Each day brought new adventures, including cooking classes with Grandma and Blair’s first CAMEL RIDE at the Naples Zoo! Plus, Daddy came to visit us in Florida, which was a nice surprise.

It was a wonderful treat to escape the snow and spend time with family for a few days. Blair is still talking about how much fun she had on this trip. Thank you Grandma Nancy!

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Two weeks ago, we finally  caved in and took Blair for her first haircut.  I really  wanted to wait until her first birthday, but as you can see this child’s hair was out of control!  Kudos to the little one because she didn’t cry at all.  I’m sure the mirrors, tv, and cool chair helped.

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Blair has grown – and matured – so much in the past few months.  November and December were full of “first” moments for our daughter.  She started crawling November 1st, said a legitimate “Da-Da” on November 13th, met Santa on December 1st, opened her first Christmas presents on December 19th, and had her first plane ride on December 27th… the same day we discovered her very first tooth!  She is a very active and curious girl.  We are so proud of her.

Blair’s First Christmas began with 2 special stockings made by her Great Grandma Nan.  She also had an early visit from Aunt Shannon & Uncle Michael.  They must have ran into Santa along the way because, in addition to lots of cuddles and kisses, they brought Blair a music table (and several other toys) that she LOVES.

On Christmas Day, Grandma & Grandpa Gillingham, Uncle Paul, and Miss Brianna came over to celebrate with us.  Blair received many wonderful gifts, including a handmade wooden scooter from Grandpa.  She loves it.  It’s made from the same wood he used for her cradle and it has jingle bells inside the wheels.  Thankfully, there is a way to take the bells out – which is an extra gift for Mom & Dad.

Next, we headed to Florida to continue the festivities with Chase’s family.  Much to my relief, Blair handled the flight like a champ!  We had a wonderful Christmas together and I think everyone was thrilled to spend time in the sunshine.  Blair was also eager to show off the skills she learned in swim class as often as possible.

And then, sadly, we had to come home.  It’s cold and snowy in Michigan, but we are certainly glad to see our friends and get back into the swing of things.  So, here’s to 2010.  We wish you many blessings and happiness in the new year.

Love,

Chase, Colleen, & Blair Elizabeth

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Blair and the Polar Bear

This morning, Blair and I went to the Macomb Clinton Public Library for a playgroup.  We sang songs, read a few stories, and then let the babies play together.  Blair isn’t crawling yet, but she’s sitting up very well.  Some of the other babies could crawl around, so it was fun for her to see that and interact with the “big kids.”  She isn’t far behind them though!

Children's Area @ Clinton Macomb Public Library

I also have to praise the Macomb Clinton Public Library overall.  It’s incredible!  A far cry from the stuffy old places I remember as a kid. Everything is very modern and the children’s area is outstanding!  It’s a very large and colorful room with several play areas, a puppet theater, tons of books and various other extras to engage little ones.  We can’t wait to go back next week!

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Last week, Great Grandma Fisher came to visit for the first time.  She has been living in Florida, so this was her first chance to meet Blair.  As you can see, they had lots of fun playing together.  Grandma even brought Blair her very first Bible.  It was a very special gift for our little girl.  Blair is certainly looking forward to seeing her Great Grandma again!

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Blair’s Aunt Beverly made a special blanket for her to use at Grandma Nancy’s house.  It’s soft, cuddly, and (most importantly) says “I love Grandma” all over it!  Blair tested out this beautiful blanket today and as you can see, she loves it!   It’s so thoughtful of you to make this for Blair, and I know she (and Nancy) will use it often.  Thank you Aunt Beverly!

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I love books!

I love books and hope Blair will be equally enthusiastic about reading.  Chase and I read to her often, especially at bedtime.  Some her favorites include DUCK for President (thanks Dan & Lenore!) and anything by Sandra Boynton (thanks Doris!).  This summer, Blair and I have made several trips to the local library and even enrolled in their summer reading program.  Today we turned in her completed list (singing songs, reading stories, watching a puppet show, etc.) for a special prize pack.  She’s a little young for the Cheez-Its but the beach ball and Cookie Monster book are a big hit.  Congratulations Baby Blair!

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Everybody on the whole cell block...

I sing to Blair all the time. She loves music. We sing about itsy-bitsy spiders, bunnies bopping field mice, skinamarinks, some lady who’ll be coming ‘round the mountain whenever she feels like it, and plenty of other made up melodies. Good or bad, Blair has even started using a special “screeching voice” when she wants to sing along. Hopefully, that’s not exactly what she thinks I sound like! Anyway, it’s quite possible she will sing well before she talks.

So today, we went to the local library for a kids concert. As usual, our social butterfly was fascinated by the sight and sounds of so many other kids. Musician Bill Donahue introduced the little ones to everything from Beethoven to Elvis. Everybody on the whole cell block – even Blair – danced to the jailhouse rock. We had a great time!

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