the christensen's

New post's will be coming soon...I promise!

2009-06-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

I know I have been absolutely terrible at posting...for the last 6 months, oops...but I will get back at it very soon so everyone can keep updated on both Claire and Emily.

Cutting down the Xmas tree

2008-12-29T12:29:00.000-08:00

Erin and I were excited to start a new Xmas tradition with Claire when we went and cut down our tree at Whispering Pines Tree Farm. Grandma and Grandpa Waymire also joined us (so they could get their tree). We took a horse drawn carriage out to the where the tree's were, and cut down G & G's first. Then, Erin and I walked around to find ours (we wanted something tall, but had a hard time finding one as they seemed to be younger trees). Finally we found "the one"..which meant I got to enjoy cutting it down with a butter knife (I actually used one of their saw's, but it was so dull it felt like a butter knife). Afterwards we enjoyed some hot coco and popcorn, ran into a few friends, and made the trip home with both tree's still on the roof of the car (Herb and I only used about 200 yds of twine to tie them on!).

Breakfast with Santa

2008-12-26T11:43:00.000-08:00

Erin, Claire and I went to Breakfast with Santa at St. Vincent's Hospital (where Erin works) a few weeks ago. Claire was excited to meet her best friend Abby (and her big sister Ella) there...and was very excited to see Santa. That is until it was her turn to sit on his lap. As usual she wanted absolutely nothing to do with him...so Dad got to be the middle man and sit on Santa's lap...I sure hope that was a candy cane in his pocket!

Claire, me and Santa

A more intimate moment for Santa and I...

Mom and Claire

2008-12-26T11:11:00.000-08:00

This was taken at the annual poinsettia sale last month.

Big Girl Bed!

2008-12-26T07:50:00.001-08:00

About a month ago we put a "Big Girl Bed" in Claire's room...and she loves it! She is very proud of her bed, and will definitely let you know if she does/doesn't want you on it with her. So far she's done great with it!

Halloween 08

2008-12-26T07:39:00.000-08:00

For Halloween this year, Claire dressed up as a beautiful butterfly. (I actually thought she was a lady bug, until later on in the day when I saw she had butterfly wings.) Claire and Erin went to a few of our neighbors houses...and as usual I handed out candy. We set a new record this year with a 125 kids...the last two were lucky, as I dumped the rest of the candy bowl in each of their bags.

Claire's 1st Packer Game

2008-12-26T07:21:00.000-08:00

Well, she didn't actually go to the game, but did get to participate in her first tailgate. Aunt Kate and Uncle Adam were going to the game with Grandma and Grandpa, so Erin and I brought Claire down to Lambeau so she could experience the pre-game atmosphere.

Playing catch with Aunt Kate.

Family pic in front of the Frozen Tundra

The fly-over after the National Anthem.

Watching Dad play softball

2008-08-15T09:13:00.001-07:00

Erin and Claire came to one of my softball games a few weeks ago and Claire had a great time watching...as well as playing with the other kids that were there. The little boy she is standing next to in one of the pictures is our friends Joel and Amanda's son Jackson...I better keep an eye on those two!

Swimming lessons

2008-08-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

Claire started swimming lessons at the end of July. Erin and I take her every Tuesday to the YWCA and for 45 minutes get in the kiddie pool with her so she can get comfortable with the water. She wasn't too fond of it her first night, but has gotten better with it ever week and now is very excited to get to the pool...that is actually one of her favorite words right now...and she LOVES watching swimming in the Olympics.

The naked lawn-mower!

2008-08-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Daddy's little girl

2008-08-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

Claire's 1st pool

2008-08-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

With the weather finally getting warm in July, we went and got Claire her first pool. She is a bit timid with it, but enjoys walking around it and splashing the water with her hands.

4th of July

2008-08-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

This year for the holiday weekend Erin, Claire, Baxter and I went up north to Grandma and Grandpa Waymire's house on Sunrise Lake. They were also up there, along with Aunt Kate and Uncle Adam (along with Oliver), so we had a great time. We did a lot of fishing, cooking out, and spent a lot of time around the fire pit. Adam and I also showed off our pyrotechnic sides as we purchased a number of fireworks to shoot off...and in doing so put on a show for the entire lake (per the loud cheers we received once we were finished lighting them off).

