Spring 2012

Emily is almost 3 months now! It blows me a way to think about it. The last few weeks have gone by so quickly and I am so excited for the change of weather. Today we went to the Wonder Room in Ballston Lake to check out the place, play with friends & get out of the house. Clare's swimming had been canceled & what a great place for a visit this morning. It's a new house set up as a preschool/child play center focused on free play, art, science & exploration. Perfect for our 3 year old. Clare's favorite was the past wheels. She spent about 2 hours pouring, sorting & organizing pasta wheels while Emily was fast asleep in her stroller. It definitely receives an A from us!

Winter 2012

It has been an exciting time for us. Emily arrived right before Christmas! She was born 8 lb 5 oz on December 21st. She is a happy, healthy, sweet baby. Clare is doing great in her new Big Sister role & I have been enjoying every minute. My mother has been helping us & I have been so spoiled with a 6+ week visit. Unfortunately it is ending soon & she will be traveling back to Washington, but I have loved this time & feel the girls have benefited so much from having Grandma around.
Christmas was a happy blur. Clare was thrilled with the whole season. We enjoyed finding tasks from our advent calendar & she was excited with every moment. I think our favorites from advent were breakfast for dinner, going to Disney on Ice & visiting Mommy & Baby sister in the hospital. She has continued a strong interest in "Cars" & I was beginning to know all the words of Cars 2, however, our blue ray player recently broke=).
Seth has been enjoying work & has been extremely busy studying for an important test. We've been so lucky to have great neighbors to take Max on walks for us during this busy time. Hopefully he'll be in obidience training in the Spring. I have been busy organizing & will be finishing up the nursery in the next few weeks- after Seth's test=)

October 2011

It has been a busy time. I'm now in my 3rd trimester and trying to get things ready for a little one to join our family. Max has adapted well and acts like a puppy in a BIG dog body. Clare absolutely adores him and the two keep me very busy. Both are potty trained & I am enjoying the break from accidents & diapers!
We've had a lot of changes for our family the past 2 months. Seth had an opportunity come up and has changed jobs. It's been a bit of a rollercoaster at times but we've made it through the transition. Although we were very sad it didn't work out were we were we feel so fortunate for where life is taking us.
Clare is in her second month of preschool and loves it. We've added a few activities to our list and school is her favorite. It's wonderful to see her learning and loving life.
For me I feel very blessed. Most of the time we are healthy (a few colds are catching us here & there) and as a family we have met some really great friends. I've been continuing to work on my project of "organizing the office". Including putting together my coupon binder, getting scrap booking things together, and everything else that fills the room! It has been my catch all for a while now and I feel so rejuvinated to cleanse the space of excess.
Our other projects have been very low cost as well. Seth recently organized the storage unit and it may sound strange but I feel a sense of calmness when I walk in. Clare's room was a fun project- just new big girl furniture and sorting things to pass on. Now on to the nursery. I have been procrastinating but this is my big project ahead. Dreaming of paint colors, bedding and the layout...

Meet Maxwell!

Our new puppy Max. He is a sweet dog & we are so happy to welcome him to the family. His birthday is in March and we were able to have him come home with us in May. John & Risa were out visiting shortly after he came home and it was great to have them meet him. Potty trained now. And Clare is doing great with potty training too. I think I may have a little break untill December!

Summer 2011

It's been an exciting summer. We started in June with a trip to Washington for John's graduation from Medical School. It was great to be there and we are so proud of him. Now he has started his career in the Navy & is making it though his first summer of residency in Family Practice. He & Risa are also busy planning for their wedding day next August!
We were able to make a trip down to PA for Cassie & Jeff's wedding. It was great to see them & their family. It was a beautiful day in the garden. Grandma & Grandpa came out for the event and were able to travel back with us for a few days. It was so wonderful to spend time with everyone. Uncle Chuck & Aunt Cherie came up and we all had a great feast on fresh lobster. I feel so blessed to have such a great family & we all treasured the time.
In July we also made it to the local parade with our friends Karolyn & Glenn & went to a great 4th of July party. Clare has been growing so fast & she has made a few really good friends here. It's so cute to see her develop friendships. She has a loving personality and truly cares about others. This was our first year as members of the town pool and Clare & I enjoyed many days of lessons & relaxing. My parents came out for a trip in early July and it was so fun to have them. Max fell in love with my Dad & Clare loved gobbling up the time with her Grandparents!
In late July we took Clare on her first camping trip. We had the hottest weather of the summer & it was beautiful. Holly & Ted came up for one of the days and we were able to spend a lot of time on the water.
August has been a blur. A trip to visit Seth's family & Desiree & Anthony's wedding on the 20th. It has definately been wedding season for us. Unfortunately Clare & I weren't able to travel back to Washington for Robin's wedding. We were so happy to be at her shower in May though.

