I love Soraya's weekly pictures!!! They are capturing who, what, where so splendidly.

What you have here, these little glimpses of this day, are the moments in writing and pictures that I swore I could never forget. Oh, I have the sense of them, somewhere deep inside of me, sweet and tender and layered. But to pull them out so clearly as you will be able to? No, you have those treasures, my dear. You and your girls.

It's hard to picture who this little gem might be. Newborn baby smells, clenched fists and drawn up knees and feet, big yawns and squawky cries and sweet sweet baby breath. Personality, expressions, all still unknown. But there will be a day soon, when you (and we) will not remember our world without her/him in it. Love you Smudge (with 2 dots over your U), Grama Nana

I am SURE she is singing "Jammin'" over and over on the first part before Hi Dada Hi Mama....Love how her voice goes high and cracks and slides.

Just watched this adorable video twice, yep, twice. Love her placement of her hands behind her back as she rounds the corner to disappear, then coming out with her arms raised in victory. Taadaaaa. And love how excited you both sound to see her as she reappears. She obviously knows she is treasured and so secure and confident. Hope she feels better soon and you all get rest.

Love the whole day! Nora looks so thrilled on the carousel horse. Love her Lion costume, and all her sweet friends ....you've really captured the atmosphere here. Happy Halloween!! (so will Nora answer the door with you for "Trick or Treaters"?)

Wait 'til she starts humming "Witchy Woman".....

Oh and fabulous pics for her 43rd week!! Love the downward dog!

How about listing what you DO want?? Maybe a group gift of jogging stroller, class you want to take Nora to (with a link to click to??), Amazon link for books?? Just thinking people could be thrilled to be part of a special gift that means alot and is not a wasteful expense or won't be used. I know I would, and would not be in the LEAST offended. Would appreciate it greatly.

Claire...your book is available on Amazon!!! I pre-ordered (several!!) copies.

wow. This picture, this moment of your life. Your book. I am so emotional to see this cover.

Oh how great to see all your families together, Courtney and sons, Sam and Rebecca with Nora. There is a completeness when you share a part of your life with people in your heart. I remember times that didn't seem quite real until I talked with my sisters, like there was a verification that was missing until they shared the emotion with me. I feel that with you in Washington. Love to everyone.

Well, I spoke too soon on this. After reading this out loud to John ( your letter and my comment) I could see a look in his eyes. I then said " we will always have a place for what ever really matters to you". I know he'll sort through and make decisions he can live with. I can't ask for more than that.

Claire, I know the weight of parent's and family treasures. My husband has them and we are talking (in detail) about what to do with so many items, boxes and boxes of them. John's father died when he was 17, his sister and mother when he was 24. He's been carrying around art and relics from his grandparents, parents and sister since then. I understand the emotional need to hold on to alot of these items. What we are discussing is, is there a story that goes with that item that needs to be written down, and then a picture of that item next to it in an album, because ultimately, it's the story that is the treasure. And that is what he would want to pass down to his daughter and grandkids. We are scaling down, and will be going thru this process over the next 2 months, so he is getting emotionally ready to leave some things to others, give them away if they can be used, or remember the story. If there is no story to remember....out they go. In some ways, too many "things" have been weighing him down, but the pain of his losses have been heavier. And we need the freedom of less things. The memories we will try to record. Good luck to you on your move. I know it comes with pain. Looking forward to seeing you in sunny So Cal!

And how sweet of Grandma Lola to get Nora this adorable Easter dress!! She does look very girlie and demure in her pose!! Love the pointing toes.

Ok, Mama of a 6 month old who wakes you up at 4 am....then goes hiking stairs and does crunches....and cuts carbs??? INSPIRATIONAL! so that gets me to a thinkin' ....maybe I need to move more and eat better?? hmmmm, especially if I want to keep getting on the floor with one said 6 month old, and. get. back. up.

OHHH...how adorable Nora is with her Lola and Auntie!! And they are having such a great time with her, singing and clapping. Songs she will hear over and over and teach her children too. Love it!!

Well, you are a constant inspiration with your determination and enthusiasm to expand your horizons. Be it through education, travel, learning new languages, connecting with other moms to have play dates, chat with Nora in German, take walks to touch leaves. And now, BOOT CAMP!!! She is so lucky to have you for a mommy, and is so relaxed and TAKING NAPS!! Yahoo! Oh, and for you (and Kathy!!!) to have the "NOT a Princess" point of view. I concur. You had little dresses (from Grandmas), and played in the dirt, wore overalls and boots, built houses out of rocks, and explored life in all directions. See you both tomorrow. Off to Hollywood to the movies with Auntie Barbara.

Veronica sounds so excited for the storm...do I see a Weather Girl spot on Nick soon? Love her voice and chuckles!!

Oh she is so ready for this!! All her signs of sleepiness, your sweet songs and bedtime rituals. She will be so relaxed and into it...eventually. Yes, she'll protest. It's just not what she would decide on her own. That's why she has you to do what's best for her. And she has her own room!! She can play in there, you can know she's safe. Pour a glass of wine and crank up the music. Love you. Chicken Tortilla Soup will arrive tomorrow. Mom-Grama

Oh so sweet!! I have seen glimpses of your baby face in Nora's since she arrived...your mouth (which I always thought looked like Aunt Pat's), chin and profile. Now, as she gets older, I see you more. Oh, she's her Daddy's from the eyebrows and head shape, but I see more blended looks of you in different shots. Love the leggings and Beatle's shirt...she's rockin em. And I love her little lips ready to squeal, and her fingers all spread out ready to touch and explore.

Claire, congratulations!!! WOW! That must have been like the longest labor ever....and then your baby has emerged and opened it's eyes and looked in your face. 10 years. All that has transpired in your life during that time. Your travels, friends, jobs, life. And you kept at it. Well, I can't wait to see your name on the cover of your book. I look forward to it's debut. Your parents are so very proud of you, you know? as well as all of your "family" you've embraced over the years.

CRAZY???? You callin' me Crazy? Yep, well, actually, Yes I am crazy about your little baby girl. And I promise it won't last. The "crazy about her" part, yes. The extensive buying adorable clothes. No. Not to the same degree. I will just have to slow it down. Except for the little shoes I already ordered. And the tie-dyed long sleeved dress for spring. And the sweet little plum nightie that arrived today. OK, that's all. Really.

LOVED your card! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!