My teacher's wedding...

2008-06-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago Claire's Day Care teacher Amy got married...and Claire, along with her best friend Abby, got invited. The girls had a great time getting dressed up and dancing with Amy...and the adults enjoyed getting a free drink from their teacher!

Memorial Day Up North

2008-05-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

Erin, Claire, Baxter and I headed up north to Herb and Judy's house on Sunrise Lake for Memorial Day weekend and had a lot of fun. Claire hadn't been up there since Labor Day, so she had a blast scooting around the house and deck, going for a boat ride with Erin and I, and blowing bubbles with Grandma and Grandpa. We did a lot of fishing, grilled out, and drank a few beers...so all-in-all it was a perfect holiday weekend!

Bass-Masters

2008-05-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

Well, this past weekend Herb and I decided it was time to let the fish in Sunrise Lake know that there were two new Bass-Masters in town. Neither of us had been fishing in ages, so we geared up and hit the lake on Sunday afternoon. Herb was the first to catch something...a bluegill which was pretty decent in size. Soon after that I got into the game by hooking a large mouth bass (about 14" and 4 lbs). It put up a bit of a fight...it even did the signature "bass jumping out of the water". It was a lot of fun, and everyone (Judy and Erin also got their fishing license's) is looking forward to hunting the fish again over the 4th of July.

Where are your eyes?

2008-05-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a short video of Claire after her bath the other night. It seems like she is picking up a new word or two every day...so Erin and I were quizzing her on the name of her favorite Sesame Street character, along with different body parts. Her teachers say she is very bright and picks up on things quickly, so dad needs to start watching his mouth!

Claire's new swing set

2008-05-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday a new addition showed up in our back yard...a swing set for Claire. With the weather getting nicer, and Claire getting much more mobile and active, Erin and I knew we needed something for her to play on outside. She already loves it, and if you ever drive by out house at 6:30am, you may see one of us pushing her on the swing before she goes to day care since that's the first thing she wants to do once she's dressed and ready to go.

Happy Mothers Day!

2008-05-22T12:11:00.001-07:00

I'd like to wish all the Mothers out there a very Happy Mothers Day...even though it is a little belated. Erin and I were actually out of the country on May 11th. Her and I took a trip to Cancun, Mexico for 5 days with Kate and Adam. We had a great time, got a lot of sun, and drank a lot of pina colada's...but were excited to get home to Claire. So, since Erin wasn't home for the actual Mothers Day, Claire and I celebrated it this past Sunday. We took Erin to lunch, then the three of us went to the zoo. It was Claire's first time there, so she had fun seeing all of the different animals, and saying "hi" to the monkeys.

We have a walker!!!!

2008-05-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

Well, it took some time...and practice, but Claire finally has begun to walk. She isn't brave enough to venture out on her own, from the security of a near by piece of furniture. But, she will walk to Erin or I when sitting across a room from each other, as this video shows. Erin and I have been waiting for this day to come...but once it did, we looked at each other with a tear in our eye and said that she is growing up way too fast;)

I found my belly-button!

2008-05-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

Claire made a major discovery a few weeks ago...she found her belly button! And, she loves to show everyone it...along with trying to find yours (she continuously lifts my and Erin's shirt up to find ours).

Showing Mom...

Showing Dad...

My first time on a swing!

2008-05-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

Last month Grandma Christensen came and visited, and we all went for a walk to the park so Claire could go on the swings for the first time. Her and Grandma had a blast swinging together. Ever since then Erin and Claire go for walks to the park on Erin's day off, and we should have our very own swing-set in our back yard in the next couple of weeks.

Happy 30th Birthday Erin!

2008-05-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

Well, the day finally came...Erin turned 30!! (March 27th) The only picture I have is of the flowers that Claire, Baxter and I delivered for her at work to mark the occasion (30 Red Roses). Claire and I, along with Herb and Judy, took her out to dinner that night. Then, on the following day, I took her out of town for a 3-day weekend (thanks for baby-sitting Herb and Judy!). She didn't know where we were going, or what we were doing...so she was excited when we pulled into a resort in Lake Geneva...but even more excited to see that her (older...by a few minutes) twin sister was also there (a surprise to her as well). Adam and I had fun planning it, and the four of us had a great time relaxing and hanging out.

