delicious!

Mint chocolate chip ice cream

Plus 

Molten lava cake 

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/anne-burrell/molten-chocolate-cake-with-crushed-candy-canes-recipe/index.html

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Best Anniversary Treat Ever! 

Happy 4 years! 

4 months old

Our little girl is growing up but is still as sweet as can be! This past month has been really rough for her (and for me)! The last few weeks we discovered she is allergic to azithromycin, an antibiotic eye gel, possibility amoxicillin (an antibiotic) and is allergic to dust/dust mites. She inherited Shaun's sensitive skin (severe eczema) and my sensitivity to medications. Quite the combo, right? Well, after five doctor appointments we finally have a handle on things and just since yesterday she has been completely herself again! This mama is sure tired from all of the rough nights, extreme "spring cleaning" (trying to remove as much dust behind furniture, etc. as possible) and starting to exercise daily with Shaun at 6 am in our basement. But I am happy to say we are doing awesome now and feel so blessed to have our sweet, content child back. Ü 

Four month stats: 

10 lbs 14 oz - yep 5th %

Height 23"

She's a little petite thing! 

I caught this with my phone. Such a cute pose!  

First time in the umbrella stroller. She wasn't quite sure what to think especially since Shaun forgot to open it up all of the way so she was sitting straight up. She liked it better when she wasn't so scrunched. :)

We sure enjoyed the 50 degree weather through December! 

Love her hair! It doesn't usually stick up this much but this morning after sleeping all night it was sky high and I just couldn't bring myself to slick it down. I thought with the big flower she could pull it off. 

Thanks again, Kari, for the cute bow socks! I get lots of compliments on them. :) 

Playing with Dad! 

We are so grateful for this cutie! She brings so much happiness to everyone who meets her. We know she was just dropped right out of heaven. We are so blessed to have her in our lives! 

December: Part II Christmas

This year for Christmas we headed up to Rochester, NY to visit my sister and her family. My brother, Ben and his wife Sarah flew from Washington state to join us. We had an amazing time together. Here are some of the highlights! 

My sister was getting Collin dressed to be a Shepard. She told him she was putting on his "cape" and he thought she said "cake." He kept saying Collin's cake. It was really funny! 

 Collin and Daphne hanging with "Uncle Shaun."

 On Christmas morning we all got some chocolate marshmallows from Santa and Daphne took a fascination in collecting them.  

 My brother Ben

 Someone got spoiled...

 OK, two people--Brett got the new iphone and he was very surprised. 

Really, we all got spoiled. :) 

 I made a photo book of Claire's first few months of life. It was a hit! 

 Shaun really wanted me to have something to unwrap from him because my new phone came early. He was asking my little brother, Jospeh, the other day what he should get me for Christmas. Joseph first said a ring. Shaun said that was too expensive, so Joseph said, "why don't you give her love, that doesn't cost anything." It was sweet. So Shaun wrapped up a piece of paper that said, love. 

 This is one of my favorite pictures because it is my sister holding a special ornament representing autism awareness. So sweet!  

 Claire trying to be a good sport even though her eyes were burning, itching, and miserable. 

We found out Claire was allergic to the ointment that the doctor gave us for a potential eye infection. NOT FUN! Long nights and long days trying to keep her content. 

Our girls! 

My sister's kids got a small bounce house for Christmas. It was so fun for them to play in. It really helps Collin channel his energy. :)

If Claire could talk I think she would say, "please don't put me in that bounce house." 

Our little trooper. Love the crazy hair!

Enjoyed Shaun's violin music

we got some some great naps! 

We enjoyed some wonderful caroling from Seleta's friends. 

Sarah gave me an AMAZING foot massage! Thanks again Sarah!

We really enjoyed spending time with the family! We played some good rounds of wacky Six, had some great laughs, ate some yummy yummy food, and loved skyping with the rest of the family. Hopefully next year Claire will be feeling more like herself and can enjoy it more. 

December: Part I

December this year has been different for me. I love getting into the holidays and this year just seemed to be lacking Christmas cheer. I really missed being around the children (at school) because they get so excited about Christmas. Also, we only got a skiff of snow before Christmas and it was about 50 degrees all month. 

Anyway, I decided to make it special by talking Shaun into doing some of my families traditions. 

These activities really helped me get into the Christmas Spirit. 

 Claire dressed up for Church- 

This is the fancy dress Claire got for my Brother's wedding in October. It fits her much better now. 

 Caroling at the rest home with great friends. 

 Claire fell asleep while we were singing. The residents loved seeing her. 

 Making treat plates for friends. Shaun took an entire Saturday to deliver treats. It was really fun to stop by and share some Christmas cheer. 

I made the ginger snaps and pumpkin bread. Shaun made the fancy things: English toffee, and homemade Sables (the pretzels and spirals) They were delicious! 

The 12 days of Christmas for Shaun. 

I decided to help Shaun count down for Christmas by doing the 12 days. I kept it very simple but fun. Some of things are things he uses everyday like toothpaste, deodorant, freshly clean sheets. Others were phrases to go with his favorite candy. I think it was a success! 

More December updates coming soon.