Spring 2011

Well, again it has been a while since I have updated our blog. It has been an exciting year and we have settled in. The winter has been long and finally the snow is gone and I can see our yard. Clare is enjoying preschool and swimming. She'll be starting a spanish class this week. Seth has been having an exciting time at work. Last week he traveled to WA DC for a day on the hill for Oral Surgery. He has had some really great experiences since our move here and I think the biggest has been the mentorship he has gotten with the practice he is working in. We feel very fortunate for the people we have met since moving here and it really is beginning to feel like home.
Last week we had a great time with our friend's the Webster Family. Christy, Randy & Lucy made it out here for a baptism and I'm so happy we made the list of places to see! We had so much fun with them and the girls, just 6 days apart, had so much fun together. Clare is still saying "Mommy, I want to see Lucy Goosey"!
We had a great time with them here, in Clifton Park and then were able to meet up with them in NYC for the Broadway show "Billy Elliot"--- amazing!
Christy has been one of my best friends from highschool and on May 1st our family will be helping to support Team Lucy in the Clifton Park Cystic Fibrosis walk. Even though we're about 3,000 miles away I feel so good about being able to be a part of the walk & the best part is Team Lucy is now a National Team for Great Strides (largest fundraising organization for CF research). Everyday I believe we are closer to a cure! Below is a letter for Team Lucy.



Dear Friends & Family,

The fight against Cystic Fibrosis is very close to my heart. In 2008 my best friend’s daughter, Lucy, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth and is facing the disease every day. I would like to invite you and your family to walk with Clare, Seth & I in the Clifton Park Cystic Fibrosis (CF) 3K walk on May 1st at Okte Elementary School at 10am.

Registration information about our team “Team Lucy” can be found on www.cff.org/great_ strides/katiefarren or please call me at (518)724-3704. There is no registration fee for the walk but donations are greatly appreciated. Our main goal this year is to have people walk with us and help spread awareness for fighting Cystic Fibrosis. To show our support for Team Lucy- Clifton Park, NY, t-shirts will be available for $5. Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to order a shirt in your size. Below is more specific information about the disease & the Great Strides walk:

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that substantially impairs normal respiratory and digestive functions, making the simple acts of breathing and eating a challenge. Advances continue to be made in finding a cure, but your help is needed now, more than ever, to keep up the momentum of this life-saving research. For the first time in the CF Foundation’s history, scientific opportunities are coming at a pace that is exceeding our ability to fund them.

Also, if you would like to make a donation of $5, $10 or $25 for the fight against Cystic Fibrosis please send a donation check, made payable to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, to my attention at 5 Patriot Circle, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Or, you may make a secure online contribution at my fundraising website:

www.cff.org/great_strides/katiefarren

You’ll feel confident in knowing that your generous gift is used efficiently and effectively; nearly 90 percent of every dollar of revenue goes to support vital CF research, medical and education programs. Plus, your gift is tax-deductible.

Thank you for supporting the mission of the CF Foundation!

Katie Farren
Team Leader, Team Lucy Clifton Park, NY

Happy Holidays & Recapping 2010!

