At about this time last year, I would often wonder if I were doing something wrong with Claire. Yes, every new mother has her moments of doubt regarding childcare, but the type of worry that went through my mind was of a different sort — I was concerned because Claire was such a serious, intense baby. "I don't think I've ever seen a baby frown that much!" was a phrase I heard often. Claire at four months old Now that we have Aerin, whose personality has really started to surface in the past month or so, I know that I was foolish to have worried with Claire — it was just her personality! She is a pensive, serious type who only truly shines in...

I am happy to announce that, at 15 months of age, Claire has finally started walking. Let me rephrase that. She has finally started walking without support. Because she has been walking with one hand against the wall or along some furniture, or one hand holding someone's hand, for over a month now. We all knew that she could physically walk by herself, but that she was too afraid to let go. Then, just this past weekend, BAM! It's like she suddenly happened upon a chest full of courage and started walking everywhere by herself. Dim light + fast-walking kid = blurry picture I have been so proud of our firstborn lately. Everyone tells us that she's one of the smartest babies they've ever met, and even...