first year

C.J., Clarajane, Claire, Clara, or Dara is one!

She has brought so much joy to our family. On her actual first birthday the 21st of March she decided she is walker. It still freaks me out when I catch her cruising around solo out of the corner of my eye. She loves to follow around her brother she adores and Scout. She loves buttons, books, stairs, laughing, playing piano, toy cars (of noah's), water, cleaning, other little girls and the outside. She dislikes extended time in her car seat, bottles, sleeping through the night (well, she hasn't done it yet to know), and anything taken away from her. She has a delicate touch (even with her cake she gently dipped one finger in the icing and licked, so dainty!) and her tender heart is balanced by quite the adventuresome (climb anything) and determined side. I feel so lucky to witness every step on the way.

love of red

I have been blessed with two beautiful children and, due to some good fortune, both have red hair. I thought it a little strange how many people would say things like, "oh it will probably change" or "it's not that red." At first I thought it was just because Josh is a brunette and I'm a blonde . Now, I can't help but wonder about some of the comments people have already said in reference to my ginger hair beauties.

"They don't have too fiery red/or orange-y hair."

"It's a pretty color for red hair."

These two kill me and I get it all the time. (Each are said like it's a compliment!)

(noah's hair has already changed through many different shades from the bright red to orange. We love it all. clara is only one year old, so who knows what color she will be - so be careful what you say now.)

"Looks like he has a temper to match that hair."

(always from strangers and usually at a grocery store.) Thank you for perpetuating a stereotype that all red heads are wild and angry, that should make teaching self control and problem solving a cinch because it doesn't apply to them, they are not capable.

"What can you dress them in that doesn't clash with the red hair."

Can't even think of a response.

"Wow they are so fair - at least they don't have freckles."

No, not yet, I guess they were not looking too closely at my own face to recognize I have a face completely dusted with the sunkisses. That means its only a matter of time for my own to get them.

I've talked to Becky about it and she has enlightened me of even more unpleasant remarks and stereotypes. I've since picked up on it in commercials, sitcoms, and movies. ...naughty little boys (fire man sam, sandlot), eccentric sidekick friends to the pretty girl (how to lose a guy in ten days, buffy the vampire slayer, emma).

On the flip side some of the most beautiful, fun and courageous people in history are redheads . (emily dickenson, vivaldi, van gogh, thomas jefferson, mark twain, galileo, king david, brigham young, elizabeth 1, winston churchill, prince harry, julia roberts, lucille ball)

Some of my favorite people really are redheads: my sister Rebecca, my brother Adam, my Grandma Ukena, my neighbor Michelle (just to name a few). If my children have are lucky to share any other traits I will be so grateful.