The Bishops 'R' Multiplying

8 Crazy Nights....

2011-12-29T09:13:00.007-06:00

The family celebrated the festival of lights last week. Eight nights of presents and candles and you know the Claire LOVED every minute of it.

Claire and Daddy light their menorahs.

The Claire opening her first present.

BROBEE BACKPACK!!!

Daddy needed help lighting the candles on the 5th night.

No Hanukkah/Christmas is complete without a dance party!

Here she is with my good friend Buddy Levine!

The final night.

Time to clean up!

2 is so much fun!

2011-12-28T22:17:00.006-06:00

Update on the Princess (yes, I am still the Queen):

The Claire has a lot to say. So much, in fact, I haven't been able to update her blog because she's been talking my ear off. I'd like to share a few of my favorite quotes with you:

Mommy: "Claire it's time to brush your teeth."

Claire: "I brushed teeth earlier!" (AKA Yesterday)

"I don't need medicine, I feel better now."

Her first response to any question is now "Well,"

"Kippah, Hamotzi, Amen, Challah."

"Oy vey Dada, oy vey!"

"I must have it"

"Bigger Mommy, BIGGER!" (bigger has become the default word for more)

"Truck going too fast, slow down truck! Slow down!"

"I go in street? Cars in street, not safe."

and my favorite

After Daddy told her no (seriously, how do you say no to that face?), she replied, "Daddy, go in the office and think about it."

She's pretty wonderful. Even on the days that are only kinda wonderful. Don't let the humans know I like her this much. She's got a sassy little attitude I find quite appealing.

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2 year olds get to do lots of fun things.

Trick or Treating in a ballerina costume is just the tip of the iceberg.

She's also learning to tickle the ivories.

She "rode the rails" at the train exhibit at North Park Mall.

She loves her Daddy.

Sometimes 2 year olds need to be restrained when shopping.

Trust me on this one.

Being 2 is exhausting.

I've taught her to sleep in the car so she doesn't miss out on any really good play time.

Today the sidewalk, tomorrow the Tour de France!

"C'mon Mom. Not in front of my friends."

At the end of a long day, two year olds get to relax with a cold drink and brownies...pretend brownies.

Claire's 2nd Birthday Party 'American Clairelines'

2011-10-21T00:27:00.000-05:00

Saturday marked the two year anniversary of The Claire. I've learned a lot from her, and I'd like to think she's learned a thing or two from me too. The humans celebrated her with a big party, gifts, and yummy treats. They don't do that for me, so I guess I know where I stand now. I've been working with her a lot recently and she's getting more and more vocal as the days go by and putting those words into sentences. She also loves to sing. She serenades me with "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" on a daily basis. Even though I wasn't invited, I was able to secure some pictures from her party.

Oy, what to do with all these toys?

Claire is growing up!

2011-10-21T00:16:00.001-05:00

She's smart and sweet and ready to take on the world. The past few months we have really seen her grow up. She's been spending her days at Levine Academy really getting in touch with her Jewish roots. She can say the Hamotzi by herself, although, sometimes she goes with the shorter version "Hamotzi. Amen. Challah."

Another thing we've worked hard on is sharing. She can recite her book "I Can Share" from cover to cover, but putting it into practice is sometimes a challenge. She does have excellent manners though. During her 2 year check up she was able to fight through the tears after getting her shots and thanked the nurse who administered them. We've got a tall little child on our hands. She measured in the 80th percentile in height, but as you know a lady never reveals her weight.

Off to school....

2011-09-14T23:20:00.000-05:00

Claire's first day of school at Levine! She's leaving the comforts of home for a place of higher education. It's going to be so quiet now that she is going to be there five days a week.

It's a good thing she's decided to stay in state. I don't know if I could handle the humans without her.

She's got attitude, doesn't she? I do love my little protégé.

Well, that place looks nice. There's a great kitchen there for The Claire to make delicious foods for me. I wonder what she's going to major in.

Um, her professor looks nice, but she better not replace me with that doll. I can't wait to hear stories from The Claire about this place. Maybe it's time I go back to school and finish my degree...in food studies.

Claire is 22 months old!!!

2011-08-17T22:59:00.000-05:00

The Claire heard about this thing called "the circus" and demanded the humans take her there. Claire hasn't stopped talking about it!

