Just a Few Updates

While emptying the camera this weekend I found photos from Spencer's first day of school. I am a few weeks behind, but here is what the first day of sophomore year looked like. Spencer walked to his friend Joe's house down the street and caught the bus there.

Claire seeing her big brother off

Spencer attended the homecoming dance on Saturday. A friend of his, Lexi, asked him to go. She is a junior and can drive so she picked him up. They were quite the dapper couple.

I helped with his boutonniere. Lucian always yelps as if I stuck him with a pin. He told Spencer to do the same.

He had dinner with Lexi's friends, which happened to be all girls without dates! I'm pretty sure he is the envy of every sophomore boy after this.
Saturday we went for a nice walk in our neighborhood. We found a beautiful tree that had amazing fall colors already. Where did the summer go?

Claire and I chillin on the couch

The weather on Sunday was beautiful. We spent some time outside letting Claire explore all over the yard and soaking up the sun.I took a few photos and am amazed at how old she looks. She is becoming very independent and curious. And her 2 front top teeth are starting to pop through.

12 Month Check-up

Claire had her 1-year wellness check-up last week. She got a few shots and had a finger prick to to check her iron level and a few other things. It wasn't her favorite visit, but she did great. Here are her stats:
Weight: 22lb 5oz (75%)
Length: 31" (95%)
Head circumference: 47.5cm (95%)

The nurse and the doctor marvel at her hair length. They claim they have never seen a baby her age with that much hair. The doc actually said his 4-year old doesn't have that much hair! We have yet to cut it, but I think a little trim may be in her future.



Lucian and I attended an Oktoberfest party briefly Saturday night. We didn't stay too late because Lucian was riding in a 100 mile bike ride the following morning (and our sitters were heading back to Rockford). After sampling a few beers, he didn't want to leave, but I bet he was thanking me some time the next morning. He had a really great ride, I envy his endurance.

At the party with Lucian's cousin Bridget. She just returned from a year in South Korea. We were swapping Thailand stories, she traveled there as well.

On Sunday Claire and I hit the outlet mall with Auntie M. She is quite the bargain hunter, it was fun to tag along. Claire really liked having this hat on for a while. Of course, not by the time we dug a phone out to take a pic.

Lastly, I may have started a war in our house. I bought Claire a Chicago Bears shirt while at the outlet mall. After she woke from her afternoon nap, I tried it on her and handed her to Lucian. He said "That's ok, she will have a Packers cheerleading outfit very soon." We'll see. I'm pretty sure she's ready for the Packers vs. Bears game on Monday. It's tough to grow up in a divided house:)

Croquet Ball

Saturday Lucian and I attended the Penfield Croquet Ball to benefit the Penfield Children's Center in Milwaukee. They offer a special care nursery and numerous therapies for infants and young children of all backgrounds and ability. Lucian's agency (Cramer-Krasselt) does quite a bit of pro bono work for the organization and Lucian was heavily involved this year. C-K offered him tickets to the ball as recognition. The event was black tie - I don't think we've looked this good since our wedding!

Lucian was volunteered to play croquet for our table. There was a speed match before the dinner event. He finished first in his group!

The event took place at a local country club and consisted of a cocktail hour outside, silent and live auctions, dinner and a wonderful speaker; a woman who's family benefited from the center. Her story was extremely touching, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

1st Birthday Party!

Last Monday we threw a first birthday party for Miss Claire Brooke. Labor day was my official due date, so it seemed fitting. The long weekend allowed for her Uncle Jesse and Lucian's Aunt Sandi and Uncle Jeff to join us from out of town as well.

I planned the party for 3pm, right after Claire's afternoon nap. We were hoping to use our deck to gain some additional space, so the morning rain worried me a bit. Around party time though it was dry. We grilled brats and burgers and got help from aunts and nanas with the side dishes. It really made a huge difference only planning the main course and dessert.

The grill master

Claire and Grandpa Joe

The cousins outside: Spencer, Geremiah & Lucy

Auntie M and the birthday girl

I made 5 tissue paper pom poms and hung them over our dining room table. We got a few balloon bouquets too, the house felt so festive. Most of the pom poms are still hanging. We lift Claire up and let her touch them... she has pulled 2 down so far.

We did cupcakes for her cake. They were chocolate fudge, red velvet and white chiffon. Delicious!

Claire with her personalized birthday tiara. To my surprise she left it on! She loved hearing us all sing happy birthday to her.

Blowing out the candle

Her first cupcake!

Messy girl. Lucian made me resist my urge to wipe off her hands and face (it was difficult). At one point though, she started picking it off her own hands and got a little bothered by the mess. I gave her a quick wipe down then and let her back at it.

Oh my!

Claire and her friend Sydney

Sydney and Claire's cousin Lydia helped open gifts. Thank goodness, because the attention span of a 1-year old is about 30 seconds.

Sydney helping me and Claire playing at the screen door

Claire loves her new wheely bug. She pushes it around the house on her knees right now.

The party was great fun. Luckily we don't host that many people all that often. It's exhausting! I'll leave you with a few shots of Claire on her actual birthday. I know I've said that about 10 times already, but it's hard to believe she is 1-year old! What a great year.

Getting into Mama's purse

She looks so big!

Wearing her new "1-sie" - get it? Onesie?

Nana's Surprise

Dave planned a surprise 60th birthday party last Friday for Nana Kathleen. We were all waiting for her as she thought she was arriving to dinner with her parents. She was genuinely surprised, partially because her birthday is a month and a half away. And because everyone did an excellent job keeing it a secret.

Lucian's brother Jesse was able to make it in from Atlanta for the celebration. And he was able to stay for Claire's party on Labor Day as well. Happy (early) birthday Nana!

Kathleen, Lucian and Auntie Blanca

You've got to love that babies can sleep in the middle of a party. Auntie Sarah was the lucky winner that night.

I'll leave you with some new cute photos of Claire. She loves to stand at the doors and yell outside and wave.