Amy and Jered's daughter, Ava, arrived on August 14th, while Claire was away visiting Laney and Papi in New Hampshire. I can't even remember when (if?) Claire was ever that small. Next to Ava, Claire is a bit of a monster, and has equivalent social skills... Her only interaction with her cousin so far consists of pointing at her and grunting angrily.
A day at our friends' pool was a nice respite this week from Claire feeding herself barnacles, rocks, and shells on the beach (she likes salty foods).
Our trip to Chicago was planned around two big, happy events... Missy's baby shower and Heather Lewis' wedding. It was also the first time we left Claire overnight. (she did great with the Veenema grandparents.) As much as we missed her it was a weekend to remember -- late nights, dining out, lots of laughs, not much sleep, some shopping, and just some time for ourselves with people we love... Just wishing we all lived closer together.
Seeing Heather's happiness on her wedding day, and Missy carrying the soon-to-arrive baby Zion were special reminders of two of life's best moments: becoming a wife and becoming a mother.
Almost all of the current Ferguson cousins were together at the lake recently -- including 2 of the 3 in utero. This was the most successful attempt at putting them all together for a picture...
A weekly highlight of every summer: trips to Appleton Farms. This week we shared a picnic with Meg & Tim and the kids after picking snap peas and strawberries. Claire always loves hanging out with her cousins -- and no one can make her laugh like Cole.
Meg hooked us up with a Landmark pass, which gives us easy (and free) access to West Beach in Beverly Farms. To our surprise, Claire enjoyed both the frigid water and the taste of saltwater mud.
A great old friend from high school was married last weekend on Ames Hill Road in VT. It was an amazing time. The ceremony in the upstairs of the barn; taps to micro-brews protruding from a nearby trailer; some bluegrass; some great food; some great speeches; and most importantly a lot of laughs with great friends. A perfect summer wedding.
So, one of Claire's favorite 'toys' is the guitar. We've developed the habit of simply laying our guitars on the floor and leaving her in the living room to entertain herself. Her playing style currently emphasizes the percussion elements of the guitar, which would probably grow tiresome if she were more committed to practicing. Gratefully, the blocks and books that often litter the living room floor are easy distractions, and she quickly moves from banging on the guitar to looking at a book.
Only 9 months old and Claire is already sick of having a camera in her face all of the time. We only have ourselves to blame.
Though it's hard to believe this morning, as icy rain pours down on several inches of snow, last weekend and this past week gave us a taste of spring -- one that we will attempt to recall as we shovel and skate our way through THIS weekend. Tuck's Point is near Meg's school, and we'll often go up there, park at landmark, and take a run along the water. The pay-off to Claire for riding in the babyjogger is some time on the swings... One of her favorite activities these days.
Colleen sent us this dress a while back and specifically requested a few photos. This is one of the better ones.
Finally, several months into winter, Claire gets a decent coat. Also visible in this shot is her ever-present pacifier chain, a favorite from Moolka, a great source for cool baby stuff.
