Special News from Anna Claire

Anna Claire is proud to report that she will become a big sister around June 28th!

Farewell's are Never Fun

On November 10th, my sweet and precious Granddaddy took his last breath. It has been a long and hard-fought battle and at this point, even through the sadness, we are all grateful that the suffering has ended. I am fortunate to have spent a lot of time with him over the years and most importantly, recently. He was the most loving, proud and supportive Grandfather and Great-Grandfather and I only wish that our future nieces, nephews and children could experience his love.

Our trip last month to Amelia Island will forever be one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I am so blessed to have had a Granddady like JD Layton and I am so happy that Anna Claire was granted the opportunity to love him and feel his love.

Halloween

Anna Claire had a wonderful Halloween with friends! This year she was truly amazed by the costumes (especially her own) and the act of giving and receiving candy. Holidays are so much fun! Below are a few photos from our fun dressing up and hanging out with friends. Pictured with AC are Lyla Welch and Sophia Williams.

Pumpkin Patch

We enjoyed a beautiful, fall afternoon together as a family at the pumpkin patch. Anna Claire was amazed by all of the pumpkins and fun things to do at the patch. It will be even more fun to return next year!

Beach Babe

**I wrote this post nearly two weeks ago and had a hard time getting photos to upload... therefore a little delay. Unfortunately since our return, Granddaddy's health has declined sharply and we are grieving that his days on earth are numbered. I am so thankful to have taken this final journey with him to the beach so he could admire the beauty of the ocean, fish off the pier, be with family and play with Anna Claire. Those memories will be with me forever.**

I know it has been way too long, but we have been busy as usual. Thankfully we recently got away from the daily grind and made a trip south to Amelia Island, Florida with Honey, Poppy, Grandmommy and Graddaddy. What a great trip with the grandparents and great grandparents from my side! We had beautiful weather and made many special memories, especially with my sweet Granddaddy who is in the final stages of his very special life (damn cancer!) We enjoyed just being with he and my grandmother and spending time together as a family. MB, Alex and Chris were able to join us for a couple of days and it was great to have everyone together.

Anna Claire LOVED the beach. This was her second appearance on the beach; however the last trip AC was only 6 months old and wasn't really into it in the baby stage. This time around she loved the sun, sand and sea! She was fearless in the pool and in the ocean. In fact, the mighty Atlantic waves would crash upon her and she would laugh and squeal. We all had a fantastic time just watching her play. We returned home Monday and since then I have heard LOTS of stories about the beach, ocean, pool, sand castles and Grandmommy and Granddaddy! Did I mention that she is really talking up a storm? She is speaking in full sentences all of the sudden! While at the beach she grabbed my face one evening, hugged me and said "Ahhh. Don't be scared Mommy, it's just a doggy." There was no doggy in sight, but I had to laugh. Last night she told Brad after her bath "I want to go downstairs and see Mommy." We are really enjoying two so far and find that the tantrums are even less frequent than before as she learns to communicate for effectively. She was a trooper in the car (thank goodness) and loved being on vacation. She keeps telling me "Go back to my house. My beach house." I wish, darlin!

You're TWO already?

September 22, 2010

Anna Claire,

Happy birthday! I can't believe that two years have come and gone since we brought you into this world. Each day you have learned something new and found some way to insert an immeasurable amount of joy into our lives. We know that "they" say the terrible two's are the pits, but even with the occassional tantrum or act of defiance, you are a smart, sweet, funny, beautiful and amazing little gal. Lately you really love to dress up and adore anything that might be related to a "princess" way of life. You bounce, hop, run, skip and dance your way through most days. You LOVE a party and prefer to be around a group of people or your "friends." You are becoming more and more independent these days and you are really using your words. I hear, "I do it" or "Mommy, I can't do it" many times every day. But, you CAN do anything you want to do - Daddy and I will be here to help you along the way. Yesterday you told me "I don't wanna be two." I asked you what you wanted to be and you said, "three." That was quite cute, but if it is ok with you, I think we will enjoy each and every day with you. No need to hurry!

All my love,

Mommy


9-22-10

More birthday pics to follow...