4 months old already!

Sorry it has been so long since my last post...things have been slightly busy around here.  As I mentioned last time (more than a month ago - gee I am a slacker!) I was getting back to work.  I have now been at my long-term sub position about two and a half weeks and it has been crazy!  I love going to work and I love the second grade class that I have, but it is much harder than I thought it would be working, being a mom, and not to mention trying to get our house sold. 

For those of you who don't know, Tony and I are moving out of the Kansas City area in the next couple of months.  Tony got a great new job at a cabinetry company in Manhattan, which is what started this whole transition.  Then shortly after, I was fortunate to be offered a 3rd grade teaching position for next year in the Kaw Valley School District.  We are both really looking forward to our new positions!!!  However, that means that things have flown into high gear around here trying to get the house sold, look for a house in our new location, and so on, and so on.  We are so excited to be closer to family, but we are also very sad to leave our friends. 

Now, onto the good stuff - what is going on with Clare.  But before I tell you what's new, I must share some of her three month photos.  Aunt Sara took them and as usual she did such an awesome job!  Check them out...

As you can see in these pictures, Clare is changing so quickly.  She is growing like a weed.  At her four month appointment she had grown 3 inches (now just about 26 inches long) in just a matter of 6 weeks.  However, she didn't gain that much in the weight department so besides a few rolls on her thighs, she looks like a little string bean!  :)

I am always amazed with the new things that she is doing, she's really getting quite the little personality.  Although she doesn't say real words, she sure does babble a lot.  I just keep telling Tony that once she really starts talking it will probably be hard to get her to be quiet!  He says that she's going to take after me!  Clare has also started to be a rolling machine.  Earlier it was just front to back - but now it is front to back, back to front, sideways, and in a circle.  She really finds it entertaining to spin herself all around on the floor in the evenings.  I'm not sure what Daisy thinks about here getting more mobile, but we will soon see how that works out.  The other really fun thing that has changed is that Clare has started to eat cereal.  It is hilarious to watch.  It's like we can't get it in her mouth fast enough - she absolutely loves it.  Check out a couple of these pictures to see what a mess she can make.  In the first one her eye looks crappy because she scratched it...but you can still get the gist of the cereal experience. 

Well, that's about all I've got time for now.  I hope that I can post again before she turns five months, but who knows.  I hope you all have a great week and are enjoying the glimpse of spring-like temperatures to come!  :)

Clare Turns 3 Months...and Starts Daycare!

So, I think in my last post I mentioned that things had been slow around here for the beginning of 2011...well that changed real quick!  As I realized that going back to work was just around the corner, it meant getting a lot more accomplished throughout the day.  Plus we have had a lot going on during our weekend time.  It's been very fun (because it was all family stuff) but just a bit time consuming. 

Let's start back where I left off last time and then I will work up to the present.  A few weeks ago, Nana came to spend the weekend with us.  It was very low key and really great time for the three of us girls to spend time together.  Tony was out of town, so we did things that we really like to do - like put together a puzzle.  When I was a kid, my mom and I did a lot of puzzles together and it was so much fun.  I really hope that Clare and I can continue that tradition.  As you can see by the picture below she is off to a good start!

The next week Clare Bear turned three months old!  That is so hard for me to believe that our little baby girl is growing so fast.  I have always heard people talking about time flying when it comes to their children, and now I see why.  She is getting so much bigger and is a babbling machine.  I have a feeling when real words start coming out of that little mouth, it will be hard for her to stop!  I guess in that way, she will take after her mommy!  :) 

I think that I mentioned in one of the last posts how much Clare loves to look at the TV.  Well, that hasn't changed a bit.  I don't know if it is the bright lights, and flashing colors or what...but she is going to be a TV junkie if we don't do something soon.  And now it is even worse - she is a remote hog too!  It looks as if she wants to watch a different channel here.  Too funny!!!

The same weekend that baby girl turned three months, we also took a trip up to Axtell for great-grandpa Elmer's 80th birthday.  The party for him was so nice.  There were a lot of family and friends in attendance, so Clare of course got TONS of attention.  She really enjoyed that, but she was wiped out by the end of it.  When we were in Axtell, Clare worked on her card playing skills too.  I think she is going to be a real card shark.  She would get that from Papa or Daddy...not me!   

Last weekend was super eventful around our house.  Clare spent her first night away from us.  She was with Nana in a hotel down the street while we had our annual post-holiday, holiday party.  I meant to take my camera and get a picture of Clare's first hotel trip, but it totally slipped my mind as I was running around trying to get everything ready.  As usual, we had a great time at the party...but it got a little wild.  And even though we had a great time at the party, the next morning I woke up missing Clare Bear and dying to go get her.  I guess this was a good warm-up for our trip in March, though.  Tony and I are going with Sara and Nate for a five-night stay in an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic.  So excited!    And also so nervous about leaving Clare for that long.  She's going to be having so much fun without us - she will be at Mema and Papa's with all three of her cousins. 

