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!