Santa's Little Helper

Seriously, this outfit is so cute it merited its own post.  OMG, I can't stand how adorable she is.  She loves the oven because she can stand up with the help of the bar and look at herself in the shiny part.  Good times.

Claire found this phone in the trash.  It used to be one of the ranch intercoms, but it was extra and she kept pulling it down on top of herself, so we got rid of it - or so we thought.  She finds it amazing!  She chews on all the different parts and just bangs in around (I keep teaching her my cell phone number but it's not taking, for some reason).  Needless to say, it is trash no more, it has been added to "Claire's Mountain of Things She Occasionally Likes to Play With"  (yes, this is a real place in the house)

On the Move

These are a bunch of funny pictures that Mom (Gamma) took of Claire during her stay.  A lot of them are of her getting up from naps, which is usually her happiest time of the day.  She loves to climb on people and is trying to figure out new ways to walk around the room - with help, of course.

This is my walker, but I don't like .to use it in the traditional way - too constricting.  I like to hold it and walk alongside of it.  It still fulfills the purpose, and when I get bored I don't need to depend on some adult to get me out.

Swimming Lessons

Claire's swimming class is amazing.  In the first four lessons, they have learned how to go underwater, do a modified dive off the side of the pool, splash and kick on the steps, float on her back, and float on her sides.  It's hard core!  You know what else is hard core, the lifeguards who are like Nazi's guarding the pool.  Video can only be taken for 10 minutes, photos for 2, and suddenly Gamma is no longer allowed in the pool deck,she has to wait in the "observation area" or in the far bleachers because it's a "closed deck"  and she is a distraction.  I'm sorry, did I sign my child up for some kind of Jr. Olympics program that I'm unaware of?  It's ridiculous!!!  Clearly getting a whistle and a life vest is too much power!

But onto happier things...  like the fact that The Peanut is turning into a fish.

Getting in the pool for our swimming lesson with Mary Pat.

 Look how cute I am in my bathing suit.

 Ooooh, a toy.  This class just got much better.

 C'mon Mom, lets catch this thing!

 My friend Augie made this picture, he was born 8 days after me.  He's an amazing swimmer!

Floating on my side and putting my ear in the water. Not the most comfortable position, but I do it.

I like being on my back better.

Good class!   I'm learning so much.