She was so into everything that was happening, she wouldn't even pose for a picture. The Daddy and Claire decided to recapture the magic by making their own circus!

BRING IN THE CLOWNS!!!!!

"Clown Nose!" is now one of her favorite sayings

Every good clown 'nose' how to juggle...see what I did there? Nose - knows...oh never mind.

Claire has watched her mommy make a grocery list on the chalkboard one too many times it seems.

Hey Baby, don't let Brownie throw you!

Claire recaps the events of the day with Robert.

She's always willing to listen to other people's problems.

Claire beats the heat by licking an ice cube.

What has Claire been up to?

2011-07-25T23:21:00.000-05:00

Good people of the interweb,

I know a lot of you have been wondering in addition to the pictures I've posted of the Clarie, what else is going on in her life? Well, let me tell you that kid has been fine tuning her vocabulary and has become quite the communicator. Her favorite phrases include, but are not limited to:

"I need insert food item here"....cookie, chocky (chocolate), stawbies (strawberries and raspberries, let's face it, they're basically the same thing), bocki (broccoli - the kid freakin loves broccoli, who would have guessed?), apple juice (has never actually had apple juice though, but cousin Allie had it and Claire loves her cousin)

"Mine!" It's a little harsh, but it gets the point across.

"I love you!" She's very sweet.

"Please" and "Thank you" have also been used in proper context as of the last couple months. We're pretty proud of that.

She also knows the humans and grand humans by their proper names. I've seen her take a human's phone and call people and carry on conversations. It's quite amazing.

She also has a great memory. She'll tell me stories about a balloon she let go to the sky weeks after it happened. She tells me what she did each day at school like playing with Debbie (her teacher) and going swimming. She always makes sure the humans put on "rub rub" (sun block) before they leave.

She loves to read and count and can even say her ABC's up to P. Sometimes it's not in the correct order, but we'll call it a win. She can high five with the best of them and can even "pound the rock." If you tell her to blow it up, she'll literally blow on your hand. Very cute.

The humans have begun putting her in time out when she's disobeyed house rules like climbing on the furniture and the occasional hitting incident. Love and logic doesn't always work though. In the heat of an argument about who should be fed first, I may or may not have swatted a paw at her. She immediately looked to the male human and said "Meow hit. Meow out." She had sold me down the river and I had to go to time out. The rules apply to everyone.

She's going to be 2 years old before we know it. Growing up too quickly if you ask this cat.

Claire's First Hair Cut!

2011-07-25T22:31:00.000-05:00

Against my advice, Claire allowed the humans to take her to the groomers. She called it a "stylist", but I'm not buying it. I know what happens at those places. They attach your leash to a poll and hold you down while they trim away your winter coat. However, now that I look at the pictures the humans took while they were there, it appears to be quite different than what I've come to know. She looks like she's in a 1950's, Poppy approved, NYC taxi cab.

She's not tied down here and actually looks quite content.

That's right, just a little off the back, not too much off the front and sides either. I don't want her looking like a Poodle.

She's so cute isn't she? I'm starting to think the humans favor her over me. My haircuts never go like that.

Claire spends time with family

2011-07-25T22:19:00.001-05:00

The Claire has been spending a lot of time with family recently. Andrew, Gloria, Ben, and Molly came in town. As you can see she was very excited about this.

DINNER TIME!!!! Why wasn't I invited?!?!

The newest Litt!

Hey Uncle Andrew, Peek-a-Boo!

That's right ladies, he's single and ready to mingle.

It's everyone climb on daddy time!

Claire used to look at me like that...

Margaret Olivia Litt (Molly)

That's about as good of a kids pic as you're going to get when they're all under 5 years old.

She's watching me.

Oh, the wonderful things Ms.Claire can do

2011-06-27T22:22:00.000-05:00

The Claire proofreading my latest blog post. You have no idea how hard it is to type with paws.

She's a very accomplished cook in her "retro" kitchen. I've sampled many wonderful dishes from our little chef. She's almost ready for "The Next Food Network Star"

She's also quite the little reader.

She made a cookie for Father's Day and shared it with the man human. When is Cat's Day?

ELMO CUPCAKES!!!!

