you can see!)

Wearing size 3 diapers and 12 month clothes.

She had a check up this month and is "perfect" her Dr says. (Duh)
Clare is 19lbs 12oz, and 28.3 inches long.

Clare is drinking 6 ounces of formula every 4 hours-ish during the waking hours.  She eats tablefood, loves grabbers, and anything in the "puff" food group. She loves pasta just like her momma, and cinnamon apples just like her daddy  She is eating three meals a day, and a snack. We have discovered organic(aka overpriced) blueberry waffles with Cookie Monster on the box!  In addition to her big girl food, Clare found the dog food this month... and liked it. (We have since moved the dogs to dine in the dining room.)

Clare takes a bottle in the morning, and before bed, but takes the rest of her formula from her Louie the Cardinal Bird sippy cup during the day.  She made the transition herself and I was not about to stop her!

 

Clare is crawling, well more like a crab/monkey looking movement, all over the place.  The child has turbo boosters when she gets caught going for something she shouldn't be.  The dogs have been getting a good daily workout running from her!

 

 

She pulls herself up to standing on the furniture, and is mastering going from sitting to standing without help too!

 

 

We are still in love with Elmo and have a new found love for Murray the monster.  He is also on Sesame Street, and red.

Clare sings all our favorite songs that we never knew we loved.  The "dadadada"song, the "go go go" song, etc.  I always tell her that whatever she is singing is my favorite song because they really are the sweetest things I have ever heard.

Clare says momma, daddy, duck(du-ck), bye, go-go-go!, and will immitate just about anything.

She has 8 teeth now, and her doctor says she thinks the one year molars are on their way.

Clare went swimming in the lake for the first time this month and loved it.  No fear!

After a good tickle fest from her dad, and a viewing of 'Elmo Sings with the Stars', she is still sleeping in her own room in her crib at night, for about 11 hours... depending on if teeth are coming. She takes an hour nap late morning, and an hour and a half nap late afternoon.

Clare has been away from her Nana's this month while she heals, and getting to stay home.  She really misses her, but is having fun while she is away.  We are all taking turns during the work week.  Her Gwennie is getting a special day with her now too which they both love!

Great month so far!

CEO is 8 months old!

At 8 months Clare is...

Wearing size 3 diapers and 9-12 month clothes.

Clare is drinking 6 ounces of formula every 4 hours-ish during the waking hours, bites of whatever we are eating, stage 2 and 3 baby food, and anything in the "puff" food group. She LOVES avocado, and could down a bowl of guacamole.  She is eating the food 3 times a day, and puffs for a snack to practice eating on her own. She is doing better with breakfast now that we added pancakes!  Oh and how could I forget that this good little Irish girl loves all things potato?! ;)

Clare likes to drink from a grown up cup on her own, and is very set on doing it herself!  Thankfully water dries quickly.

She is crawling backwards and scooting on her bottom to go forwards.  She is pulling herself to standing position as well.  Even if it does only last for a second.

Cookie monster now scares the begeezus out of her!  My how much can change in a month!  Elmo, on the other hand, is super cute!  He sings about music, and since CEO loves music, that works out well! (He's also much easier to find in stores)

Clare loves to sing along to Adele... but who doesn't really?

She has 7 teeth now.  We are just waiting on one of her top center teeth to come in.  Those suckers are mean!  We need our sleep you mean old teeth!

Clare loves to mock people, and she has also found her LOUD voice.

We bought a small pool to keep in our yard, and she loves going swimming with her Mom mom mom.

No checkup this month, but this morning she was 19.6 lbs.

After a good tickle fest from Dadadada, she is still sleeping in her own room in her crib at night, for about 11 hours... depending on if teeth are coming. She takes an hour nap late morning, and an hour and a half nap late afternoon.

Clare has discovered that she loves thunder.  The sound it makes is LOUD like her new voice!  She loves to sleep to the sound of rain as well.  Sounds like we make have a future storm cuddler on our hands!

She visited the beach this month and although the beach was still kind of scary... The pool and a raft suit this girl just fine. :)

Yep! I'm totally mom enough!

I'm having a hard time with all the discussion surrounding the Time magazine cover.  I haven't read the article, and more than likely won't.  I have some thoughts on the topic of mommyhood and people's strong opinions though.

