Claire's First Year

Since we've been all sentimental about Claire's first year with us and her BIG little anniversaries, I got the idea to do "a year in review" type post for her. It is amazing to see, all at once, how she's changed. I mean, if you really wanted and had time on your hands, you could go back to all the posts I made last year.....but really, do you have that kind of time....'cause if you do,

MAY

One of our last days in China. Heading home. She was finally okay with us, but still not thrilled with me. At least she was smiling! What did we know about our little girl at this point? Well, we already knew she was determined!

JUNE

Our big girl! She wouldn't feed herself in China, but as soon as we got home with her, she became more independent.

She was so chunky! Turns out, it was the toxins in her body that made her so chubby. I can't even think about what would have happened if God hadn't sent us for her when he did.

She loved her sunglasses! Her favorite toys were sunglasses, puzzles and books. She soaked up everything you said, but didn't speak a word back. She just looked and learned.

JULY

Lots of changes going on here. Our medical trips provided the best time for lots of bonding. She started talking and never stopped.

Starting to give new things a try without all the fuss. Water terrified her. So did the dogs, small children, bugs, loud noise, praying, fast movements.....and a whole lot of other stuff.


AUGUST


She loves her brothers and sisters.


SEPTEMBER


She's decided to be mobile no matter what!

OCTOBER

New Feet!


She loved standing on them! By now she is a talking machine! She had learned all the letters of the alphabet and loved to sing songs. Her favorite things to do were playing play dough and coloring.

She started therapy, learned to stand alone and showed just how motivated she was to learn to walk and play like other children!

Loved her first camping trip!

NOVEMBER

Had her first birthday party....and two more!


Takes everything in stride.


DECEMBER


First Christmas


JANUARY


Her personality shines. She is very happy....most of the time. Acts like a normal 3 year old.

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

Clearly, nothing is going to stop her!

MAY

Our beautiful, happy girl! No longer afraid of everything. She will hold a bug, hug her dogs, and even tolerate Caseysmall children! :) She knows all her letters and their sounds, spells her name, counts and adds some. Her favorite color is pink! Of course. Her favorite food is candy! Her favorite place to eat is MOES?! Not The Jade Garden. She wants to do her school work....which she doesn't have yet. I guess we will jump into K-4/5 next year! She wants to swim in the pool and go to the beach. She wants to go to the hotel. She loves to travel! She loves to be outside with "her kids". She does not like pizza or spaghetti! She does not like veggies or bread. She doesn't care one iota about stuffed animals or baby dolls. She wants to write and color and cut and glue! She wants to read the book! She wants to walk, loves to walk! And, she sings Happy Birthday every day! For no reason. Except that she loves it!