Bumbo Seat

We hung some bug-toys on the dinner room light fixture for our bug's entertainment

As you can see, she loves them.

"Aren't I a big girl sitting up in my bumbo? Although, I can't take my eyes off my bugs!"

NC Visitor

Our good friend and former neighbor Miss Becky came to a visit.


"You're funny!"


"Huh? Now, I don't understand what you're saying."

Spring Break Visitor in February

Clara's Aunt Elizabeth (a.k.a. Aunt B) came to visit for a couple of days of her Spring break. At the University of Michigan I guess they consider February Spring...oh well.

"Aunt B, I like these stories."


"Are you going to read to me when you stay with us for the summer.

"I'm sleepy Aunt B."

Sam's End of Chemo Party!!!

On Sunday, February 19, we attended a party to celebrate Clara's brave 11-year old cousin Sam who has successfully finished his full-course of chemotherapy treatments. It was quite a party with a menu picked entirely by Sam that consisted of pizza, cake, and full-sized candy bars. We are very proud of Sam and very happy that he's made it through this part of his journey in defeating his illness.

Sam holding his cousin Clara. What a couple of cuties!

"I love you Sam!"

Some quick pictures of Clara in her party dress!

"More pictures, Dad?"

"I never feel very big in Uncle Doug's arms."

There were a lot of people at the party, and Clara was zoning a little as you can see when Doug was holding her.

Aunt Suzanne holding the bug.

Cleo and the Jingle wore themselves out playing.

Clara helped Aunt Dawn hold the bottle as cousin Jamie, Aunt Vera, and Uncle Dale look on.

Jamie was pretty excited to hold her youngest cousin. Clara was certainly happy to oblige.

Aunt Lisa and Sam watch as Jamie gives Clara the rest of her bottle.

"Cool Balloons!!"

"Uncle Dave, you're so silly!"

Aunt Lisa has been waiting all day to hold Miss Clara.

"I'm not sure what I said that was so funny, but I like making my Aunt Lisa laugh!"

"Are you asleep Uncle Dave?"

Clara's cousin Ben also has been waiting all day to hold the bug.

"Ben, you're a good snuggler!" Do you thing Jamie wants another turn?

Yeah, I guess she wanted another turn to hold the Clara-bug! Clara looks pretty happy too.

Clara is number 1!

This picture cracks me up. Nana took this picture when she was watching Clara while Steph is closing out her old job on the Hill.



Nana also got Clara some tummy time.



Jack is enjoying the visit from his Nana too.

Some quality time with Nana!

"What happens next Nana?"

New Coat

Clara got this cool coat and hat from her Nanna. It keeps her really warm...like they'd wear in Albany!

You like the coat don't you sweetie?

Doting Grand Parents

Nana, Grammy, and Ganddad visiting Clara.

Clara and her Nana.

Clara is starting to notice her Jackson!

I have to hand it to the Dems!

They start grassroots recruiting early! Holding Clara is Congressman James Oberstar of Minnesota, Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and of course, Steph's boss. This past week, Steph was up visiting her office while still on maternity leave and the Chairman was happy to hold Clara and give her the bottle. You can tell the Congressman has some experience with babies! You think this will be a neat picture for Clara to have one day?

Clara's Outfits

Here Miss Clara modeling some of her many outfits.


Clara got lots of compliments on this ensemble. (Please ignore the drool.) Picture from 2/9/2007.

"Is it just me, or does this seem a bit short to anyone else?" Picture from 1/27/2007.

"Accessories are a very important part of any outfit." Picture from 1/27/2007.

"Daddy really likes this one...I don't know why!"
(If you can't tell, it says 'Daddy's Girl' on it). Picture from 1/25/2007.

A Night Out!

On Friday (February 2, 2007), Steph and I had our first night alone out since Clara was born. Although it was NOT my choice of concert, I agreed to go since Steph really wanted me to go with her and I did owe her since she did give me pretty much the best gift in the world (Clara). She had bought tickets to the Justin Timberlake concert. We had some very special baby-sitters, our dear friends Christine and Rudy and their beautiful daughter Solana (Laney). They were nice enough to offer to come to our house and spend the night so we could go out and not worry about getting home in a hurry.

Christine and Laney. (Rudy, I thought you'd like this picture).

Rudy and our bug.

I love how Clara is holding Rudy's finger in this picture. Rudy is a natural with the babies! Although, I have it on good authority (Christine) that Rudy was somewhat of a baby hog while we were out. :-)

Laney didn't manage to wait up for us!

Thanks guys! We really appreciated the baby sitting. You guys are very sweet.