Christmas

 

Christmas morning

 Showing off her new clothes and backpack.

Clara's new pillow pet from uncle Daniel.

The only thing Clara said she wanted for Christmas was, "a four-wheeler just her size so she can ride it all by herself." She also wanted to be able to ride it with Papa.

Clara loves her new camo outfit from Papa and her bean bag (like Callie's) from Grandma and Papa.

Great Big Sister

 Clara loves helping out.  She has been great helping give Spencer a bath.

 She also loves reading books to Spencer.

This is my favorite photo.  Clara snuggled with Spencer for almost half an hour last night.  She got on her monkey jammies because Spencer had on his monkey jammies.

Preschool Christmas Party

Happy Birthday Mimi!

Finally Home!

Clara was very excited to see us home on Monday. We weren't planning on coming home until Wednesday or Thursday, but Monday morning after rounds a nurse came out and said, "You guys get to go home." We thought she was talking to another lady in the room because she had already told us she was going home on Monday. The nurse had to say it again before we realized she was talking to us.
Reading Clara a book her first night home from the hospital.

Reading Clara and Spencer a book the first night home from the hospital.

Christmas card sneak peak

CJ and Spencer...together at last!

The nurses did a great job dressing Clara to go meet her baby brother. This was kind of a surprise, so you can tell how excited she is!


CJ was very gentle and careful with her new baby brother. Mary and I are very proud of her...she is going to be a great big sister!

Spencer Reed Hoyt is here

Taking his first helicopter ride.

Clara's visit to see Spencer in Kansas City.

Wide awake, which he doesn't stay like this for long before he is sleeping again. :)

Hi Clara!

I have the hiccups Clara! I miss you and I am ready to be home with you! See you soon!

P.S. I am getting my iv out today and I won't be living in my little box much longer!

Halloween Night

Clara has finally started letting us take photos of her again without a mad face, her hand over her face, or turning her back to the camera. I love it!

Painting a Pumpkin

Clara started with painting a pretty good face, but it wasn't enough pink and purple. She then painted the stem, then the back of the pumpkin, and then all of it.

Papa Charlie's Pumpkin Patch

Growling Like a Wolf

Happy Halloween

This was out of the ordinary, Clara let me take photos of her without looking mad or covering her face. It might have helped that I told her I got to take a picture of her or we wouldn't go to the YMCA for their trick-or-treat night. She is growling like a wolf in the photos. Yes, she wanted to be a wolf for Halloween, we haven't been able to get it out of her why she picked a wolf. (If you notice her socks, she likes to wear mismatched socks because the big girls at daddy's school wear mismatched socks.)

Riding the train at the Y with Lauren.

Preschool is Hard Work

When Clara goes to preschool on Tuesday and Thursday she doesn't have time for a nap at the babysitter. This is what happens most evenings.

Forgot to Post - Wedding Reception

In August we had a wedding reception for Vince and Lisa in Brookfield. We were having such a good time that we forgot to take many photos. The top picture is Clara showing us she is about to eat Lisa's face on the frosting off of the cake.

Getting Closer

Last Friday
bedroom

bathroom

One week later

bedroom

bathroom

I asked the crew if most of the dusty work is done so I could clean a little - no, a lot - this weekend. I have lived with sheets over everything and dust on the floor (and everywhere) long enough. The washer and dryer is hooked back up also. I kind of like the house to get this messy so when I clean I can see a big difference.