This has been the most exciting and busy years for us! So many new beginnings and great memories. I wanted to take some time to tell our friends and family how much we love everyone and how much your support has meant to us. These are some of the things that happened this year & what we've been up to recently...
Clare enjoyed swimming lessons in Long Island during the Winter months- hopefully we'll be able to start those again soon.
Clare & I traveled to Washington in the Spring for Erin's Bridal Shower!
Seth's Grandfather Corny passed away.
We bought our first home and moved from Long Island!
Seth finished Residency! 4 great years!
We enjoyed the summer in our new home visiting with friends and family. Enojoying Lake George with Seth's new practice & visits to Nana & Poppi's pool.
Clare turned 2 and we had a great celebration for moving & her birthday!
Clare started a 2 year old class at a local preschool and is loving it!
We had a great trip to Lake Geneva visiting Ted & Angelica, Chicago & Denver for Jeff & Erika's wedding in September!
Clare was a Care Bear for Halloween & I started working.
November Clare & I traveled to Washington to visit family while Seth was taking a course for his boards and then soaked up some sun on Oahu with my parent's, John & Risa!
Our first Thanksgiving in our new home & Seth & my first 5K at the Troy Turkey Trot!
It's been a great year & we're so excited for our first Christmas here! I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and Happy 2011!

Summer Time

We have had an exciting summer. Moving, new house, Seth's new job, and great weather. Clare is growing so quickly and saying new words everyday. Sometimes I look at her and wonder "where did the baby go". This summer she has really enjoyed the weather and outdoors. I've loved taking her to the park and watching her on the slide and also our days outside. She loves helping me garden and on the hot days she is perfectly content playing with the hose. She has an incredible ability to not get cold even in cold water. She is an amazing little girl and Seth and I are enjoying watching her growing.
Seth has been busy with work. He's loving it. The staff is great and we're so happy that he has been busy. He's also very busy around the house. Recently he finished and painted the walls (& ceiling) and sealed the floor of our 3 car garage. Along with painting the front door and hanging some pictures. It's getting to be a little more homey here but we have a lot of wall space to go.
I've been busy with Clare and when I get to the gym I have been loving an aqua class. At the end of the day I'm so tired and didn't realize the true meaning of an arm workout!
We still have a lot to do, but it's coming along. Here's some pictures of a great summer!

Moving Day!

It has been a whirlwind. Where have the last few months gone. We're all packed up. Tomorrow the movers come and then we're on our way to our new home. Mom has been here helping us with Clare. It's so great to have her here. I don't know how it would happen without her support.
I don't know the words to describe how proud I am of Seth. He's put in countless hours; weekends, nights and very early mornings to residency. I can't say I miss the pager going off in the middle of the night!
We've had events or plans almost everyday for the past 2 weeks. Clare enjoyed running the halls of the Marriot during graduation and had a little blister from all the excitement. It's such an exciting time and I'm trying to enjoy every minute.
I feel so lucky. The past four years have been so wonderful. I've had a great time here and have made some wonderful friends. I will miss them all so much. For Seth and I this was where we started our life together. Before moving here we were not able to live in the same location- or state! So the past 4 years our marriage has changed and I treasure this time we've had here. It will always be our first home.
Tomorrow is a busy day and I'm so excited to start the next part of our life.

Welcome Spring!

With the whirlwind of last month Clare & I were able to go to Washington for a visit. It was such a great trip. I wish the airpline experience was easier for single parent travelers but Clare adapted well.
I feel well rested now and can't wait for our next trip. It was definately Spring in Washington when we were visiting. Great weather, clear skies, easter lilies and dafodills blooming. It took a few weeks after we got back but Long Island has caught up. 89 degrees today! Clare is loving the outdoors and being more independent. She loves playing at the park and with her friends. Her recent love is for tricycles and she always finds a way to try out a lone tricycle for a few moments. Something I can't wait to get for her in the next few months.
Clare had her 18 month well check-up yesterday and is doing great. She is now 27.9 lbs and 50% in height. She hit a growth spurt the last 2 weeks and is looking great in her 24 month and some 2T outfits.
Easter was a big deal for her. She loves her basket and finding the "ball" ie easter eggs. Also, it was her 1st day of church. She was adorable in her Easter dress. We spent the majority of the service in the lobby. Although it wasn't our best outing but she loved the people and music.
Seth & I have been hammering away at putting together everything for buying a home near where he will be practicing. It has been going well and it feels like we're getting there. Closing won't be until June when he finishes so we have some time to spare. It's a great place and we are so excited to have a home for our family. Our apartment here seems to be slowly falling apart day after day. With last weeks record rains we had two leaks. It really scares me after the mold problem we had in Clare's closet 2 months ago. They need to do some serious maintenance in all the apartments and it is so sad to talk to some of my neighbors about their problems. Only about 2 more months to go!!
The pictures are Aunt Patty, Clare & I at a dinner at my parent's, John, Risa & Clare at Frye cove park, and some of the girl cousins at Erin's shower we're missing about 5 of us (girls) but in the picture (Amy, Liela, Rachel, Liz, Misty, Tristin, Erin, Annie, Andrea, Clare & I).

