Claire "McGee"

Our Claire "McGee," as Sophia has coined her, is nine months old already! We have no idea where the time has gone and aren't certain where this McGee nickname came from, but we think it might have something to do with a Martha Speaks episode. We have to admit we kind of like the name and so here is a bit about the lovely Claire McGee at nine months!

As you can see, she's pretty darn cute. "Where does she get those blue eyes?" people ask. The question still throws me. Really anytime someone talks about her looks in reference to genetics I stumble a bit.

For both of my girls are gorgeous, each radiating a beauty all her own. It's true Claire and I resemble one another. And to answer the question about her eyes, she gets them from her Papi. But her looks are only a small part of what we adore about Claire.

We're pretty sure she will be musical like her Papi. Claire lights up in front of the piano and xylophone. For a while she seemed just generally amused by most of her toys, but then we brought out her crocodile xylophone. This was really the first toy to captivate her interest.

Like Mama and Big Sister, she loves to read. Okay, so she loves to listen to, look at, touch, and chew on chunky board books.

Thanks Dana Ochocki for passing on this fantastic, "I was born to read" shirt!

Claire now loves being outside. When I first took her out for a stroller ride after the long winter, she seemed a bit stunned by the sun and wind. Okay, so I took her out in March and it was technically still winter, but I get antsy.

Now that she's equipped with a new hat to help shield the sun, she is a very happy nature watcher. Mocha and the geese are her favorites at the moment.

Here we are at the first annual FANA 5K. Claire was a happy camper throughout the whole loop!

As far as her New Year's resolutions--still no teeth and still not crawling. Even so, Claire loves to chew on finger food such as banana slices, bits of bread, puffs, and yogurt melts. She can't get enough of sinking her gums into pieces of juicy ripe fruit (especially pears) and we're pretty sure she could be the poster child for her favorite, Baby Mum-mums. As for moving, she has her own way, which involves spinning, pushing backwards, and swimming on land.

If you're reading this from your email, click here to check out some of her moves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNBMuiHgbcs

This movie is a little dated. Claire is now starting to go from the sitting position to her stomach and is beginning to rock on all fours.

Claire loves to take steps too, though she is cautious. That's okay, Claire McGee, you go at your own pace. We know before long you'll be racing along side Big Sister. And we imagine you'll keep up quite well with those long legs of yours.