Happy birthday to the Hank!

Concentrating on a puzzle never looked so cute.

This is too cute to not share

2011-06-22T23:49:00.003-05:00

I was able to grab some audio of the Claire singing with the lady human. You may need to turn your volume up to hear it, but it's worth it.

Claire Sings

Special thanks to Mickey for making this audio actually work on here.

Growing up fast

2011-06-13T19:38:00.010-05:00

People of the internet, I have to tell you something. This may come as no surprise to some of you, but our little Claire is growing up very quickly. A little too quickly if you ask me. Today the humans took her to school. They even had a backpack and lunch box with her name on it!

First of all, if this kid doesn't scream "too cool for school", I don't know who does.

I was able to tail them incognito style and document the whole thing. Not gonna lie, looks like the type of place I would like to spend the day. Friends to play with and snacks to eat. What could be better?

Of course, you can't start school without a solid tan, so last week the Claire hit the pool with her cousins.

But it's hard to build up that base tan when Mom applies SPF 350.

Of course, no trip to Nana and Pawpaw's is complete without picking some tomatoes from the garden!

With Nana's birthday on the 14th and Father's day around the corner, there are sure to be more adventures to come!

April 2011 trip to the Dallas Zoo

2011-05-02T22:33:00.005-05:00

Well, it's over. I cannot continue my relationship with the Claire. She decided to disobey my orders and go with the humans to the zoo. The ZOO! Can you believe that? Do you know what they have at the zoo? Animals, many that were once wild and free like myself, caged up for people's amusement. Out of control Claire, out of control. Anyway, even though this was against my wishes, I've decided to publish the picture so everyone can see the atrocities committed by the little one.

Ok, I have to admit, she looks very curious and very cute in this picture.

She told me they went to a bird show. I like birds too, so I guess this wasn't too bad.

That's a happy baby. Maybe I'm wrong about the zoo.

That's a goat. She told me she called it a meow.

The humans certainly look pleased with themselves.

She spies something in the window....

Another one she called a meow. Looks like a 3rd cousin I have on my mother's side.

That's a penguin...who she also called a meow. Did she miss me?

So tired, so cute. I can't stay mad at her. After all, she was thinking about me all day long.

What has Claire been up to for the past 3 months?!

2011-04-24T21:45:00.007-05:00

So, since you're all loyal readers, you may have noticed I haven't posted about the Clarie in quite some time. I'm very busy keeping up with the little one. She's a hand-full to say the least. We've shared so many great times together, and now I'm going to share them with you through the magic of photography.

As you know, the Claire isn't the only little human in the group. I call this one the Hank.

Poppy came in town to visit during Passover. Here he is with Bea and Claire.

Claire and Hank are always there to listen to each other's problems. She better not be meowing trash about me.

If there is a happier child in the world, I haven't met it. That's not surprising though...I don't care for most children.

The humans dressed up as chefs for the Purim festival. 2 things about this. 1) I love festivals. 2) They really need to spend less time looking like chefs, and more time actually feeding me. Apparently you need opposable thumbs to open the cans of food they buy me. Very clever humans. VERY clever.

Nana still comes to hang out with the Claire during the days the humans are out making money to buy me food. Here they are sitting and reflecting on the events of the day before the lady human gets home.

"Goodnight Moon" is a classic no matter how many times I've heard them read it. Yes, I like to listen in from time to time. Don't judge me.

Claire keeps telling me about these "parks" they take her to. She gets to do all kinds of fun stuff like swing and slide and climb. I would say I'm upset about missing out on the fun, but I'm worried that a lot of those things are dangerously close to exercising.

In February we got quite a bit of snow. I don't care for it myself, but Claire loved riding in her wagon through the icy streets.

I'm really going to try to be better about keeping everyone updated on my little protégé, but she's just growing up so fast it makes it hard to find the time. In my next post, I'm going to be chronicle her trip to the Dallas Zoo. I heard she meowed at a rhino.

What has Claire been up to?

2011-01-26T21:35:00.004-06:00

Claire really enjoyed celebrating Hanukkah.

The Claire let the humans cut her bangs.

Claire is very excited about her new red wagon. She has promised to take me for a ride when it's not so cold outside.

The Claire enjoying the fresh air in her new wagon.