Two step process on how to kill a chic

2008-05-05T09:15:00.000-07:00

First, you pull its head off...

Then, you start munching on it...any questions?

Happy Easter!

2008-05-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

Well, the Easter Bunny once again visited our home, and filled up Claire and Baxter's Easter baskets. After they went through them we went to church, then headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Waymire's for lunch with them, Aunt Kate and Uncle Adam, Great-Aunt Kathy and Great-Uncle Dean, and Great-Grandma McVey. Claire then put on a piano recital for everyone...I have a feeling a piano purchase will be in our future.

Cheese:)

2008-05-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

Claire likes to smile on cue (when someone says "cheese")...Dad likes to smile when someone says "I got the next round".

Double pony-tail

2008-05-05T08:16:00.000-07:00

Claire's teachers at day care always like to "style" her hair...it's long enough now where she can have two pony-tails! You can also see a few of her teeth in this pic...she inherited Erin's "chiclet front teeth", or as I like to call them, Michael Strahan teeth.

Watching dad shovel

2008-05-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

Claire loved to watch Dad shovel all winter long...funny how she was always watching DAD shovel and not MOM:)

Happy Valentines Day!

2008-05-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

A few pics of our little valentine in her outfit.

New posts coming soon!

2008-04-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry!!! I know its been a couple months since my last post, but I promise to overload you with pictures and video from the past 8 weeks soon. Claire is getting big, talking (and signing) up a storm, and getting ever so close to walking. Oh, and Erin turned 30 last month:) Stay tuned...I promise!

First time in the snow...

2008-02-12T14:15:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we had a very rare day in Green Bay...it was above -40 degrees outside. So, I bundled myself and Claire up and took her for a few hot laps around the backyard. She had a great time...and Baxter enjoyed following her around. Here are a few photos of Claire's first time in the snow.

I guess Claire missed the hospital

2008-02-12T11:29:00.000-08:00

Well, with it being her one year anniversary of leaving the NICU, Claire decided she wanted to go back and spend the night...so, to do this, she needed a plan. First, she got the flu during dinner on Saturday (Dec 29th). Then, she started to get better on Sunday...but to only have things starting to come out of every orphis on Monday and Tuesday. So on New Years Day mom and dad took her into see the Dr. and were told that she needed to get on an IV immediately since she was dehydrated. Claire's master plan had worked, and she was admitted onto the Children's floor of St. Vincent Hospital almost one year to when she got to come home with us. The IV got her back to her normal self...and Claire (along with Mom) got to spend the night at the hospital. Here are some pics of her in her room...along with the pink brace that held her IV.

Merry X-Mas!

2008-02-12T11:11:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that Christmas was almost 2 months ago...sorry for the delay in this post. Here are a few random pics from over the holidays. This year Erin and I hosted Christmas at our house, which worked out great now that the basement is finished. Claire had a lot of fun opening gifts, even though she didn't have a clue as to what was going on. Santa also made a visit, and by the looks of it enjoyed his milk and cookies:)

It's my birthday!!!

2008-01-07T13:03:00.000-08:00

Wow...how fast a year goes by. Claire celebrated her 1st birthday on December 19th. Erin and I had a little party for her on the 15th with our family's which was a lot of fun. Claire had a couple of firsts that day: eating cake (she loved it!) and opening gifts. We appreciate everyone that traveled over for the day...and for all of the gifts that Claire received!

Breakfast with Santa

2008-01-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

Back in the beginning of December Erin, Claire and I went to Plae' Bistro for "Breakfast with Santa". It was Claire's first time meeting the man in the red suite, so we were interested to see her reaction...at first she was ok, but once he got close she wasn't too happy. I can't blame her though...if I was that small a guy in bright red clothes, with a white beard that wanted me to sit on his lap would scare the crap out of me too...actually, I'm still scared of guys who want me to sit on their lap!

Birthday Boys!