Before you spread your ideas on how to feed your baby, breast or bottle, or what room they sleep in etc... take into consideration a few things.  Things work differently for different people.  Not everyone is lucky enough to breastfeed successfully. Some pump exclusively. Some mommies just don't want to breastfeed, and want to spend time with their babies while bottle feeding.  Others can breastfeed easily for months or even years.  No matter how you feel on the topic, unless you are asked, be careful how you share your opinon. 

More power to you however you raise your child.  It's the hardest and most rewarding job in the world. More than likely... You're doing an awesome job.

I have tried all three feeding options and struggled through trying to make a decision.  However, my child is a beautiful, smart, and confident baby.  I have a hard time believing that how I got the milk/formula to her had anything to do with that.

Anywho.... I saw this today and I think these are some of the qualities that make you "Mom Enough".  These are the things that matter to me.

Forget about being the best mom in the world. You're the best mother to your children if you:

1. Lead by example.
2. Teach them to speak out on behalf of others.
3. Stop them from passing judgment on others.
4. Show respect to people of all ages, young and old.
5. Let your children learn from their mistakes.
6. Teach your children to play fair.
7. Tell the truth, always.
8. Watch your children for signs of stress, because sometimes actions speak louder than words.
9. Teach your children that blame isn't as important as finding solutions.
10. Introduce them to superheroes who don't wear capes and tights, but do their bit to save the world.
11. Are not afraid to teach your child that he's not always right.
12. Are not afraid to admit that you aren't always right, either.
13. Demonstrate kindness and generosity to others.
14. Teach them to say "Please" and "Thank you."
15. Say "I love you" often.
16. Make your point, without shouting or threats.
17. Teach them that the word is mightier than the punch.
18. Demonstrate respect to friends, families and strangers.
19. Inspire them to follow their dreams.
20. Encourage them to take on responsibilities.
21. Teach them the importance of education.
22. Help them discover the joy of reading.
23. Teach them that nutrition means great health.
24. Compliment them.
25. Can avoid making every decision for them.
26. Hold them to their promises.
27. Deliver on your promises to them.
28. Reward them after a good deed.
29. Teach them to respect their teachers.
30. Show a united front with their father on issues involving their wellbeing.
31. Don't project the personal fears that held you back onto them, as they find their own way in the world.
32. Encourage their creativity.
33. Pass along the message that we all make mistakes-and can be forgiven for them.
34. Remind them that nothing is more important than family and friends.
35. Don't allow them to become bullies.
36. Encourage them to learn from their losses.
37. Teach them to respect their bodies, and the bodies of others.
38. Teach them the joys of fruits and vegetables, as opposed to unhealthy fats, salts, and sugars.
39. Take them on walks, where you initiate long discussions.
40. Answer their questions, openly and honestly
41. Encourage their desire to learn more about the world.
42. Never talk down to them.
43. Give them chores.
44. Trust them to do the right thing.
45. Ask their opinion, and then listen to it.
46. Honor their trust.
47. Allow them to seek their own path.
48. Kiss and hug them often.
49. Love them at every age and stage.
50. Share wonderful experiences with them.

April: Grandpa is 90 and CEO is 7 months!

April went by in a flash!  Our niece Olivia had her first communion, Grandpa turned 90, and Clare turned 7 months.  Here's more on the month!

Here is Livy on her big day and CEO getting ready to go to church.

 

Some of the Shea's, including all Grandpa's children, got together at O'Shea's to celebrate his birthday.  He said he wanted to go to a bar... so a bar it was!  He was the first to order and he chose a Smithwick's right out of the gate.  I followed in his footsteps of course.  Throughout the night we all enjoyed the typical Irish beers, liquors, food, and company.  Below is a video, that begins with the traditional monotone Shea birthday song.  Bless Grandpa!  Here's to many more!

At 7 months Clare is...

(We couldn't pick just one picture!)

Wearing size 3 diapers and 6-12 month clothes.

Clare is eating 6-8 ounces of formula every 4 hours-ish during the day, small pieces of whatever we are eating, stage 2 and 3 baby food, and anything in the "puff" food group.  She is eating the food 3 times a day, and puffs for a snack to practice eating on her own. She is not much of a breakfast girl though!