We allowed the humans to groom the Claire. Let's be honest, you know there's no way I'm letting them put my hair in pigtails like that.

The humans good friends getting married. Congrats Brad and Jeana Foxman!

The humans dressed Claire up as a 'flower girl'. But, I don't see any flowers - do you?

I'm back!!!!!

2011-01-26T21:03:00.003-06:00

Good evening world. I've been very busy with the Claire and have not been able to post with the frequency that my fans deserve and for that I apologize. I've taught the Claire my language in recent weeks. She's becoming quite fluent and as you can see below, she's even able to converse with others. Enjoy!

Bigger than the Beatles!

2010-12-09T18:59:00.002-06:00

Recently I've been concentrating my efforts on developing the many talents of the Claire. Tonight, for the first time ever, I unveil her singing voice for the world to enjoy. Happy holidays!

Halloween-Cat style

2010-11-23T13:36:00.004-06:00

Claire decided to 'dress up' like a cat this past Halloween. Funny thing is, I've never seen a pink cat that wears tights. That Claire is so funny!

Claire 1st Birthday Party

2010-11-02T21:09:00.004-06:00

Good evening all. Recently my protege hit a milestone in her life. That's right, the Claire celebrated the anniversary of her arrival. I was able to take some time during the party to document this momentous occasion.

The humans gave Claire her own personalized cake.

She didn't want her party dress to get ruined by the icing.

Claire got a new chair to sit and read her novels.

Claire enjoyed testing out all the gifts she got!

The princess in her party dress.

Claire: The Best of Year ONE!

2010-10-26T20:38:00.009-05:00

Claire is 12 months old!

2010-10-26T19:50:00.005-05:00

It's National Hug Your Cat Day

2010-10-13T22:18:00.005-05:00

Or at least that's what I told Claire it was....

Almost 1 year old...let the partying begin!

2010-10-12T21:34:00.005-05:00

Good evening internetters,

The humans have been meticulously preparing the Claire for the first anniversary of her arrival into my world. Several practice birthdays have come and gone. Eric and Sharon told me they weren't going to be able to make it to the party, but wanted to sing a pre-happy birthday song anyway. Mother's birthday was October 4th and Father's was the 12th, so Claire helped blow out the candles.

The Claire is anxiously awaiting this milestone.
She also loves playing with her cousin.
NAKED BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Claire is 11 months old!!!

2010-09-27T22:31:00.004-05:00

So much going on...

2010-09-14T21:13:00.005-05:00

Hello loyal fans of the blog. I have to apologize for my lack of blogging recently...wait, strike that, I'm the Queen Diva, I don't have to apologize for anything. I will say that I've been quite busy planning a very special party to commemorate the 1 year anniversary of the Claire. However, that's going to be another post for another time. I'm here to inform you of something very exciting that has happened in our lives. The Claire has taken the next step in her formal training. Quite literally, actually. One day last week she decided she was done with the humans carrying her everywhere and that it was time to walk on her own. I couldn't be more proud of her. She's this much closer to being able to feed me when the humans aren't looking. The humans even purchased shoes to go on her paws.

More of Claire at the beach

2010-08-24T21:48:00.003-05:00

The Claire loved the beach so much, it couldn't be contained in one post. The proof is in the pictures.

Deerfield Beach:

Claire's first vacation

2010-08-24T21:10:00.008-05:00

Recently the humans took my protege on a little family vacation to Florida. Why didn't I go? I'm glad you asked. I'm purrfectly happy at home with my food. I don't need the stress. In fact, I stayed at Grandma's house and was treated like a Queen. Anyway, I managed to obtain the pictures taken from the weekend getaway and The Claire told me everything about the trip. I've decided to share some of these with the cyber world today...you're welcome.

The Claire and family boarded the airplane to Florida to visit the man they call "Poppy" on the morning of Saturday, August 14th. The Claire told me she slept most of the way, but for the time she was awake she very much enjoyed growling at the other passengers. The highlight of this trip for Claire was the trip to the beach. She enjoyed her fun in the sun as you can see by the pictures.

Claire loved the Atlantic waters rushing around her legs.

Claire loved pretending to drive Poppy's Lincoln!