2007-11-29T07:16:00.000-08:00

November 25th was a very important date for two reasons...Baxter turned 21 (he's actually 3 in human years) and Herb turned the BIG 6-0! We tried to fill Herb's cake with that many candles, but Erin and I were not able to obtain the proper fire permits in time, so he had to settle for six candles instead. Baxter got to have his first adult beverage since he was of legal age...he wanted to go bar hopping, but I didn't want to be hung over for work the next day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-27T11:42:00.000-08:00

I hope all of our family and friends had a wonderful Thanksgiving...especially after a Packer victory! Here are a few pics of Claire's first Thanksgiving which we spent in Milwaukee at Erin's aunt and uncles house (Ed and CC's). We had a very interesting trip home...we decided to go deer hunting. While driving north on 43, and just a few miles south of Manitowoc, we hit 2 deer (yes, 2 of them at the same time). There wasn't any traffic, and by time we saw them in the head lights it was too late. No one was hurt, other than some damage to Herbs company car. But it sure did make for an exciting end to our day!

Someone is moving!

2007-11-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

Last week Friday Claire decided that she was sick of only being able to roll around...so she started army crawling! At least we have Baxter to help keep tabs on her.

Basement update

2007-11-21T07:37:00.000-08:00

Well, things are really starting to progress downstairs. After framing for the past two months (when I had time on the weekends), I've finally moved on to other stages of the building process...thank god. Last week we had the full bath installed, and last night we started running all of the electrical/cable/phone wires. So, from 6pm - 2am we (myself and two very helpful friends) worked on that...and we still have a few more hours to go. We do have working recessed lights though, which is great! As you can see from the pics, the drywall was delivered today...so sheetrocking will start on Monday (which means plastering should be done no later than Wednesday morning!). My goal is still to have it done (well, at least almost done) by Claire's 1st b-day party on the 15th...so the next few weeks will be busy! As frustrating as this process has been at times, I just keep thinking of the day I'll be able to sit down there with an adult beverage, and watch a Packer game on our new 46" LCD (which should be here in a few weeks!!). More pics to come next week after the plastering is complete...

The 12' sheets of drywall that were delivered today...thankfully they took it downstairs!

Work-out room

Bathroom

View from family room...we'll have a back bar under the stairs...steps to the right go to the garage.

Bath-time...but for who?

2007-11-21T07:25:00.000-08:00

Claire isn't too sure if she's taking a bath...or if Baxter is going to jump in before her.

A lot has changed in 10 months!

2007-11-08T12:18:00.001-08:00

Last night we had our friends Andy and Jennifer (along with their daughter Marren) over for dinner. Claire and Marren were born about a week apart and were in the NICU at the same time...so the six of us have a pretty special bond. As you can see from the pictures, they both have changed a lot in the past 10 months. The first pic is the day that they were both dischared from the hospital (yes, they both got to leave on the same day!), and the other two are from last night.

Claire's new buddy

2007-11-08T12:15:00.001-08:00

Grover was a gift to her from one of our neighbors on Halloween...I think she likes him!

Claire has a twin?

2007-11-08T11:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!

2007-11-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

Claire and Baxter decided to dress alike for her first Halloween...so we had two cute skunks at our house. Claire did a little trick-or-treating with Erin by our house, then went to Great-Grandma McVey's to show off her costume. I got to stay home and hand out candy to a bunch of 15 year olds who thought "dressing up" meant wearing their street clothes with a mask on their head.

Picking out my first pumpkin

2007-11-08T11:18:00.000-08:00

Erin took Claire to a pumpkin patch after work one night so she could find a pumpkin for her first Halloween.

Grandpa's glasses

2007-10-22T13:46:00.002-07:00

Just a cute picture of Claire wearing Grandpa Waymire's glasses last night...

Lazy days...

2007-10-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, while Erin was outside cleaning up our landscaping, Claire and Baxter decided to join her (and supervise). As you can see, Baxter fell asleep while Claire had fun looking around and playing with her toys.

Claire's first pancake

2007-10-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

Last week Claire was treated to her first pancake. She loved playing with it...and tearing it apart...oh, and the couple pieces she did eat seemed to taste good:)

Baxter has a cousin!

2007-10-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

Last week Sunday (14th), Kate and Adam went and picked up the new addition to their family...Oliver. Here is a pick of Erin with him...you can definitely tell that he and Baxter are related!

Sold!

2007-10-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

Claire stopped in at Grandpa Waymires office yesterday, and in the short time she was there sold 3 cars...the pouty face gets them everytime!