Family

March is kind of a blur. Exciting things are happening for us, but also life has a way of bringing you right back to reality. While our lifes have been busy getting things in order to move we were also faced with losing Seth's Grandfather. Life has so many amazing gifts and we treasure that Clare was able to meet her Great Grandfather Corny. He was an amazing hardworking man who loved his family very much. This was a picture taken last August at a family party. We will always treasure these moments.
http://www.legacy.com/thedailystar/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=141044242

Snow, Snow, Snow!

February is coming to an end but I'm not sure when winter will. It snowed again last night and our Feb storm should last until tomorrow morning. I measured outside, areas of 8 inches and in the grassy areas 15 inches! It looks like it is slowing down a little now. Clare enjoyed a fun morning playing with our friends Darlene & Damien. Damien celebrated his 3rd birthday last week and was enjoying a snow day from nursery school.
We had a very busy week of swimming, library class and trying out a music class at a local play area. She loved them all & I'm hoping we can go to more.
It's been an exciting month... Seth signed his contract! The end of residency is in sight. Only a few more months. We'll be sad to leave but so excited for the next step.
Last weekend we took a trip to Burlington, Vermont to visit Josh. Seth & Josh were roommates and classmates in dental school. We had a great trip. It had been to long since we had seen Josh and it was fun to catch up. We were able to have a ski day and Mount Stowe on Saturday. Our first time skiing since Clare. Our last ski trip was to Lake Tahoe 2 years ago!! It was good to get back on skiis but next year I need some new boots, I think my feet changed with pregnancy and I felt it for the next day in my right foot=) Everything is going well and we're looking forward to Spring and our trip to Washington.

Things we're excited for...

How is it that January is almost over! We have had an exciting month. The feeling I think of to best describe it is ... anticipation! We're right on the cusp of big changes & it's very exciting. Seth's contract will hopefully be finalized in the next few weeks and then finding a place to live, moving, etc. Last weekend we bought a new, used car. I love having a SUV again. Lots of things to come=)

Holidays

Wow... it's been a while since I've updated our blog! The holidays were so much fun for us. Clare is beginning to communicate more & has quite a personality. She loved visiting family in Washington for Thanksgiving and it was really great to see her eyes light up with Christmas. She was interested in everything... bows, wrapping paper, the tree, ornaments, and all the decorations. For our tree this year we bought a live potted tree. We're hoping it will live outside until spring and then be planted near our apartment, but I'm not quite sure it will make it through the winter we're having. November was an extremely busy month for our family. Seth traveled to Colombia with Healing the Children to help with children needing surgery for cleft lip & palate deformities. He had an amazing experience and we're hoping to continue a relationship with the organization after he's completed residency. After returning Seth's mother had surgery. She looks great and we're hoping this surgery works well for her.
Thanksgiving was a flight to Washington state, going out for the Tower crawl with my brother, his girlfriend, one of my favorite cousins- Tara, Jake, and lots of friends. Seth & I haven't been out in quite a while so it was a lot of fun. Centralia has changed a lot and it was fun to run into my old neighborhood friends- the Garrison's, and a few more. Lots of good memories John & I had forgotten about. Unfortunately Clare & my mother had a bad cold after Thanksgiving and we weren't able to make it to my Grandparent's on Saturday to celebrate Michael's graduation & exciting prospects of law school. He's a smart cookie & I'm sure he'll do great!
Christmas was an exciting time for us & we were very blessed to see both of our parents. It's hard with distance & we were so excited to have my parents out for the week of Christmas. I cheated this year and ordered the turkey dinner from Zorn's =). Our kitchen is shrinking by the minute and even though I love to cook it was nice to order this year. On Christmas day we had a great morning with cinnamon rolls & presents in pajamas before my parents set off to the airport and we started our drive upstate to Ballston Spa. It was a really nice drive & we had a great weekend with family & friends. Clare is loving all the gifts she received & loved seeing her cousins, Gavin & Aislynn.
Now it's January- Almost one month away from my 30th birthday. My New Years Resolution has been going great. I've been having a great time working out at the gym and now I'm trying to eat a little better =). Seth & I have a lot of exciting things going on in the next few months; Seth's contract, finding a different car, finding a place to live, Seth's graduation & moving in the next 6 months- kind of overwhelming when I list them out. 2010 will be a very exciting year!