Claire and Poppy even shared some oatmeal at Poppy's favorite breakfast spot - Bagel Tree

Claire and Poppy danced the night away.

Claire is 10 months old!

2010-08-19T22:51:00.004-05:00

Sorry people, but I have been busy this month. I have been training my protege. I think she is only a couple of weeks or months, depending on how well the training goes, from being able to walk and open cans of food for me.

Anyway, as promised here are the 10 month pictures I was able to capture of the Claire. Like I said earlier, she's becoming more mobile because of our rigorous training sessions, so she's a little harder to get a good shot of.

Claire is 9 months old!!!

2010-07-27T20:41:00.005-05:00

Things Claire loves

2010-07-14T21:31:00.008-05:00

Helping Daddy around the house (don't worry this doesn't happen much)

Making friends with the enemy ("dog")
Loving on The Great One

Reading

Deep conversations

Visitors from overseas

Feeding myself

Fake family portraits
Captaining the ship, ahoy!

Most of all, Claire loves the hummus

What? I thought all Jews ate hummus

The chase is on!

2010-06-21T19:45:00.002-05:00

You have no idea how scary this was. Luckily, America's favorite cat made it out of this encounter without any permanent damage.

Follow Me

2010-06-20T19:20:00.004-05:00

Hello blogosphere. I've logged on tonight to make the most important announcement this blog has seen since I took control of it.

In an effort to provide more extensive coverage of the Claire and her development, I've decided to branch out into social networking. That's right people, you can now follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/FeedHarleyCat

You won't want to miss this.

Claire is 8 months old!

2010-06-15T22:02:00.003-05:00

Claire turned 8 months old today!

The next step in my on-going training of the child is to make sure she makes simple tasks as difficult as possible for the humans. Today's exercise: 8 month pictures. Claire gets two paws up!

Claire takes reading as seriously as I take getting fed

Claire is so excited to use her bedazzled stool from Carlie and Garrett!

An open letter

2010-06-13T20:46:00.004-05:00

Good evening world. We need suggestions. Allow me to explain.

I've charged the child with the most important duty of waking up early and making sure the humans feed me. However, things have not gone according to plan. Sure, she wakes up early enough, but it appears the humans are more concerned with feeding her than they are with feeding me. I mean seriously people, sometimes it's 7 or 7:30 before I get my first meal - NOT COOL.

So we've taken the next step. The Claire has attempted to escape on her own and make it across the house to feed me herself.

Tonight the humans lowered the sleeping pad in her cage and it looks like they've thwarted our efforts to get me fed at a reasonable hour. So I ask you, faithful readers, for help on how to proceed from here.

Family and Friend Time!

2010-06-09T22:06:00.008-05:00

Claire knows that I am not a fan of children, especially crazy ones like her cousins and her BFF Darby. Luckily, Claire did most of her 'family and friend time' outside of the home....I finally got some peace and quiet.

Claire having a ball with her cousin Beatrice and Ben

Claire getting in trouble with her cousin Henry and Ben

Claire is in love with her cousin Ben

Claire at her cousin Rhegan's choir concert

Claire with her sweet cousin Allie (she taught Claire how to stick out her tongue!)

Claire and Darby can barely contain themselves

Claire and Darby making a big splash during their first swim!

I am so jealous that Claire gets to wear a bikini...just kidding-- G-d forbid I get my fur wet

Claire is 7 months old!

2010-05-16T23:29:00.007-05:00

The Claire turned 7 months old yesterday. It's time we revisit and revise some of the ground rules.

1) I get fed first. I can and will cry louder and longer than you.

2) I was here first. I depend on those people for a variety of things and I don't intend to let you undo the years of training I've done on them.

3) I get fed first.

4) I swear if you wake me up in the middle of the night like I've read "babies" are likely to do, you better tell the humans to feed me.

5) I get fed first.

6) I understand for the first couple of months you won't be any more interactive than a pet turtle. Once you grow out of that you better learn to pet me. Long, even strokes with the grain. Start practicing on the humans before you bring an inferior pet my way.

7) I get fed first.

Let's see....you're in direct violation of ALL 7 rules. How hard is it to follow these? And while we're on the subject, rule 8 - Don't try to eat me!!!! I understand my fur is soft and irresistible, but cut me some slack for meowing out loud!