Now that is some high quality H2O

2007-10-11T05:27:00.000-07:00

Claire has mastered something new...drinking water from her cup. Here is a short video of her at Eves yesterday...

No more braces!!

2007-10-11T05:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, after having them for 18 months, Erin got her braces taken off. Claire went with her and talked to everyone that walked by. Afterwards I met them for lunch at Eves, and took a picture to show off the new and improved chicklets.

My apologies

2007-09-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has been since the beginning of August since I have last posted on the blog...and for that, I apologize. The last two months have been busy, and now that I have started working on the basement, the little free time I have is spent down there. So, there are a number of new posts showing what we've been up to since my brothers wedding. I will do my best to keep this updated, as Claire seems to be doing something new on a daily basis:) I hope everyone is doing well, and I hope you enjoy the pics (and video)!

FYI, click on the "older posts" link at the bottom of the page to see all of the new posts...there are two more that are not on this first page.

9 months old!

2007-09-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

Its hard to believe, but Claire turned 9 months old last week...that went fast! At her Dr.'s apt, she weighed in at a svelt 16lbs, and is 26 1/2 inches long. She's come a long way since her birth weight of 4lb 12 oz! Here are two pictures showing how much she's grown...we've used her stuffed dog as a size comparison.

Go Packers!

2007-09-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

Well, with this being Claire's first official Packer season, Erin and I had to get her something to wear on gamedays...and the obvious choice was a Brett Favre jersey! These are pics from Claire watching the Packer v. Charger game...exciting game (in which Dad got a bit "excited" at the end...4th and goal on the one and they go shot-gun with no running back $#*%)...but Brett pulled it out in dramatic fashion...which must have drained Claire since she took a nice nap once it was over:)

I can sleep anywhere

2007-09-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

Basement

2007-09-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I am currently working on finishing our basement. Erin and I have been talking about it for almost 4 years, and a few weeks ago things finally got underway. My goal (which is pretty agressive) it to have it finished before Claire's first birthday (Dec 19th). I'm trying to do as much of it on my own (well, with the help of some very generous and talented friends) to save a few dollars. Here are a few pictures of where we are currently at...I have about 2/3 of it framed. When its all finished, we'll have almost 1,000 square feet of extra space...which will include a family room, workout room, office/scrapbooking room, and a full bathroom. And with all of Claires things...which will only get worse with her birthday and Christmas coming in a few months, we need the space!!

Misc. Claire photo's from the past two months...

2007-09-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

So that's where my beer went!

2007-09-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

Baxter has really enjoyed sitting outside ever since we purchased the gazeebo...this has also affected my beer supply since he likes to enjoy a cold beverage while sitting on the patio furniture.

Someone's not happy:(

2007-09-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

Even though Claire is a very happy baby, she does get upset every once in a while. Erin was able to snap a photo of one of Claire's rare "pouty" faces.

Grandma's cooking tips

2007-09-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

Grandma came and visited a few weeks ago and taught Claire how to mix the batter for waffles. Claire has yet to make Erin and I breakfast since this lesson...

Claire's first words...

2007-09-28T06:26:00.000-07:00

Let's just say that Erin wasn't too happy...but Daddy (or should I say "Dadda") was:-)

Kate & Adam's new addition

2007-09-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

Back in August Erin and I (along with Claire and Baxter) met Kate and Adam's newest addition...Oliver! He was just over a week old in this picture...it's hard to believe that Baxter was that size. They are getting him from the same breeder that we got Baxter from, and the two are actually related:) So, they will pick him up on October 14th...welcome to the family Oliver...Baxter is looking forrward to a new playmate!

More wedding pics...

2007-08-07T06:59:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the delay in posting these...enjoy!

Mommy, Claire and "the nanny" :-)

Claire's first dance with Mom and Dad.

The new Mr. & Mrs. Josh Christensen!

Now that is one good looking couple!

Jim, Erin, Mom, Renee and Josh

Erin getting a slow dance with the groom.

