Beth made Cornish pasties for dinner last night that were delicious. Pasties have a flaky pastry shell with beef, potatoes, onions, and sometimes turnips inside. Claire was very impressed. The photo above is Claire's pastie next to Andrew's.
and after.
Andrew's parents, Beth and Brian, flew in Saturday night after the move and are staying with us during Beth's spring break. We celebrated Claire's birthday for a third time on Sunday with ice cream. Claire LOVES ice cream, just like her Momma.
We had seven adults and three children help us start moving at 10am Saturday morning and we were completely finished by 2pm. Our friends were so helpful and efficient. Claire spent her first night away from Momma and Daddy at Mia's house. She behaved very well and we were able to work at a much faster pace without Claire unpacking the boxes were were trying to pack.
Above, Claire is waiting for her first bath at 318 Jackson Street. She loves her new house. 
Today, I kept recounting to my students the story of having contractions while teaching lab one year ago. I can't believe it has already been a year. Claire has changed so much, it's hard for me to believe she is the same being that was delivered. 
This month, like every month, she is developing more personality, skills, and talents. We've stopped counting teeth after molars came in last week. She is not a picky eater and if she's tired while eating, she will rest her head over on her fist casually opening and closing her mouth. She likes to stand and walk around the coffee table, but much prefers walking on her knees. She has become very affectionate dolling out kisses to Andrew, my mom, sister and me. 
Tonight I had one of the warmest moments with her. Lately she has been giving some good two-arm hugs, but tonight she topped herself. As I was doing our nightly routine of slow-dancing to music before bed she leaned in for a kiss, then wrapped her two arms around my neck and for the first time her two hands found each other and she squeezed with the most incredible hug. I nearly melted.
My sister and her family will be out of town next weekend, so we had an early birthday party for Claire today.
While Claire is just developing her block stacking skills, her cousin, Alexandra is already a pro.
When Claire was first served cake all she wanted to do was play with it. She removed the plate from underneath and crushed the cake into small bits between her fingers.
When she finally ate it, she couldn't get enough.
An outfit change was necessary after eating cake.
Claire enjoyed playing with my old CareBear, Cabbage Patch Kid, and doll that my mom brought from her house.
The move into our new house starts today! This is the first family photo at our new address.
Yesterday, we celebrated Mia's birthday with some good southern food at the Kentucky Depot restaurant.
Here is a short clip of Claire and her knee-walking that she has gotten down so well. She is still scaling furniture, but hasn't taken a step alone yet.
Claire taking Molly's spot on the couch.
Daddy helping Claire with her shoes.
Kissing the refrigerator....I'm not sure why.
I don't believe Claire did any petting at the small animal petting zoo today, but she did enjoy observing them. I was surprised that she kept her hands to herself given that she plunges towards Molly any chance she can get. When she gets a little older and can walk around like the other children I think she'll have more fun.
