Claire is One

Our little Claire Bear turned one yesterday. I know it is cliche, but time is flying. This past year has flown by faster than any other. I can remember my labor and delivery like it was yesterday. Maybe because it was nearly a three day long process, it was simply unforgettable :). We could not imagine our life without Claire, it is really honestly hard to remember what life was like before her. Her smile lights up a room, and she is such a happy little gal. She is a great sport about dealing with her rough and tumble brother. She lights up our lives! 

 This past weekend we had a small lunch party for her at our house. We wanted to do more but we are just having to be careful of the number of people we are exposed to because of the looming surgery. So we kept is quaint, but it was sweet. We enjoyed celebrating. We had a pink party, I tried to make all of the food have some sort of pink to it. We had smoked salmon with paprika colored cream cheese and prosciutto and cheese for appetizers. Then we had tri-tip, ribs, broccoli salad with craisins, strawberries, red grapes, and bread...oh yea and amazing raspberry sherbert punch. I debated on dying the butter for the bread pink but I thought that might be a little odd.  I made strawberry cupcakes from scratch. I am proud of myself for that one, because I am usually a cake from a box kind of girl. Anyways we had a wonderful time..and I think Claire did too. 

Claire loves all of her new clothes and toys.

Testing out her new Olivia book...yep it's a keeper!

Love bug.

Grandma and Grandpa Rietkerk got her a new swing, of course Lucas had to try it out to make sure it was "safe" first, before Claire was able to use it.

I think she loves it!

Not quite sure what to think about people singing to her.

Mmmmm..

Really loving the strawberry cupcake.

Milk please...

Happy 1st Birthday sweet girl.

To say she is a blessing is an understatement. She is exactly perfect for our family in every way. She is mellow, happy, and hilarious. Her and I have a least one belly laugh together a day.  We are so thankful for Claire for all that she is!