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The 2 1/2 month mark brings about even more “firsts” for Claire. After an excellent night of sleep (due to the shots), we took a family trip to the UNC Campus in Chapel Hill for a picnic and some sightseeing. Claire dressed the part, showing off her Tarheels onesie and matching hair bow. We had lunch near the amphitheater and then walked up and down Franklin street, popping in a shop or two. The weather was just perfect and Claire enjoyed being outside as usual. Below is a picture I snapped of a super alert Wiggles in the car on the way to Chapel Hill and a self family portrait.

When we got home, Claire took a nap and woke up ready to play! She entertained her mommy and daddy by “talking” and smiling profusely underneath her jungle gym. I must have taken dozens of pictures, hoping to capture that sweet smile. Below is one of my favorites, and there are plenty more “faces of Claire” in the Nine and Ten Week Photo Gallery.

Sunday was a busy day. Claire slept through church services in mommy’s lap and tried to be a good girl and let some friends hold her, but was ready to get home and have some lunch! That evening we took Claire to her first Durham Bulls baseball game, along with friends Trey, Sabrina and Carter. Eric and I can remember going along to Carter’s first game about 2 years ago and found it ironic that WE were the ones with a baby this time. Claire did absolutely wonderful, sleeping on her daddy’s chest in the Baby Bjorn and waking up to charm us with her precious smiles. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to charge the camera battery, but we borrowed Sabrina’s camera and captured some of her best expressions yet - I’ll post them soon. I managed to get one picture of her on the way to Durham before the camera gave out - look at her all dolled up in the cute hat (borrowed from Caleigh) and adorable shoes (thanks, Aunt Beth!).

On Tuesday my friend Karen and her son Jack came over for lunch. I couldn’t believe how big Jack has gotten over the past couple of months. He’s a smart boy - knew exactly where to find all the toys in the nursery! I was happy to see some of them getting some use, Claire doesn’t care for too many of them just yet as she prefers munching on her hands. The hope was to capture several cute photos of the two kiddos meeting for the first time, but they had other plans! We managed to get the one below, but you can tell Jack is dying to get down and play and Claire is ready for a nap!

 Claire had a really good 10th week during the day. Her fussing was less than usual and the smiling and cooing was at an all time high. I wish I could say the nights were just as good, but she was waking up quite often and not sleeping as well as she had before. BUT - I’ve been desperately trying different “routines” trying to find what works best for her and I think I may have figured it out. For the past two nights she’s slept 5 1/2 - 6 hours, woke up to feed, then went back down for 2 1/2 - 4 hours. However, Claire has a habit of being unpredictable, so this may be a fluke. Her mommy is desperately hoping it’s not.

So that’s all for now, be sure to check out the new Nine and Ten Week Photo Gallery.