Well, our gorgeous red-headed, blue-eyed big girl — you’re now 7 months!

Precious Claire Elaine, you’ll have to forgive Mommy for posting your blog update over a week late. We have a fun excuse: You turned 7 months old while we were on a special girls trip to the coast to spend a long weekend with Julie and Audrey McQueeney! We had such a great time making sweet memories, and even visited the beach and the aquarium. Audrey is nearly 4 years old, and she was so good with you…sharing her toys, passing down her adorable wardrobe, and helping cuddle you on the couch. I know you two will be the best of friends when you’re older — just like your mommies. Thank you, Audrey and Julie, for the priceless weekend!

We’ve had quite an adventurous month, including your first big snow storm!

…your first Valentine’s Day!

…your first trip to Asheville and the Biltmore house!

…and your first visit to the children’s museum with your best buddies, Isaac and Jackson.

Here are a few more highlights from our last few weeks:

Weight: 19 pounds, 6 ounces (according to our home scale) 

Length: Lovely and long! You’re wearing 12-month pants these days.

Eating: Oh my word, this is your very favorite trick. Baby-Led Solids has been hugely successful for our family, and you’re quite the skilled eater. Your top foods include kiwi, tomatoes, pear, green pepper, and pita bread. One of the highlights of my day is eating breakfast as a family. We have a few fun prayers that we sing to the tune of “Twinkle Twinkle,” and then you feast away. You make quite a mess, but we love watching you play and learn. Frozen peas are your latest puzzle. You practice your pincer grasp as you chase these little green balls around your tray…and we hold our breaths when you “catch” one, waiting to see if it’ll make it to your mouth or fall en route.

You’re also learning the sippy cup. We have a cool transitional cup with handles, and we keep it filled with water for you to experiment with. Right now, it’s just that — an experiment. Typically more water ends up on your shirt than in your tummy…but you love the adventure.

Breastfeeding still gives us sweet Mommy/Claire time, which I’m already starting to miss as I anticipate you weaning in five months or so. It’s starting to be a challenge to feed you when we’re out and about because you, Curious Claire, are always looking around the room. Even the sound of Daddy’s voice is enough to distract you. Sooo…oftentimes we have to go up to your nursery and turn the lights low to get in a good feeding. Silly little lady!

Sleeping: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — you’re the best little sleeper we ever could have asked for. Hooray for 12-hour nights and two or three daytime naps!

One funny little habit that we’ve learned to read: When you’re tired or hungry (or sometimes even mad), you love to suck on your sweet baby thumb. Sometimes you’ll even cup it with your other hand, being sure to “hold on” so it doesn’t fall out. PRECIOUS!

When 7 p.m. rolls around, you’re absolutely ready for bed. No questions asked! Mommy nurses you to sleep most nights, although sweet Daddy steps in if I’m out. He loves that special opportunity…but I always sneak into your room later in the night to soak up a little sleeping baby time for myself.

Around 7 a.m. you’re up and starving! Daddy and I have a little song we sing when we get you from your crib. Neither of us are morning people, and we think the jingle helps the whole family’s mood 😉

Playing: Watch out world — Miss Claire’s on the move! Although you aren’t crawling yet, you frequently get into the position, let Mommy and Daddy grab the camera, and then collapse and suck your thumb. All that said, you can still travel the room by rolling from one side to the other. Last night, you even “chased” Pinot Kitty under the table with a slow roll in his direction. (He’s not quite sure what to think of a mobile baby, and has no clue what he’s in for.) You’ve absolutely mastered sitting and can play happily on one of your special quilts for 30 minutes or more. The ExerSaucer is still a hit, too, but I believe you’re beginning to feel a bit confined.

Now that the weather in North Carolina is starting to feel more like Spring, we’ve been enjoying evening walks around the neighborhood. You seem to like the relaxing stroll, and we can’t wait for you to discover flowers and clouds and other fun things.

Speaking of fun, you ADORE animals. In fact, you have a special high-pitch squeal that you let out when you see a doggy, and you even shared it with the sharks at the aquarium.

You’re learning to clap, which is adorable. You did it for the first time with Nana Beth while she played “Rockin’ Robin” — and you mimicked her perfectly! You seem to love music, and have inspired Mommy to maybe even pick back up my guitar.

We know the next few weeks will be filled with big milestones — your Baby Dedication at church…maybe crawling…and perhaps even a first tooth. Time is passing so quickly, and each day give us new glimpses into your joyful personality. What a gift. Thank you for being you. We LOVE being your Mommy and Daddy!