So, I think that brings us up to this week.  It has been crazy.  I started transitioning slowly back to work (half days, three days this week) and Clare started daycare!  I thought I would be super emotional on the first day I dropped her off, but I really wasn't.  I really like the lady that we chose for daycare and I completely trust her to take care of our baby.  Each time I have picked Clare up, she has seemed so happy so I know she is having a good time there.  There are a couple of toddlers there too, so I am sure she is having a great time watching all of their activity.  Next week, she will spend a bit more time there.  And then once Jenny has her baby girl I will be back to work full time in the classroom.  I'll keep you posted! 

Have a great week!

Slow start to 2011

I am happy to say that the first full week of 2011 has been a nice slow and relaxing one.  Tony went back to work for the entire week so Clare and I have really just been taking the time to get back in our routine, to play a lot, and of course get the house back in order.  One of my new year's resolutions is to declutter and organize my house.  I must say, I am off to a great start because I already cleaned out/rearranged the kitchen and both my dressers and closet.  Another one of my resolutions of course is to lose weight.  Now, I kind of have to laugh when I say this because I make this stupid resolution every year and it never happens.  I don't know what makes me think this year will be any different, but we will see!  I'd love to say I could lose 30 pounds by my 30th birthday in April, but that's pretty lofty.  Wish me luck! 

So, back to Clare...as she approaches three months, she is getting to be so much fun.  She is really developing her own little personality and the way she laughs and smiles at me just melts my heart.  Her new thing is grabbing at objects and pulling them into her mouth.  She's pretty happy with just shoving her entire fist in her mouth, but now she is also pulling mommy and daddy's fingers in, as well as any toys she can figure out how to get there (which are still only a few, but we are working on it!).  So, since there isn't much new to update you on, I am just going to post a bunch of pictures.  The first group are ones I am REALLY late posting which are a sampling of her one month pics.  There were about one hundred pics, so I just picked a few of my faves.  Aunt Sara took them and did a fantastic job, so I want to show them off to everyone. 

Next are just some random pics I have been taking at home.  I'm sure this little girl gets tired of always having a camera in her face, but I just can't help myself!  The first one of her in her play gym makes me laugh because she has all of these interesting toys to play with and what is she straining to see...the TV!  She really is my daughter!  :)

Last, but certainly not least is my latest purchase for little Clare.  It always makes me mad that Target and other stores put out swimsuits in January...like we don't feel bad enough that we gained our holiday weight, let us be tortured by the thought of getting in a swimsuit.  And while I still feel that way about the adult swimsuits, I just couldn't pass up buying this adorable little suit for baby girl.  How cute is Clare Bear going to look in this?  Pretty dang cute, I do believe!!!  Between this and the life jacket that Tony's Aunt Jo gave us, this little diva is going to be ready for Lake Wabaunsee!  :)

Well, that's it for now.  I hope you all have a great weekend.  We are looking forward to a visit from Nana, so ours should be fun! 

Finishing Out 2010...Christmas and New Years

The final weeks of 2010 were really busy and really great here in the Buessing house.  When we returned from our first weekend of Christmas celebration in Axtell, we only had 3 days to unpack and get ready to do it all again.  We left for Topeka on the Wednesday before Christmas so we could split our time between Papa Sam/Grandma Tammy's house and Nana's house.  The time in Topeka was very nice and relaxing.  We spent the first couple of days including Christmas Eve at Papa Sam's.  The Christmas Eve celebration was with Tammy's family as usual and it was a fun time.  We had a wonderful meal and then did presents for the kids.  Clare of course got some great stuff including a few outfits, an adorable stuffed elephant, and a fun tummy time mat that looks like a frog on a lily pad.  Below are some pics of that portion of our Christmas, plus Clare trying out her new tummy time mat. 

Our next stop for Christmas was to Nana's house.  We spent Christmas Eve night through Sunday evening there and of course had a great time.  On Christmas Day we headed up to Sabetha to have lunch with Great-Grandpa and Grandma.  It was fun because they were able to show Clare off in the care home that they live in.  I don't think the people there get to see little babies very often, so it put a smile on their faces.  It was so nice to spend the day with Grandma and Grandpa because we don't get to get up there enough. 

Later that evening when we got back to Nana's we did our Christmas with her and opened gifts.  As usual, we all got spoiled - especially Clare!  She got more cute outfits, a kick and play piano, a book, a baby doll, an ornament, and more.  Even Daisy got in on the fun.  Check it out...

