Happy Birthday

Post halloween dress-up

We were all set for a little Halloween party at the U.S. Embassy and at a friend's nursery school; the plan was to wear her chicken costume, from her Nani, if it arrived on time, and to resort to her ZoomLion trash-collector get-up if the chicken came late. As it turned out, neither costume was used as Claire came down with malaria that Thursday which killed any chance for Halloween fun. Oh well. But we did have fun, well sort of, dressing up at home the next week.

Sunday lunch

Fun in a bucket

She is a New Yorker reader

Melanie says goodbye

On Melanie's last day we went to Coco Beach for a fun afternoon of swimming. Claire and I got out after about an hour, but Melanie stayed in all afternoon. It was a fantastic last day, and a terrific month. We miss her so much!

Morning girls

Melanie is a very good sport in the morning when Claire rolls around and wakes everybody up. Today they read some books before getting out of bed. Claire turned 10 months old today- she is becoming quite a little chatter-box and is ALWAYS on the move, but these squinty eyes are not real, just her reaction to the red-eye reducing flash. So annoying.

Two teeth popping through

Melanie went swimming with her friend, Olivia this afternoon so it was just Claire and Comfort in the kitchen. It is amazing what Claire finds on the floor these days.

Her big sister is here!

Melanie arrived on Tuesday night. As if on cue, Claire woke up just as she walked in the door. The two girls hit it off right away and Claire spent the next hour staring intently at her big sister and following her around the house at a quick crawling clip. Melanie, who already has a lot of practice being a big sister to her brother Jacob (a year and 3 months) is a huge help with Claire, especially early in the morning when we are all getting ready.

Papa and his girls

Grammie and Grampy Visit!

We just dropped my parents off at the airport this morning after a terrific two weeks. Not surprisingly, they adored every moment with Claire and she loved their non-stop love, attention, and the new toys that came in tow. These pictures are from our trip to Elmina, near Cape Coast in Central Region, as well as the first few days around the house and in Sakumono getting adjusted.

Ghana Disney World, sorry, I mean Kakum National Park

She loves her baby doll from Riley!