Below are some examples of acceptable distances you may be from me during your probationary tenure.

These next few pictures are examples of how you've repeatedly violated rule 6.

Not a pretty sight. I'm not even going to get into me not getting fed first like we had previously agreed.

Anyway, on to the 7 month pictures:

There is a first time for everything!

2010-04-27T23:07:00.002-05:00

Claire's first time trying food!

Claire's first baseball game...#1 Yankee Fan!

Claire's first Pooch Parade.

Claire's first sippie cup!

Claire is 6 month old!

2010-04-27T22:47:00.005-05:00

She moves....

2010-04-27T22:03:00.002-05:00

It looks like the baby is no longer a stationary object that requires the humans to move her from place to place. This both intrigues me and concerns me at the same time. On the one paw, if she can move on her own, she can get me food. However, this also means I'm going to have to keep my eye on her to make sure she doesn't sneak up on me and grab my fur like I know she loves to do. I obtained the following video footage of these events.

She starts slow, but about a minute in she really finds her stride.

She seems very happy with this development.

Remembering ZJ

2010-04-05T22:02:00.003-05:00

Today is exactly 3 years since losing our beloved ZJ (Zayde Johnny). Unfortunately, Claire never got to meet this remarkable man, but we make sure to tell her all about him! We know that he is watching over all his beautiful grandchildren (Beatrice, Benjamin, Henry, and Claire)

As our ZJ would say "he who has, has."

We miss him and his 'wise' sayings.

Claire's first Passover Seder

2010-04-05T21:18:00.006-05:00

Claire's first Passover Seder!

Claire reading the haggadah with Mommy.

Seder can be exhausting.

Claire's second Seder with her friend Nathan!
Claire felt much more comfortable ending the Seder in her pj's!

First trip to the Dallas Arboretum!

2010-04-05T20:47:00.002-05:00

Claire enjoyed her first trip to the arboretum with some of mommy's friends!

Claire kissing on Jeana's face!

Mommy can't stop taking pictures of me.

Claire is jealous of Molly's sunglasses.....so she got her own.

Claire is 5 months old!

2010-03-24T20:48:00.005-06:00

It's hard to believe that this humanoid has been invading my space for the past 5 months. I have been teaching her a few new tricks while the kitchen staff (aka parents) are 'working'. Claire has begun "creeping" (pushing herself around on her stomach) and sitting up, both of which I can already do, but everyone makes a big deal when she does it.

Claire's many faces continued....

2010-03-07T22:41:00.004-06:00

Back by popular demand

The "you are going to give me whatever I want" face.

The "look out below" face.

The "get out of my office, I've got deadlines to meet" face.

The "I must bite your nose" face.

The "I only bite my nails when I am nervous" face.

Claire's many faces

2010-02-24T21:57:00.006-06:00

With each face I make, the end goal is always the same...feed me. However, Claire makes many different faces for many different reasons. Examples below:

Claire and her good friend Darby. The "what were you thinking when you dressed me" face.

The "I'm going to humor you by smiling, but I really want you to get the camera out of my face" face.
The "maybe this is the last time I should wear this outfit because it is a little too tight" face.

The "good morning, feed me" face.

Claire is 4 month old!

2010-02-24T21:42:00.004-06:00

Claire is changing each and every day. I found these pictures on the human's camera. They need to spend more time feeding me and less time taking pictures of her.

It appears that my skills are no longer appreciated by them. Claire is reaching for different objects and the humans appear to be so excited...big deal! Like whenever I grab at them with my paw they get upset, but when she does it's "cute".

Hammer dance

2010-02-14T08:24:00.001-06:00

Snow Day

2010-02-11T19:47:00.003-06:00

Do you see this? Snow angel? If she were really an angel, she would have told them to feed me by now. I have no words.

Bath Time!

2010-02-03T08:50:00.003-06:00

ALL CLEAN!

Claire is 3 months old!

2010-02-02T22:27:00.010-06:00

Hello world. Over the last few months, Claire has begun her metamorphosis from family child to my personal slave. I taught her to roll over and any day now she will be opening my cans of food like a pro. I can finally gain those 3 lbs back! I will continue to update you on her progress, but for now I will include some recent photographs of my 'project'...Claire.

