Claire's Blessing Day

The same weekend that Shaun's buddies were in town we blessed Claire. We really contemplated when and where to bless her. We thought about doing it while we were in Utah but since we were only there for a few quick days it wasn't going to work to get both families together. I really wanted it to be her special day not just an afterthought. Also, our ward here hasn't had a baby blessing in over 4 years so we felt it would be a very special treat to have it with them. When we found out that so many of Shaun's friends were coming we got permission to do it on Oct 16th so they could stand in the circle. It turned out beautiful! Claire was a perfect angel and didn't even make a peep. The blessing was very sweet and I could really feel the spirit. One of my callings is to direct the music in sacrament meeting. During the sacrament song (right after Claire's blessing) I felt so tender and the tears just started coming and wouldn't stop. So here I am leading the music and wiping my cheeks. I am just so grateful for her in our lives. She really brings me so much joy everyday. As I kept leading my tears were contagious as many in the congregation also started to tear up during the song. It was a very special meeting. 


Here are a few sweet pictures Allison took after church. Claire was starving so we didn't get any with just her but hopefully I can snap some one of these days. 

 This is the same dress that my sister and I were blessed in. Also, Claire got to wear little booties that were handmade by my Great Grandma who is still alive. 

Shaun's other friend, Jess, had to head home Saturday night but we were glad that Boyd and Jon could stay. 

Sleepover at our house

This past weekend we had a big sleepover at our house. Two of Shaun's former roommates now live in Ohio and one decided to come visit. We had a blast! We definitely had a full house but it was a lot of fun! Here are some highlights! 

 Jon, Boyd, Shaun, Jess 

Meet Baby Eli...He was born the exact same day as Claire. He wasn't 9 pounds when he was born but now he is up to 13 pounds! Claire is still trying to reach the 9 mark. 

Saturday we went to Kirtland. Shaun and I haven't been here before (even though it is only 1.5 hours from our house) so we really enjoyed the tour. Even Caden (the 2 year old) did well. It was a pretty cold day so that is why Claire is just in a bundle. 

 
 Jess, Melissa and Eli                                                                      Their other little boy, Caden

This picture was taken in the school of the prophets--one of my favorite parts of the tour. 

This is inside the N. K. Whitney store. My Aunt Helen (my grandma's sister) and uncle Ted served a mission here taking care of this store along with giving tours. She has since passed on so it was special for me to be there. 

 The Kirtland temple. We didn't have time for the tour this visit but we will go inside next time. :) 

 This is my favorite picture from the tour. It was taken while we were walking to the sawmill. 

 It was a little tight eating around our table but we made it do. Shaun and his buddies all enjoy cooking so we made sure the menu was delicious! 

Thanks guys for such a fun weekend! Shaun and I really enjoyed hosting everyone! We had 7 adults and 3 children here so if you ever want to come visit we have plenty of room! 

Utah/ Idaho visit

We took our first "vacation" as a family of three at the beginning of October. My younger brother, Tyson, got married so we joined the festivities! Claire was about a month old at this time. I was a little nervous about flying and traveling with her but thankfully Shaun was able to join us so that was a HUGE help! We flew in Wednesday night at midnight and had to fly home Sunday so it was a very quick trip. Claire did great on the flights! She slept most of the time. I think it was a lot harder on me because I was so tired and didn't get much rest during the entire trip. But we still had an awesome time! 

 Thursday we spent the day visiting my old school in Spanish Fork and then had a Broderick family dinner.

 Grandma Broderick 

Can you see how tired I look?  

Friday morning before the temple..

  Shaun's parents drove us down to Manti and watched Claire sleep (she was amazing) so Shaun and I could be apart of the sealing. It was a BEAUTIFUL sealing. And such a cool experience to be in the temple with all of my siblings. We are so blessed! 

 Claire meeting Papa for the first time. 

The luncheon...they are a great couple. I unfortunately didn't get too many pictures as I was more concerned about feeding and taking care of Claire. To see some amazing pics of the bride and groom click here. 

After the great lunch we drove back to Brodericks house in Orem to pack and then drive to Pocatello. Lots of driving but it was great time spent chatting. My Brother, Ben, and his wife Sarah let us tag along. We stopped on the way to see my Great Grandma. She is 98 and so healthy. She just can't see hardly at all. She was thrilled to meet Claire. 

Being is Idaho was so fun! I just love being "home!"

The reception was a lot of fun, too! 