Wedding weekend

2007-07-24T11:50:00.001-07:00

Well, my little brother is now a married man! This past weekend Josh got married to his new wife (and my new sister-in-law) Renee. It was a great weekend, and a beautiful ceremony! As always, it went by way too fast, but we have a lot of pictures to remember the day by. I've put one picture in this post, but there will be more to come! Claire got a pretty new dress for her uncles wedding...and Erin and I cleaned up pretty good as well:) I got to have my first slow dance with Claire, which was very special, and she also got to dance with mommy and Uncle Josh. Thankfully Aunt Kate came to be our "nanny" for the weekend, which was a huge help! More pictures to come!!

Cookie Monster!?!

2007-07-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

I think somebody likes her carrots!! :-)

The last few weeks...

2007-07-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of new photos, been a busy past few weeks. Here is a collection of shots...from a few candids of Claire, her and Baxer hanging out, her in her 4th of July outfit, and us at Kendall's birthday party. There will be many more to come since Uncle Josh is getting married this weekend...and we'll be making a trip to Nekoosa the following weekend. Stay tuned!

Look what I can do!

2007-07-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Claire decided it was time that she started to move around...roll that is! She's still working on going from her back to her stomach, but she has the stomach-to-back perfected. Here is a short video clip from a week ago showing her new "trick".

Our new addition...

2007-07-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Aunt Kate and Uncle Adam came and visited. Not only did they get to see Claire, but they also got to baby-sit for most of the day on Saturday while Erin and I were at a wedding. Adam also helped me put together our new addition...a gazeebo for our patio. With having a new house, there unfortunately is no shade in our back yard. So, this will work out perfect so we can sit outside with Claire (and Baxter) and enjoy the nice days without getting too warm...thanks Adam! Claire also got a few gifts from Kate/Adam/Grandma/Grandpa's trip to Ireland...let the doll and beanie baby collecting begin! (You can click on the pictures to make them larger.)

Dad's in trouble...

2007-07-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

How am I ever going to to be able to say no to this face?

Visiting Great-Grandma

2007-07-03T07:52:00.000-07:00

Claire got to visit Great-Grandma McVey this past weekend, and of course had to wear her Irish outfit:)

I'm scared to see our cell phone bill!

2007-07-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

It looks like Claire is definitely her mothers daughter...she is already using a cell phone to call her Aunt Kate:) Erin and Kate talk a few times a night, and it now seems that Claire has gotten into the act...not looking forward to our next bill!

6 Months Old!!

2007-06-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

Claire turned 6 months old today...wow, did that go fast! She did really good at the doctor...and didn't even cry that much for her shots. She weighed in at 13lbs 2oz and is 24" long. The Dr. said that she is doing great, and could start eating rice! So, tonight was our first adventure with that...our friends were right, it's messy! :) Claire didn't have a milk mustache, but rather a beard. Well, 6 months down, and as much as Erin and I feel liked we have learned, we both know the next six will be even more of an adventure...teething, crawling, talking, walking...she's growing up way too fast!

Claire's first pedicure!

2007-06-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

So, when I got home from work today, I took off Claire's shoes and what did I see...painted toe-nails! Her teacher gave her a mini pedicure today. Now I know why she likes day care so much...she goes to a spa! :) Pretty darn cute though!

Happy Fathers Day!

2007-06-18T19:12:00.001-07:00

Happy Fathers Day to all the dad's out there! Sorry its been a while since our last post...been busy. I had a great first Father's Day with Claire (and Baxter). We were in Milwaukee for a friends wedding on Saturday, so we didn't get home until Sunday afternoon. With the weather being as warm as it was, we decided to stay in the air conditioned house and watch the US Open...which didn't bother me at all:) After golf was over with, they gave me my presents which were great! Claire then gave me a special gift that she made at day care, which I loved! Its definitely going in my office. So, even though it was low-key, it was still a great Fathers Day since I got to hang out with my 3 favorite people all day long!

Baxter loves his little sister!

2007-06-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

Claire loves it when Baxter gives her kisses...he also makes sure that her hands are clean:)

Somebody found their feet!

2007-05-31T16:33:00.000-07:00

Over the past couple of weeks Claire discovered that she had feet...and that she could grab them. Since then, that is her favorite thing to do...well, other than smiling:) She has gotten a lot stronger in holding up her head, and has become much more coordinated in trying to grab things...like mom and dad's nose. She's talking up a storm, and loves playing with her friends at daycare. It's hard to believe that she'll be 6 months old in a couple weeks...she's growing up to fast!!