The last stop on the Christmas list was back at our house where Tony and I finally did our gifts to each other and our gifts to Clare.  And although I am so thankful for all of the great stuff I got this year, nothing compares to the gift that Tony gave me.  I tried to take a picture of it, but I just couldn't get one where you could see it.  It was a silver bracelet that has links with photos all the way around it.  All of the pictures were of Clare and of our little family.  When Tony made it for me, he even included words on the pictures.  I know my description isn't doing it justice but it really is amazing!  Clare enjoyed her gifts too...as you will see in the picture below (please ignore the dog bone on the ground in the background :) )

We also had another big event happen in our house the Tuesday after Christmas...Clare rolled over for the first time from her tummy to her back!!!  We were so proud of her, and I was so glad Tony was home so he could see it too! 

  

Last, but certainly not least we celebrated New Year's Eve.  It was pretty low key this year, but it was a great time.  We went out to dinner and hung out with Tony's cousins and their wives, who are also good friends of ours.  Clare stayed with Mema and Papa until a little after midnight and then we called it a night.  Mema and Papa also stayed with us for the rest of the weekend and we just hung out at the house, did a little shopping, and played a lot of cards and dominoes.  Papa Gary was teaching Clare how to play pitch and it was pretty cute...check it out!

Well, I think that is it for now.  I hope that your 2011 is off to a good start and I will try to post again soon!

  

Catching up - Girls night, The first weekend of Christmas, and more!

So, things have been a bit crazy around here the last several weeks...so I have a lot of catching up to do in this post!  The first week of December we had a very special visitor.  My dear friend, Heather, who now lives in London was in Kansas City for a visit.  It was her first time to meet Clare, and we got to spend two afternoons together so it was so much fun!  On top of hanging out with Heather at our house, Clare also went to her first girls night with Heather, Jackie, Ang, and Denisse.  Oh, and we can't forget D's adorable little girl, Isabella.  We had a great dinner, watched Sex in the City 2, and had some much needed girl conversation.  :)  Check out the pics below of Heather with Clare, and our expanded girls night with the two little ones. 

The next weekend Clare and I traveled to Manhattan to hang out with Aunt Sara and MeMa while daddy went hunting.  It was more good girl time with shopping, eating out, and watching movies!  After that weekend, things got even more hectic around our house.  There were Christmas cards to be made, presents to be bought (and a few made) and wrapped, and candy to be made.  I am still not sure how, but everything actually got done!  Clare had her first dose of how crazy making holiday cheer can be.  She was just as wiped out as I was - check out the photos below.  Clare was supposed to be having tummy time, but within two minutes she was sleeping on the floor, and then Daisy thought she needed to join her.  As you can see, I put a cloth book in front her to give her something interesting to look at, but Tony said she enjoyed reading as much as he does.  Ha! 

Last, but certainly not least...last weekend we had our first Christmas celebration in Axtell with Tony's family.  It was a great start to our holiday celebrations.  We got a couple inches of snow while we were opening gifts Saturday morning so it was like we got to have our white Christmas.  Opening gifts with the kids is always so much fun.  They have so much fun tearing into present after present, and then are entertained for hours with all their new stuff.  Although Clare can't open her own gifts or play with them just yet, she seemed to be very happy with all the great things she got!  She got clothes, books, toys, and even a new high chair.  She also really enjoyed hanging out with her cousins, MeMa and Papa, Aunt Sara and Uncle Nate, and Great-Grandma and Grandpa Rochel. Check out the pics below.  My favorites are the ones of Clare in her high chair - she is so tiny in it, the onesie that Sara got her, and the pic with Clare and Aubrey (even though Clare isn't really looking).

In addition to celebrating Christmas, we also learned how to pull taffy on Saturday evening.  Yes, you read that right...pull taffy.  I don't have any pictures of that right now, but if I get some emailed to me I will definitely post them.  It was a lot of fun - and it was not as easy as it sounds.  In fact, Tony and I were so uncoordinated as a pair trying to do it.  But somehow our taffy came out good enough to eat.  It's sitting in our freezer right now waiting for someone to sink their teeth into it!  

Well, that's it for now.  We are getting ready for several more Christmas celebrations this weekend.  I hope you all have a wonderful holiday blessed with family and friends!  It could be 2011 by the time I post again, so if it is...Happy New Year!  :)  

Visiting Topeka and Getting Ready for Christmas

This past week Clare and I made a visit to Topeka to meet the friendly people who work at both Papa Sam's and Nana's schools.  The proud grandparents had been bragging about Clare since she was born so it was fun for them to get to show her off to their co-workers.  We spent a couple hours at each school and had a lot of fun.  Clare always enjoys spending time with all of her grandparents, but she also got to learn a little bit about school!  :)  Check out these pictures of her working hard.

This weekend we also put up the tree and decorated the house for Christmas.  Nana came and spent the weekend with us while Tony was back home hunting so she helped with the tree and played with Clare while I did the rest of the decorating.  It was a win-win because I could get the house decorated without much interruption and Nana could get plenty of snuggle time with Clare bear.  In addition to decorating the house, I also took some pics of Clare in hopes of getting a few to use in our Christmas cards this year.  I've included a couple of my favorites here.  As you can see in the pics - even Daisy got in on the Christmas action!