Claire Elaine Wilson's Baptism

Claire was baptized on Sunday March 9th, 2015 at Saint John Newman Catholic Church. Claire's Godmother is Sister Virginia Maitland (Aunt Ginny) and her Godfather is Uncle Reid. We had a small baptism after mass with both the Wilsons and Smoliks. It was an intimate setting and a beautiful ceremony. The most special part of the event was that Father Bud Roland conducted the baptism, the same priest that married Andrew and I back in 2010 and he also baptized Avery.

 Claire with Father Bud and her Godparents

 The Wilson Family

 The Smolik Family

Avery & Clare Get to Know Eachother

The first time Avery met Claire she said "Mommy, no baby!" and that's how she felt about Claire for a long time. Writing this brings tears to my eyes looking back at how challenging the adjustment was from one baby to two. It's taken almost two years for Avery to realize Claire is here to stay. Now they are inseparable and each others best playmates. But wow, it took us along time to get through it.

Avery Turns 2

I can't believe Avery is 2 years old! She is so mature that I always forget how young she really is. This little ball of fire knows her ABC's, loves to sing and dance and will talk your ear off! She's made so many friends she could tell you everyone's name in her entire school!! Every night as she goes to bed she says "Mommy, you're my best friend." I'm amazed with her every single day!

Maternity Leave

 The rest of maternity leave was a blur.  I took 11 weeks off from work and it felt like it flew by. We spent most of our days walking town lake, eating lunch with my mom, playing tennis and getting to know Clare.

Day date at the Men's University of Texas basketball game.

 

 The many faces of Claire.

 

 Cuddle time. Claire loves to be held. 

 More UT B-ball games.

Christmas 2015

This Christmas we stayed in Austin and did Christmas with the Smoiks. It was nice not to travel because Claire is dependent on the yoga ball. Sitting and bouncing on the ball is the only way to keep her from crying.

 

By the time Claire was 4 weeks old, I was finally able to put together her nursery.

Smolik Trip to New Orleans

We had such a fund Christmas. Our holiday celebration started off with a Smolik family trip to New Orleans. We stayed at Hotel Monteleone. It's perfectly located within the French Quarter, and conveniently attached to the Carousel Bar. Although the weather was a little chilly, Avery loved walking the streets dancing to music and watching all the street performers. We were blessed to find an amazing baby sitter, Mrs. Brenda White, who gave us a much needed break come sundown.

Headed out for dinner with the adults.

 The Carousel Bar

 Avery and Elise, dancing buddies.

Claire Elaine's First Week of Life

Once Claire was born, our life instantly changed. We were in the throws of of the holiday, extended family time and learning to adjust as a family of four. As you can tell by the lack of post over the past two years, it's been completely CRAZY!

We made it home just in time for Thanksgiving. We hosted the Wilson's for the week all got to know Claire together.

Going home from the St. Davids Hospital.

 Out on a Thanksgiving hay ride with the family.

At just one week old, Claire was 19 Inches long (18th percentile), 7.7lbs (24th percentile) and 31.1cm in head circumference (44th percentile)