You just can't help but love her...

My sister's beautiful little girl, Claire, just keeps getting cuter. If a couple days go by without seeing her I either have to a. call and listen to her babble in the background or b. make an effort for some legit face to face time. Option b. is always more fulfilling. Sidenote: reason number 626 why I am grateful I didn't move to Colorado. Tonight I talked Kara into some FREE mint cookies and creme milkshakes from steak n' shake and was talked into heading her way for them. After milkshakes it was sweet baby Claire's bedtime. And although it was painful for me to see her go to sleep I thoroughly enjoyed the bedtime process which just so happens to be twice the length of my own bedtime routine.

First step: Bath time. Claire loves it. I love the ducky on her belly and the many, many rolls.

After bath time was some extensive lotioning and the nightie.

Second step: Storytime. Sometimes Claire pays attention.

and other times she is checking out her sweet pink and white bedroom

Step Three: binky in mouth AND

THE SWADDLE!

Love this kid to pieces, but we can all admit she is quite the princess.

Running... and I need your help!

You may remember a post a while back when I wrote about how I was going to train for the New York City Marathon and run in it with a group called Team for Kids. You may have wondered if I was really committed to that, and to be honest so did I. However, I just finished week 5 of an 18 week training schedule, and I am well on my way to be physically trained for this blasted marathon. I am a bit excited for it, however the long runs alone are not my favorite.

BUT, I write this to say, "I need your help!" Running for Team for Kids means I need to help raise money for Team for Kids. TFK works to establish running programs in schools in underserved communities across the country. The consequences of youth obesity are devastating and the problem is only getting worse. Help alleviate this issue with a donation to help establish these programs and get more kids physically active. If you are interested in more information check out the website at tfkworldwide.org

If you are interested in donating money to help me reach my $2500 goal please go to this link:

https://www.nyrrc.org/cgi-bin/start.cgi/mar-programs/nyrrf/team/2009/donations.htm

You will have to enter the following information:

entry number: 361820

last name: Rau

Thanks for your support! I will let you know how it goes in November.