Playing at the Park

Fall has come & we've been enjoying the few sunny days, crisp fall air, and beautiful leaves. Clare has been a little mover, loving our walks and picking up leaves on the ground. Also, we've been taking our swimming lessons for about a month & a half now. Clare loves the water and it's refreshing once a week. I haven't been thrilled with the baby sitting services at the gym we belong to so I haven't decided if Clare will be going there. I enjoy that 45 minute work out when I can get it though.
In just about a week Seth & I will be celebrating our 5th Anniversary! Where has the time gone?! He will be in Columbia on a trip to help children with cleft lip & palate with the organization, Healing the Children. This will be so exciting for him. We've been looking forward to it for a few years now & it's almost here. A few years ago I was able to go with my friends, Chrisy & Kelsey, to Chile to help with a wellness clinic through Advocates for Inclusion. It was an amazing experience. Seth & I both feel pationate about helping others & travel so I am so excited for him. Just wish we could go with!
Last week Min, Ryan, Clare & I met up for a great day in the park. Long Island has a lot of great parks and the kids loved it. The weather was "perfect fall".

Clare's 1st Birthday!

The past few weeks I have been very busy preparing for Clare's birthday. We decided to have a BBQ at our apartment with fiends & family. Her birthday fell on Labor Day weekend so it was a great time to get together. The past week the weather has definitely changed to fall. Cool air but it hasn't been to rainy and we were very lucky over the weekend.
Seth's parents came for the evening and helped us to prepare & with lots of help from friends we were all set. Clare enjoyed her BBQ and cupcake very much. After lots of food the girls helped me to put on a small puppet show to Old McDonald & How much is that puppy in the window. I had read it was easier to have a puppet show that was prerecorded and with a lack of time I wasn't able to record the original story line so we went for some songs. The kids ages ranged from 1yr to 3yr so it fit in the age appropriate criteria. Clare seemed to enjoy seeing everyone and the next day was very tired. We have been working on our sleeping routine for about a week now and it is going great. The first 2 or 3 nights were tough but she has been sleeping through the night again and now has a 8pm bedtime. It has given Seth & I some much needed time to catch up on things around home.

Seth's Class Reunion

Last month we spent the weekend at Seth's parents. It was nice to get out of Long Island and also we were able to go to a picnic for Seth's high school reunion (14yr). The weather was off and on but not raining during the picnic & Clare was able to enjoy her first ride on the swings! She was squealing because she was having so much fun! She's walking really well now but sometimes she gets going faster then her little legs can take her. Only a few bruises so far.

Mom's Birthday!

It has been great to have my Uncle Marc, Aunt Jaye, mother & father out to visit. They had a very exciting trip in the city to see the Blue Jays play the Yankees, but before going to the city they spent a few days visiting us in Long Island. For mom's birthday we went to one of our favorite spots, Jordan's Lobster farm. They also hit the best weather we've had all summer!

Boat ride at Lake George

Seth, Clare & I took a drive up to Lake George to visit some friends. Clare loved the boat ride & Lake George was absolutely beautiful!

Family Party

We had a great weekend in visiting Seth's parents. The weather was great on Saturday when Seth's family came up for the party. Clare had so much fun with cousins and playing in the pool!