Lately ...

If I don't say it at least once everyday, I think it. My baby girl is growing up way too fast. She is so fun and silly right now. She communicates so well with me that she's become such a fun little buddy.  Love hanging out with her every day. I thank God for this time daily.

She's started repeating words more frequently. Tonight she said "bawoon" (balloon). It was adorable.

I tried to get some of her sign language on video before she's outgrown it all. The baby sign language has been amazing. It's so great for her to be able to communicate with me rather than whine out of frustration as I've heard many kids do in my years working with kiddos.

Her current signs include: milk, more, all done, pacifier, hungry, thank you, please, brushing teeth, washing hair, chop (which she learned from a wiggles song), round and round (from wheels on the bus).

I caught a few on video:

Claire's sign language from Kristen Holland on Vimeo.

We are looking forward to to nice, quiet Thanksgiving this year. My parents had talked about coming down but they are in the middle of a move and we are starting to prepare for a move. Sweet friends have extended invitations to join their families but honestly, some quiet family time, yummy food and putting up the Christmas Tree sounds just perfect for us this year.

In other news, for those of you who haven't heard it's "No Shave November." Ethan and a bunch of guys at church are participating. It's starting to grow on me ...

We started dating seven years ago this week. 

Crazy how fast the time goes by. 

I love him now more than ever!