Reunion

It's hard to believe it's been nearly6 months since we saw the Millens in Calgary. They were out for a visit in Victoria and came over for a playdate- so fun to see how the girls have both changed since their last photo shoot together! (and discovered the magic of bubbles to elicit a few smiles and encourage them to stay seated in one spot for more than 5 seconds!)

Snowy days and a serious girl

Not sure what it is, but the sight of mom's big black camera causes Claire to a) look away, or b) stare up with the most serious little expression. Despite the images, she is a happy girl, and while she wasn't sure about the snow, she's enjoying exploring at home- helping herself to cereal, trying on new outfits and cramming herself into various baskets and boxes.

The next black swan?

Perhaps not. I don't know that I'd wish the life of a professional ballerina on Claire, but she certainly does love all things musical and dance, and looks pretty darn cute in her new tutu from Auntie June.

Birthday parties and walking!

The weekend was all about birthdays- first dinner for Uncle Rod and Aunt Jane's birthdays, and then a playdate at Tumblebums for Katie's 2nd birthday- Claire loved the bubbles and trampolines, and enjoyed having a big space to practice her new walking skills- she's venturing a little further each day and has the frankenstein pose down to a tee!

Learning to stand

Claire recently figured out how to stand up in the middle of the room- and stand she did....again and again and again- finding it all quite hysterical.

14 months!

It's hard to believe Claire is already 14 months- becoming more of a toddler every day. She's close to walking- braving a few steps here and there but mostly relying on cruising or holding a hand. She loves climbing the ladder and going down the slide by herself at the playground- she's a bit of a daredevil! We're hearing more and more words- "hot" (paired with a very serious frown), "key", "eye" (said while poking us in the eye) and "no no no no" are amongst the most popular right now.

Who me? (aka: the tiny opportunist)

Any opportunity Claire finds to get into large volumes of 'stuff'- whether it be clothes, wrapping paper, shoes, tupperware or anything else she can get into- is considered good times by her. She's recently started reprimanding herself when she gets into something she really isn't supposed to by saying 'no no no no' (usually whilst standing on top of her high chair, spinning all the toilet paper off the role, or attempting to touch the tv).