Claire turned 3 months old on January 15th! Listen kid, if I am going to take you under my wing, you can't allow the humans to brand you like that. It degrades us both. And another thing, your collar should be worn around your neck, not your head. We've got a long way to go.

What have they done to you? I can't believe you let them put you in this....you have learned nothing.

Claire is thoroughly entertained by herself.

Claire is 2 months old!

2009-12-23T00:11:00.004-06:00

Our sweet Claire is getting so big!

It's been 9 long weeks...

2009-12-18T20:01:00.004-06:00

Hello world. It's been 9 weeks since we've last communicated and let me tell you a lot has changed. When we left off last time, that "baby" was on her way. Now, I'm all for the miracle of birth, but when the humans left, they didn't come back for 3 days! Thankfully Grandma came to feed me, but only twice a day.

The humans have been talking non stop about this "baby" and I have since learned her name to be Claire. I approve. Now, I wasn't exactly on board with the decision to bring another mouth to feed into our happy little family at first, but Claire has grown on me a little. We've even learned to play together.

Hey, I'm not saying that I'm not going to turn her into my food slave as soon as I teach her to walk, I'm just saying we're getting along for now.

So I learned in the last week that Claire went to the doctor for a 2 month checkup and was told she weighs 10.64 pounds and is 22 inches long now. That means she's gained over 3 pounds and 3 inches since she was born. I went to the doctor this week too, and I LOST 3 pounds, but you don't hear the female screaming that from the rooftops. I feel cheated.

They feed her all the time. She's working the system somehow and hasn't let me in on her secret just yet. I'm going to figure it out sooner or later. The humans seem to think that Claire is talking to them or something, but all I hear come out of her mouth are "ooooo's" and "ahhhh's."

I'll continue to update cyberspace on developments here as they happen, but for now I'm going to do a quick google search on mind control to teach Claire how to manipulate the humans into feeding me more.

Claire is 1 month old!!!

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Claire is growing up so quickly. She is able to hold her head up and turn it well...so advanced for her age.

Claire is 3 weeks old

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Claire's gas face

A semi-smile

Claire's 1st Bath!

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Claire did so well during her first bath that Grandma gave her!!!

Claire's Visitors!

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Time Flies

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Claire is 2 weeks old today and as you can see it has been a CrAzY couple of weeks. We are still getting the hang out this, but thankfully we have had a lot family and friends helping us out. We could not have survived these past few weeks if it weren't for our amazing support system.

SHE'S HERE!!!!!!

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Claire Bari Bishop was born today at 12:53 PM. She weighed in at 7 lbs 3 oz and measured 19.5 inches long. Both Becca and Claire are doing great. We'll provide more pictures and details as the day goes on.

Happy Birthday Claire!

Guest Blogger: Where did they go?

2009-10-15T07:34:00.002-05:00

Today, the humans left for work earlier than they normally do. It was very strange. They seemed very rushed and the girl human sounded like she was in pain. Here's how it happened:

I had just finished my midnight snack and settled onto the bed inbetween the humans (I just use them for warmth) and right as I was counting cans of food to help me fall asleep like I normally do, the girl human sat up and started making noises while holding her belly. I ignored it at first and thought I could go back to sleep, but this kept happening for about a minute or so every 4 to 5 minutes. They got up, rushed around to put on clothes and grabbed a bag that I noticed they had packed a couple weeks ago. They fed me, but they better not think that's going to last me til they get back. Wait a minute....rushing around...painful noises....leaving early in the morning...that "baby" is on it's way isn't it? Oh very clever "baby". I'll have to see if I can get ahold of them and figure out what's happening.

To be continued...

They better not have lied to us about her being a girl!!!

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We are still working on artwork for the walls, but here is Baby Bishop's room so far. Special thanks goes to Julie (James' sister) for painting the walls and Becca's mom for designing everything!

Thursday, October 15th...

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can't come fast enough! Although, I doubt she will be born on her due date, she is welcome to come early too. We had a doctor's appointment on Friday and unfortunately I haven't dilated at all. If Baby Bishop isn't here by Sunday, we'll head to the hospital that night to prepare to be induced Monday morning.

