Happy Birthday, Genevieve!

Today my daughter turned one year old.

Wow.

Thanks to Grandma Cluff, we had a fabulous & pretty butterfly party. We started at 2 pm, which was about when Genevieve was born. Today she wore her new butterfly outfit, and looked adorable, as usual. After her birthday song, she put out her own candle - with her fingers. Surprisingly, she didn't burn herself, but we were all worried for a moment. She thoroughly enjoyed her birthday brownie (cut in a butterfly shape), and ate the whole thing, even licking the plate. It was a fun afternoon.

I had intended on creating a special post for her birthday, with beautiful photos and thoughtful words. However, I am borrowing this computer, and it is late, and I realized that Genna may never read this blog, so I'm just going to tell her how I feel about her in person.

We have also enjoyed a wonderful Christmas, but that story will come later. With pictures.

I promised my sister we would be on time for church tomorrow, so this is farewell. I hope your holidays were equally joyful.

We are here!!!

Everything is wonderful.

DESPITE
Genna having the worst night ever on Saturday night at the hotel, and
Reid and I getting only 3-4 hours of sleep, and
us forgetting our stroller, and
our flight being delayed,

we are here in Utah!

We have seen our loving families, and Genna has already charmed them all. She really knows how to work a crowd, I tell you what... We have eaten yummy food, and slept well. There is a hot frittata and bacon waiting for me right now. It is snowing, and will be for the entire day. Maybe I won't get dressed or leave the house. :)


Life is good.

I'll Be Home for Christmas...in 1 Day!!!

One year ago today, Reid's parents came to visit us for Christmas, with hopes of welcoming their first grandchild into our family. We had a wonderful and anxious Christmas with them, as we sat around, waiting for something exciting to happen. Bill had brought his new hanjie book, and was kind enough to let me try it out...and I never gave it back. It was the perfect activity to take my mind off of contractions (or the lack thereof).

Genevive Isabel Cluff arrived on December 27, and we were so glad that the Cluffs were still here! I think Reid was grateful to have his mom at the hospital before Genna came, as I was content to listen to my music and play hanjie. He might have been lonely without her. :)


Here is Diane with Genna, just after she was born. I am so glad you could share this with us!


Here's Bill with Genna. Thanks for letting me steal your hanjie book, and thanks for being such a wonderful grandpa.

Today is special for another reason - it is the Cluff's anniversary! Congratulations for getting married and having Reid, so that we could have Genna. It all leads back to Genna, doesn't it?

Well, we will be in Utah in just a matter of hours. I am so excited to see my family, I can't sit still! Which I suppose is a good thing, as I still have a few more things to do...

Merry Christmas everyone!

I'll Be Home for Christmas...in 2 Days

Our Utah vacation is almost here! Only a few more people to highlight in my countdown, and today it's my parents. I love them both so much! They both had a special birthday in November, and I made them each a memory book, filled with words and images of loved ones. It made me love them more to hear how others felt about them.

I do have more pictures of them, but it is very late, and my to do list is still here, staring me in the face, so I will just leave it at this: see you soon!!!

I'll Be Home for Christmas...in 3 Days

Today I decided to highlight Reid's brothers: Regis and Shadow.


This is Regis, the older of the two. He is a shnoodle. After having a dalmatian (Max) for many years, Reid's parents never thought they would like small dogs. Regis changed all that. He led the way for Shadow...


...who is an even smaller dog! Shadow is a choodle...or poouaua? Chiuaua-poodle mix, in case you can't figure that out. :) The Cluffs were once offered $900 from a stranger for Shadow, but they turned him down. Look at that face!


Here they are playing together - they really entertain themselves (sounds like what I've heard about having two kids. Genna, let's get you a sibling!) The last time Genna saw these guys, she was barely sitting up, and certainly not mobile. With her walking more each day, who knows what will happen. Boys, get ready for some action!

I'll Be Home for Christmas...in 4 Days

Today's special family member is my beloved sister, Holly. We talk on the phone just about every day - thank goodness for free mobile-to-mobile minutes! It will be so wonderful to talk to her in person. I can't wait to see her and she can't wait to see Genna (yes, I am second to my daughter.) So, just for you Holly - here are some pictures of your niece!


Thanks for inspiring Genevieve to be musically inclined. So glad she doesn't have to wear a bib 24-7 anymore; it's totally not stylish.


I wish she was smiling, but what can you do? She is showing off her new outfit, including bow.


Genna participating in her FAVORITE activity: "Empty the Diaper Bag." Observe the look of absolute glee on her face. How could I be mad?


Crawling through the wreckage, laughing with delight...


Genna is already striving to become a fashion diva like you, Holly. We dressed her in this beautiful gown for Reid's work Christmas party, and then set her down while we got ready. She proceeded to crawl over to where my jewelry is, picked up this white beaded necklace, and put it on herself. Wow! What an outfit! Of course, we had to let her wear it to the party. :)

(Those of you with Photoshop, don't judge my efforts with iPhoto editing. One day...)

Lastly, Genevieve walked 5 steps today!!! I tried to post a video, but to no avail. Maybe tomorrow.

I'll Be Home for Christmas...in 5 Days

Today, I am thinking about my older brother, Ryan, and his wife Stacy. They are moving into my parents basement, so they will be close at hand during our trip!


This is their son, Avery, who is obviously very cute...for a boy. :) Hey, this blog is all about me and my cute daughter. Anyway, I can't wait for them to get together - I hope they will play!