Voting

This morning Auntie Lily came over to keep an eye on Clare while I went out to vote. I was expecting some lines but was pleasantly surprised with a line of 1 person in front of me at 9am. It was my first time voting at the polls for the President (I've always voted absentee). Clare had a nice morning and did great on her swing.

Out to Dinner

Tonight was the first time Seth & I took Clare out to a restaurant. She is now 2 months old and we've started to take her out around people more. It has been quite a while since Seth & I have been able to go out to dinner so it was great to have a nice meal out. We went to a restaurant near by, Mama Theresa's. Clare did so well. She sat in her car seat and was an angel. Seth took a vacation day and has been working around the apartment all day. It was really nice to have a long weekend with him.

Dia de los Muertos

Last night Clare attended her 1st party. Our friend's, Brian & Lily, had their 2nd annual costume party for Halloween. Brian does an amazing job decorating their apartment and it's great to dress up and get together. Clare did great. She slept most of the time and when she was awake she was so curious about everything around her. It was really nice to take her out and be with friends.
Lily is originally from Mexico and is a teacher doing her Master's in Spanish. I love to learn about different cultures and it has been so fun to learn more about Mexican culture & tradition. The Day of the Dead or in spanish, Dia de los Muertos, is celebrated on the 1st/2nd of November and is usually a gathering of friends & family to remember those who have died. At the party Lily & Brian had a special area to write a person's name who had passed on a card surrounded by candles and salt. Also the holiday correlates with the Catholic holy days of All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
These are pictures of the guys in the OMFS program (Brad, Seth, Ted & Brian) having too much fun and Brian & Lily outside their home. And of course a family photo!

8 weeks

Clare is now 8 weeks old! It's great to see her smiles and hear her making new sounds. She is soaking in everything around her and it's amazing to see her changing everyday.

Trick or Treat

Happy Halloween! Today was Clare's 1st Halloween and she was dressed as a pea pod.
This past year the hospital started a farmers market every Friday and we try to take a walk over every week. The weather has been getting very crisp so the Ergo carrier (front pack) is perfect to keep Clare warm and close. She likes to nap as we pick out our vegetables. The farmers market has gotten smaller since the summer but I was able to get some really great apples, fresh beets and a nice head of lettuce.
It was Clare's 1st time to Michaels, which is one of my favorite stores. There are so many hobbies I would love to try there and I love to do crafts and projects. I've been trying to take little trips throughout the week to get both Clare & I used to making little trips. She has been doing great and it's been fun to get out of the house.
Last night Seth & I carved our pumpkin and Clare patiently watched from a reclining chair at the table. She was so interested in the pumpkin! Seth & I had a really nice dinner together and were visited by tricker treaters and friends in the apartments. The kids were so cute. It was a nice family night at home playing games and watching a movie together. Seth has been working very hard and I'm so excited for him to have the weekend off with us.

Just Ducky

It was rainy most of today so Clare & I stayed mostly inside. These are pictures after her bath in her cute robe that Melissa & Scott gave her. She loves lounging in it after her bath.
At her 1 month appointment she was having some cradle cap and also a rash on her upper chest. The cradle cap has went away with changing shampoo and using baby oil. Her rash has disappeared as well after we started using baby powder under her chubby chin a couple times a day. It's amazing how many chubby creases babies have. She really is growing fast and will be 2 months this Saturday.

The Pumpkin Patch

     Last night Seth & I had a nice salmon dinner at home and brownies for desert.  It was great, but I have to say I miss my Grandpa Steve's fresh salmon.  We watched "Made of Honor" with Patrick Dempsey.  Beautiful pictures of Scotland, and it was great to watch a movie, but I would not say it's a must see.  Clare wanted to stay up for a while so we took turns playing with her and walking her around.  

     Seth has the weekend off and we were able to spend the morning together and go on our 1st family outing to pick out a pumpkin.  We found a great one.  Clare slept most of the time but seemed to enjoy the fresh air.  I have a hair appointment this afternoon and I'm very excited.  This will be the longest time away from Clare though.  Seth's very prepared though!