Introducing Claire!

Finally, baby Claire arrives! We are soooo happy to have another baby girl in our family. Claire was born June 29, 2011 almost 2 weeks early. She's just perfect. Quinn was very upset on her first visit, but quickly warmed up. I hope that they are always best friends. :)

Quinn turns 3!

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Big girl bed!

January and February were big months for us. 1. Quinn made the switch to her big girl bed and 2. We found out we were having a girl!

Quinn did great with the transition. We had to do it because Chris was working in Portsmouth and wasn't home every night and I was pregnant and having a hard time lifting Quinn out of her crib. The first night she asked to get in her crib, but after that she was fine! The only incident was that I put a childproof knob on the inside of her room so that she couldn't walk around in the middle of the night. Bad idea because one night when Chris was gone she got up, turned the light on and tried to get out. Instead of being able to open the door, she locked it! So I spent 15 frantic minutes with a hanger trying to get in her room.




We were very excited to learn Quinn was going to get a sister. :) Deep down I was happy it was a girl because I wanted to name her after my Aunt Penny. Also, Quinn kept insisting that it was a girl, so it was nice not to have to tell her she was wrong. :)

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Quinn had a great Christmas. Hectic as always, but she had lots of fun and got to see all the people she loves! We got her a train set and a basketball hoop (I always know she'll get plenty of girly stuff!) I was concerned there wasn't enough for her under the tree, but she didn't even want to open all that was there! She got lots of art supplies, which she loves! She also got lots of Dora stuff! Can't go wrong with Dora. :)

Opening presents with Mommy and Daddy!
Lainey doll from Aunt Elaine


Christmas with the Shaffer clan!

Three pretty girls - Quinn, Taylor and Reese


Family pic!


at her second house with Mom and Dad and Uncle Bryan (she really does think she owns the place!)

Disney! The Most Magical Place on Earth

November 2010

We had soooo much fun at Disney. I have to admit, I don't want to go back any time soon, but it was really precious to see Quinn's excitement at the princesses, shows, rides and really just about everything (minus the characters with heads, she was scared of them!) We stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter, which was very nice. Quinn did much better on the rides than I expected. We even dragged her on the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. She loved the 2 meals we had with the princesses. Sleeping Beauty gave her a kiss on the forehead and she still talks about it! She also loved the Dumbo ride! Great family memories. :)



Playing with Daddy's iPod on the plane!

Waiting to meet Woody!

Favorite souvenir - a $4 Buzz Lightyear figure

Honey I Shrunk the Kids set

Dinner with Cinderella and Friends! (Quinn's fav? Prince Charming!)

Watching the fountains at Epcot

Safari at Animal Kingdom - so fun!

Swimming with Daddy at the hotel pool

Back in Columbus - we were a little frazzled!

Meeting Bill

September 2010
We were just standing in the right place at a rally for Ted when someone said "Come on, they need people in the VIP seating." We were in about the 2nd row for the speech, and when it was over, got to the fence just in time to ensure we would get a handshake and picture with President Clinton. Quinn was not thrilled with the crowd of people around her, but I think she'll treasure this picture some day. When Chris was deciding whether or not to work for Ted or at Amazon, my vote was for Ted because I thought we might be able to meet Barack Obama. That didn't happen, but...this was a close second. :)

Life with Miss Quinn

This was taken in July 2010 - Quinn 2 years, 2 months.