5 months old!

2007-05-20T06:31:00.000-07:00

Claire turned 5 months old this weekend!...wow, how time flies! Grandma Christensen came and visited for the day to celebrate a belated Mothers Day. We all went to lunch, and then Grandma, Claire and Baxter hung out on the recliner.

Going for a walk

2007-05-20T06:25:00.000-07:00

Mom found a new way for her, Baxter and I to go for long walks (since Baxter's short legs don't allow him to go very far). I like sharing my stroller with him!

Happy Mothers Day!

2007-05-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day! Funny story...it was exactly a year ago (last Mothers Day) that Erin and I found out that she was pregnant. So, this is definitely a special day for all mothers out there...but for Erin, it has a great story to go with it:) Claire and Baxter had a lot of fun celebrating the day with Mom. They woke her up and gave her their cards and a gift, and Dad made her pancakes. We then went to church, and Claire got to see her friend Marren. After that, we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Waymires for a cookout. It was a great 1st Mothers Day!

Claire Bear giving Mommy her Care-Bear card:)

All of the Mom's in one picture...Claire is with Mommy, Grandma Waymire, and Great-Grandma McVey.

Mommy, Baxter and Claire hanging out after a fun Mothers Day.

Claire showing off her smile in her pretty new dress:)

Claire's trip to Chicago

2007-05-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

I had to work in Chicago last weekend, so Erin and Claire decided to make the trip and join me. So, this was our first overnight adventure with Miss Claire. It just so happend that Kate also had a conference in Chicago, and her and Adam were able to hang-out with us over the weekend. Below are some pictures of Claire's trip to Chicago:

Mommy and Daddy with Claire at the Woodfield Mall. Mom and Aunt Kate were excited to show Claire the ropes of shopping:)

Mommy and Aunt Kate with Claire by the Chicago River.

What a nice day to walk around downtown!

Mom, Dad and Claire standing in our hotel room at The Wyndam...great view!

The tulips were in full bloom!

Me, Mommy and Aunt Kate at the Cheesecake Factory.

Here Claire is relaxing before another shopping trip with Mommy and Aunt Kate:)

Random pictures...

2007-05-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since our last post, so here are a few random pictures of Claire. I'll be posting more pics in the near future from our trip to Chicago (last weekend), and of Mothers Day (this coming weekend).

4 generations

2007-05-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken over the last few months, but I figured better late than never. We are lucky to have 4 generations on each side of our family. The top picture shows Claire with Daddy, Grandpa Christensen and Great-Grandma Christensen. The bottom one shows her with Mommy, Grandma Waymire and Great-Grandma McVey.

I'm 4 months old!

2007-04-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

Actually, Claire was 4 months old yesterday, but dad didn't have time to create the post. Claire went to the doctor today and did great with her shots...just like last time! She is 23" long and weighs in at a hefty 11lbs. (Her Uncle Josh was that big when he was born.) She is just getting over her first ear infection, so we're glad to see her back to her old self. Last night we bought a Burley, so Erin and I are looking forward to taking Claire and Baxter (we can't forget about him!) on bike rides now that the weather is nice.

I met the Easter Bunny!!

2007-04-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

This may be the first actual sighting of the Easter Bunny outside of a shopping mall. When we got to Grandma and Grandpa Waymires, the Easter Bunny was waiting for us on the front steps. Claire got her picture taken with him, and then he was off...giving treats to other neighborhood children. Baxter followed him around everywhere since in our backyard, rabbit droppings are a delicacy:)

My first Easter!

2007-04-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

Claire sitting on mommy's lap in her first Easter dress. She had a lot of fun getting her Easter basket (along with Baxter), and loved her new toys and books. She slept through church, and then went over to Grandma and Grandpa Waymires for the afternoon.

Happy St. Patricks Day!

2007-04-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Claire's first St. Patrick's Day! Since she is a 1/4 Irish, we had to find her a proper shirt to wear...how could you not want to kiss that cute face?

we have a blog!

2007-04-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

Well, it's only taken me 4 months, but I've finally gotten around to creating a blog so all of our family and friends can keep up to date on how the entire Christensen family is doing. I will do my best to keep this updated, and look forward to sharing all of the fun experiences that are yet to come!