 

Clare likes to take sips from cups and water bottles.  She prefers practice on her own with a straw or sippy though!

 

 

She has discovered baby sports equipment already.  She is an olympian in the making I think!  She is beginning to say bababa to her ball, and will show it to you when asked where it is.  Smart cookie!  She scoots backwards and is DYING to get down and walk with the big kids.  She also can't get enough of hanging upside down.  Very busy girl!

Speaking of Cookie... he is still her favorite character!

She got her 3rd tooth on her 7 month bday and the 4th should be in shortly!  She loves to have her teeth brushed too!

Clare is a sponge!  She watches and imitates anything if given a chance.  We are being more careful about what we say!

We hung a swing from the tree in our backyard this month, and she loves going as high as you will push her! 

No checkup this month but she is around 17lbs.

She is still sleeping in her own room in her crib at night, for about 11 hours... depending on if teeth are coming.   She takes a 45 min nap late morning, and a two hour nap late afternoon.

Clare can take a bath without her baby tub now, and we finally decided to decorate her bathroom just for her.  We went with rubber duckies since she loves them in the bath so much.  Seems so simple, but that decision was tough!

Clare approves!

CEO is 6 months old!

At 6 months Clare is...

Wearing size 3 diapers and 6-9 month clothes.

Eating 6-8 ounces of formula every 4 hours-ish during the day, AND SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!!!  AMEN AMEN AMEN!!!!

  Clare is eating oatmeal, fruits, veggies, and meats. :) She hasn't met a food she doesn't like yet!  She even got a little taste of salmon and begged for more!  Such grown up taste!

She has also begun giving the sippy cup a whirl.

Clare is such a lovey thing giving kisses, hugs, and lots of cuddles!  She even participates in lazy Sunday mornings in the big bed.

Loves learning new things and wants to do everything everyone else does.

Clare is a total dare devil.  The higher, louder, and funnier the better. 

At her 6 month check up she was:

16.95 lbs, and 27 inches long!

Sleeping in her own room in her crib at night, and while napping.  She takes a 45 min nap late morning, and a two hour nap late afternoon.  She fell asleep in her swing here with her Bebe.

We are having so much fun with this little girl!

She loves laying in Pawpaw's old hammock and smiling up at him and Nana Micou in Heaven!

Sometimes you just need your "Mom mom mom momma"!

It's a running joke in our house that Clare sings a sweet "Dadda" song when she is talking or just plain happy.  This is the majority of the time. :)  (I'll try to get that on video soon!)

When she is sick, or sad, though... She just wants her "Mom mom mom momma".

5 Months Old!

At 5 months Clare is...

Wearing size 2 diapers and 3-6 month clothes.

Eating 6 ounces of formula every 4 hours around the clock with one dream feed during her 12 hour night sleep.  Clare is eating rice oatmeal, fruits and veggies.  :)  She is a very good eater and loves trying new things!  She even tasted guacamole and wanted more more more!

Clare also got her first two teeth this month, and has started to give big wet kisses and bear hugs! 

Loves playing with toys, the doggies and us!

Loves to be scared and to be tickled.  She is beginning to imitate people.

No check up this month but has sure gotten longer!

Sleeping in her own room in her crib at night, and while napping.

Loves loves loves Cookie Monster, and her Bebe!

Just a little something to make you giggle...

4 Months Old!

We forgot to take a 4 month picture with the bear, BUT we got lots of others! 

At 4 months Clare is...

Wearing size 1 diapers and 3-6 month clothes.

Eating 6 ounces of formula every 4 hours around the clock with one dream feed during her 12 hour night sleep.  She also has started on rice cereal and oatmeal.

Loving bath time still!!

Laughing, smiling, blowing raspberries, and playing!

She had her 4 month check up and weighs 14.5lbs, and is 24.5 in long!

Sleeping in her own room in her crib at night, and while napping.

Loves loves loves Cookie Monster!

 

 

Clare got baptized this month at Epiphany.  Her Godmomma's are daddy's sister Aunt Emmy and mommy's bff Heather.  She wore a dress that was cut from my wedding gown, and smiled everytime Father Randy said her name.  She's just such an angel!

 

She sure does enjoy eating "real" food.  Here are few shots from the first try.

See you next month!