Pretty in Pink

Mommy didn't know what she was missing in terms of baby fashion until Claire came along.  Claire  has been literally showered with little girl clothes from every quarter, and thanks to her generous benefactors, she now owns an outfit (sometimes multiple outfits) for every occasion.  She has three times more clothes than either of her brothers ever did which necessitated the hasty purchase of an extra set of drawers to hold them all.  In fact, in order to wear every outfit at least once before growing out of the 0-3 month size, Claire must change her attire at least every 4 hours for the next 3 weeks.  A girl has to do what a girl has to do to be the leading fashion icon in the house.  It's a tough job, and Claire is definitely the girl to pull it off.

Showing off her sun dress with coordinating booties and hat, Claire is ready for the most formal afternoon high tea.  

Ready for the beach, this little girl is going to catch some eyes.

Here we see Claire sporting her workout look with jazzy hoody and hot pink leggings.

Claire likes to end the evening in her show-stopping little black onesie and hat.

A little light reading

Since Claire was obliged to spend overnight in the hospital on Thursday last to receive some IV antibiotics and get the jump on a suspected infection of the liver following her surgery, our special friend Kristin loaned some excellent works by Jane Austen to get Claire introduced to a few of the British Period novels necessary for any self-respecting young lady who will soon be hosting various lavish tea parties and afternoon luncheons.  Mommy and Claire had already started reading "Emma" at home, but now she is halfway through Jane Austen's final novel:  "Persuasion."  She has named the stuffed moose she got at the hospital after the leading romantic hero of the story - Captain Wentworth.  Captain Wentworth and Claire are anxious to read "Pride and Prejudice" next, and wish Mommy would have taken that speed reading course Daddy suggested, so they could hurry up and get started.

Alright Captain Wentworth, since Mommy is such a slow poke, I think you will have to start reading me our next book.

Sunbathing in Seattle

Now that Claire is two months old, she is finally seeing some sun.  Not only has it been a cool and cloudy summer so far, but on top of that Claire is under strict instructions to limit UV exposure while she is taking her heart medications.  So, needless to say, Claire is a little pasty.   But, last week, with the advent of the new inflatable pool for the boys, Mommy decided it would be okay for Claire to venture outside to lounge pool-side and get some rays.  That is, as long as she was seated facing away from the sun, in the shade, under a sun bonnet, and in long sleeves and pants.  I think her left hand may have gotten a little tan, but not much.

If we wait ten more minutes Mommy, I think my thumb may see a little sun.

Our Little Super Star

Claire is back from the hospital after her surgery on Monday to correct biliary atresia in her liver.  She did remarkably, and impressed all her doctors and nurses with how well she handled recovery.  One day later she was already out of intensive care and off of her pain medications.  Brothers only had a chance to visit her twice before she was on her way home for the weekend to enjoy the sunny weather.  It's amazing what the doctors can do for such tiny little patients like Claire, but it's even more miraculous what her body is doing to heal once set in the right direction.

Day 1 - Claire came out of surgery with a "Star Patient" certificate from her doctor.  Of course, she couldn't have done it without her special blankie from Grandma and Grandpa.

Day 3 - Claire moved to her room with a view, just in time for the fireworks.

Day 5 - Unhooked and off the monitors, Claire is ready to roll. 

1...2...3...Kasai!

Claire is getting ready for her surgery on Monday to connect her small intestine directly to the liver, since it appears that she doesn't have a working gall bladder.  It's called the Kasai procedure.  Claire thinks the Kasai sounds a lot like a martial arts attack style, so she has taken up karate to help prepare.  We like to call her the Karate Kasai Kid around here.  Emmett has started coaching her.  He keeps repeating:  "Wax on, wax off."  "Patience grasshopper."  "Either you karate do "yes" or karate do "no." You karate do "guess so," get squish just like grape."  Along with a lot of bopping her on the tummy.  She has already mastered the pink belt level.   Emmett thinks she'll be ready by the big day.  And as long as Daddy doesn't make her wear his red and white commemorative DodgeBall movie headband to the hospital, she'll be happy.

Here, Claire demonstrates the hopping mad grasshopper stance.  Banzaaaiiiiii!