Clara turns 2!

Clara has been two in spirit for quite a few months now, so we were happy to officially welcome age two on March 11 - although we didn't officially celebrate until later in the week.  Clara was completely spoiled with lots of thoughtful presents from relatives far and wide, and with the birthday dinner of her choice - toast and chocolate cake with strawberries.  (We did supplement the toast!)

First present from Grandpa and Nana

Five minute break to play with her first present

Grady gets impatient and wants to help

Cookies!

New baby doll from cousin Brando and company - BIG hit! 

Horse from Grandma and Grandpa - this goes with her everywhere.

The whole crew

Grady helps make the cake

The verdict: Yummy!

Thumbs up

After dessert, we went around the table and said things we loved about Clara.  Grady loves how she plays in the the big puddle in front of the house with him.  Matt and I love Clara's independence, strong will, humor, effervescence, style, love for her family, and ability to do anything she sets her mind to, among others.  She is a pretty amazing little girl.  We are lucky to have her.

We have been settling into having three little ones around the house.  Grady and Clara are pretty interested in Theo and like to hold him and help him out when he's feeling sad.  They also enjoyed giving him his first bath!

And check this out - Theo first, Grady second - resemblance you think?

We also went on our first real family excursion this past weekend, going to the opening day of the Portland Farmers Market.  Clara picked out a stunning outfit for the event.

Ready to fight bad guys

Not much was ready yet, and we didn't end up buying anything besides the essentials (coffee and cookies), but we got out of the house!

In general, Clara seems totally fine with/oblivious to the disruption in her life with the arrival of her little brother.  Grady, always a bit more sensitive, isn't quite as equanimous, but luckily he isn't taking it out on or associating it with his little brother.  Besa has adapted.

Theo has reached the two week mark, and knocking on wood, he seems to be colic free.  He is a pretty mellow baby, getting upset for the most part only when hungry or wet.  He is a frequent eater - going about every two hours, three if I'm lucky.  As of his two week appointment today, he was back above birth weight at 7 pounds 12 ounces - gaining 10 ounces in 11 days!  He is a total sweetheart and we are completely smitten with the little guy.

Matt is back to work as of Tuesday.  Tomorrow is my first day with all three of the kids on my own - so I should probably get to bed and get ready!