Claire with her Grandma. Claire was given the middle name Joan after this special lady!

 Check out these fun dresses! My mom found them online. They were so cute! This is my sister and her daughter that is almost exactly a year older than Claire. Claire is getting some very cute hand-me-downs from her! Thanks Daphne!

My little brother is growing up too fast! He is now in third grade. 

 He even got to the point where he wanted to hold Claire.

 Ben's beautiful wife, Sarah.

Joseph loves playing with Shaun!

We were so sad to leave but had such a great time! On our travels home we had a very humbling experience. First, my brother Ben drove us down to the airport. Shaun had a great nap and I got some good one on one time with Ben. He really inspired me through our chat.
The humbling experience came on our first flight. We sat next to this lady who was from Tennessee. She was nice and thought Claire was cute. We made small talk for a few minutes but that was about all the interaction we had until the end of the flight.When everyone was exiting she handed Shaun a wad and said this is for your family. Then she took off and was out of sight. Shaun opened it up and it was a 100 dollar bill. NO WAY! Who gives a complete stranger a $100.
Well, we called my mom to tell her about this kind lady. The next day she called me and told me that Ben's wife, Sarah, felt inspired to pray for us that morning, that we would be taken care of since I am no longer working. Her prayer was answered by a complete stranger. I am still in shock and am so grateful for her kindness.
Shaun and I feel so blessed that we were able to spend this weekend with our families!
Sure love you guys! 

testing testing testing 

 I'm trying out new fonts...I didn't know blogger had cute ones. I found the directions at: http://www.blogdesignsbydani.com/2011/02/cute-fonts-through-blogger.html
It only took me minutes to change it! Lots of posts coming soon! :)

Projects

  Ever Since we moved in Shaun has had big plans for the side of our house...a garden! We knew that we would be in Chicago most of the summer so Shaun "loaned" our plot to a guy from school. Originally this guy was going to plant his tomatoes. Then he decided to plant the flowers for his research. This guy procrastinated and didn't get them planted until July. Shaun was hoping to put in the garden before Claire was born but kindly said this guy had until mid September. Shaun was getting anxious to get started. He had plans to build level tiers, etc. You can see the plots below. 

While Shaun was waiting he did a lot of digging to get the supporting boards in place. 

 Before:

Shaun even created a "picture" so we know exactly where everything is planted! Such a smart guy! 

After: 

I did help his move the top soil and get the plots leveled. Shaun planted some great fall crops and we are excited to have a great garden all ready to go for next spring. 

A girl in Shaun's lab is having a baby next month. She LOVED my car seat cover that Heidi made for me so I decided to try making one on my own. I am proud to say I finished this in 24 hours just in time for the baby shower. She isn't finding out the gender so I had to find material that would suit a girl or boy. I think it turned out great!  

I even made the straps without too much trouble. 

5 weeks old. They grow so fast! 

One month old

One month old. 

Our little girl is growing up way too fast! She is now over a month old and has changed so much! We just went on our first "family vacation" to Utah and Idaho for my Brother's wedding. I will post about that soon, but here are Claire's stats and some fun facts about her. 

Weight: 8 lbs 13 oz 

20.5 inches long 

Fun things about Claire: 

*She started smiling at us! Although it is not consistent yet, I love when I am talking to her and she just grins from ear to ear! 

*From the day she was born she has always loved her feet crossed. Even still I will find her crossing her feet. I couldn't resist these tights! 

*She is a very content baby. She has a little bit of a fussy period once in a while but definitely not everyday. 

*She loves bath time. We have a big sink in our bathroom and my sister gave me a foam bathing pad. I put her on it and let the water run over her tummy. She is in heaven! 

*She hates getting dressed 

*If she is done nursing and I try to see if she wants more she will tighten her lips up so nothing can get in. It cracks us up! 

*She LOVES to sleep in her crib! 

*She definitely knows who is mommy and who is daddy. 

*She is extremely patient! If she is ready to eat and a little fussy Shaun will say, are you ready to eat? And she just quiets down in my lap until she can start eating. 

We just love our little girl so much! I am so glad that I get to stay home with her!  I thought I would be bored all day but she keeps me really busy and I love it.

p.s. Does anyone know where to find cute infant dresses for a good deal? She has one dress that fits right now and I am struggling to find anything else. Our town is not helpful. I found the one above at Khols but that was the only "winter" option. Ohio is already getting cold. Any suggestions would be great!