Every Moment ...

Claire is 18-months old ... I can't believe I just typed that. She has had a bit of a growth spurt the past couple of weeks and she just seems so big. She is so fun and funny - I know, I always say that. But at every age Ethan and I just gush about how fun and hilarious she is.

She turned 18-months old last Friday. Something about 18-months just seems like a big milestone ... so we took her out for a half-birthday breakfast to celebrate and gave her a little stuffed giraffe. You can never celebrate the lives of the people you love enough ... never.

Love - Love -Love that cheesy grin.

We had a great time and then Claire and I went to her 18-month check up. Unfortunately, she was given two shots - but shook it off and was smiles and giggles again by the time we left. (Nothing a sucker and sticker won't fix!) She's still growing healthy and fast and is in the 80 percentile for height and weight.

We are settling into our new home and life is getting a bit back to normal. Things still seem to be crazy busy, but it's nice to have our routine back.

We know a family who lost their 3 year old little girl about a year ago. I follow their blog, and hesitate almost every time before reading an updated post. I know reading it will tear my heart out. However, I'm so encouraged by their faith and perspective. While our eyes are in the present and looking towards the future - sometimes taking a moment to remember what God has brought us through helps us cherish each and every moment. After losing a baby, I can only imagine the anguish that would come with losing a little girl you knew for only three years.

We cherish our baby girl so much, every day.

Ethan is looking forward to a much need Daddy-Daughter weekend with little miss. I'm headed off with a bunch of girl friends to the women's retreat our church is putting on. So excited to get away with my friends but anxious about leaving Claire for two nights! Ethan is really looking forward to the alone time with her and it will be great for both of them. He is such a sweet, patient Daddy. I'm so blessed by his love for us and his desire to lead and provide for us. I can't wait to see him with a little boy!

The little guy is growing fast as well. Too fast. He's REALLY active and keeps me up at night. I feel 8 months pregnant at only 28 weeks but my wonderful OB assured us that's completely normal with the second pregnancy. I can only imagine what it might be like with a third! We are narrowing the crazy long list of names down and have some favorites, but haven't made any final decisions yet. It's so funny that naming a boy is so much harder than it was for us to name a girl!