Posting #100

Welcome to post #100. Time for a little reflection. On the first posting, I wrote that we were too busy for children and we traveled too much. We could barely get up before 9am. My have things changed. I simply could not imagine life without the bear. Sure, having a baby means big changes - not going out as much (when was the last time we went out for dinner - after 5pm?), not traveling as much (only had 3 international trips this year), needing to coordinate our schedules (thank you Google calendar), a lot less sleep (up by 6am everyday). But it also means more family time, being at home more, learning to enjoy simple things (like my TV). How different she used to look - 3 days old on the right.

Admittedly, at first my only concern/fear was making sure we raised Claire right (however that's defined). But as she gets older and reaches more milestones, I see that she has taught me a few things - enjoying down time, watching her world expand, the power of a smile, it's ok to wear pajamas all day, everything goes into the mouth.

At 8.5 months, 18+ lbs. and 26 inches, I figured we've gone through over 1,500 diapers, countless bottles of milk and many baths. Yes, Lynn has been the real hero, still faithfully pumping several times a day. I am sure at times, the special bond of breast feeding a baby seems to be not so special. But truth be told, we have definitely bonded as a family. Our favorite time is when we are just spending time together - doesn't matter what we are doing. I just love the picture on the left.

The next few months will bring more talking, teeth and perhaps walking. She is growing up fast. She is growing up happy. Thank you to everyone for sending your comments, and here's to the next 100 postings!