Claire

We made it to ONE YEAR! Our 52nd week of photos:

We had Claire’s one year doctor appointment this week. Here are the stats:

Weight: 17 lbs, 3rd%

Height: 29 inches, 50%

Head: 18.3 inches, 80%

She got four shots and cried so hard she threw up. 🙁 She is below the curve on the weight chart, but the doctor said she isn’t worried. Claire has been consistently tiny this whole year– and she is making the right amount of progress each month.

I was very sentimental on December 10th this year. The day Claire was born was so huge for us; there was so much excitement, anxiety and joy. It made me feel really happy and lucky to think back on the experience of that day and wonder at everything that has happened since.  This last year has turned me and Eric into real grownups. That means we have a lot of responsibility, but along with it has come such fulfillment and love. We are both constantly in awe of the beautiful little Claire we created, and we love her so much!

I think we can make the call on Claire’s first word: it’s “kitty”! She said it quite clearly a few days ago at Grandma Sandy’s house while playing around with Grayson (Sandy’s cat). Since then she has been saying it quite a lot, though she sometimes uses the same sound for both “kitty” and “doggie.” It comes out like, “ki-gi”. It’s so cute!

We are still working to get Claire moving more. She has these sensory issues that are getting in her way. She doesn’t like the feeling of heavy pressure or weight on her hands or legs. So tipping sideways is scary for her, as is being on all-fours. We are still working at physical therapy once a week, and are now going to start occupational therapy. Hopefully the occupational therapy can help us get her over the sensory part that is so frustrating her. I know Claire will be so happy when she can crawl or walk- she is so smart and needs to explore more. Her therapist says she is a little too smart– she knows that falling can hurt, and has figured out ways to get through life thus far without having to move!

I am going to try taking her to the Little Gym next week and see if that can motivate Claire better. She really hates the physical therapy and and has developed a real fear of the place. Maybe if we try getting her in a fun environment with other kids, music, dancing, etc she will forget her fears and start working without even realizing it. I am hopeful because Claire stood on her own, without my support at all, while at the playground yesterday! I think watching all the other kids really helps her. She is such a social little creature.