We feel as prepared as we think we can be at this point. The room is finished, bags are packed, I've got plenty of music on my iPod to get me through labor. This baby will enter the world rocking out to The Boss (James isn't quite as enthusiastic about the music selection as I am).

Check back for updates as we countdown to the social event of the year!

We are 39 weeks!!!

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A question that needs to be answered

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I know what you're all thinking..."James, the playoffs begin tomorrow. What happens if Becca goes into labor while the Yankees are on?"
I thank you all for your concern. While we hope we can avoid this most unfortunate of circumstances, the reality of the situation is that we have no control over when our little one decides to join the world.

The ideal situation would be to avoid these dates: October 7th, 9th, 11th, 12th, or 14th (first round- Yankees vs Twins). But in the event she wants to catch the clinching game, I've already taken the necessary precautions to ensure the hospital has a TV not only in the postpartum room, but the delivery room as well. This way I'll be able to catch every pitch and the miracle of life all at once.

Of course I'm only kidding and I wouldn't be that insensitive to force my wife to watch the Yankees while she is delivering our child....

I'll be on the iPhone.

We are 37 1/2 weeks!

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Guest Blogger: I'm taking over!!!!

2009-09-22T21:01:00.004-05:00

Hello cyberspace. The humans are out tonight, so I figured I would hop on this thing and give y'all the real scoop on this "baby" I've heard so much about. I've been in denial for a while about this development, but I've realized no matter what I do or say, this "baby" thing is going to be around for the foreseeable future. I've done some research on the subject, and I've discovered that "babies" are little aliens that communicate with their eyes. I don’t have time for that. Now, I'm not going to do what everyone expects me to do and freak out. Rather I think that I can turn this into a positive for myself. If this thing intends on moving in here, I'm going to have to lay down some ground rules. So pay attention "baby" these ground rules are for you.

1) I get fed first. I can and will cry louder and longer than you.
2) I was here first. I depend on those people for a variety of things and I don't intend to let you undo the years of training I've done on them.
3) I get fed first.
4) I swear if you wake me up in the middle of the night like I've read "babies" are likely to do, you better tell the humans to feed me.
5) I get fed first.
6) I understand for the first couple of months you won't be any more interactive than a pet turtle. Once you grow out of that you better learn to pet me. Long, even strokes with the grain. Start practicing on the humans before you bring an inferior pet my way.
7) I get fed first.

If you can live by these rules, I see no reason why we can't get along.

OK internet, the humans are on their way back and it's time to get fed.

Baby Education

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James and I have decided to take a few baby education classes before Baby Bishop is born. Some of the information was so ridiculous, we felt compelled to share with everyone:

1. NEVER carry your baby and hot liquids at the same time
2. Keep alcoholic beverages out of reach of children (James is having a difficult time with this)
3. Never call medicine "candy"
4. Quite possibly one of the reasons we are 34 weeks pregnant...CPR:

5. Never allow James in a Lamaze class...okay, the book didn't say that, but it should have:
James getting HIMSELF comfortable while the pregnant lady, ME, had to fend for myself!

We are 34 weeks!

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It's official...I walk like a duck!

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Baby Weight Poll

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How much did Baby Bishop weigh at her last appointment?
Officially 3lbs 7 oz, but you should never ask a lady her weight!

It looks like we robbed Babies R Us...

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We are very grateful for all of our wonderful family and friends that gave us two amazing Baby Showers! We don't think Baby Bishop will be going without anytime soon.

We are 32 weeks!

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August 13, 2009-Pictures of Baby Bishop

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First and foremost everyone is healthy and right on schedule. We are really happy that both of our moms got to join us today because our "ultrasound technologist" decided to give us a 3-D sonogram in addition to our regular sonogram--being nice to people really pays off!!! Baby Bishop has quite the chubby cheeks on her, but she also has her Daddy's big head (not looking forward to that coming out, oy vey)
Baby Bishop was so exhausted from performing that she let out a big yawn...too cute!
We have attempted to point out her sweet little chin and nose in this picture...hope you all can figure it out.Baby Bishop's profile shot...she is doing her best 'thinker' pose

I can't wait to bite these little thighs, which the tech said were "nice and plump"

We are 31 weeks!

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I miss my feet=(

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Becca can't see her toes anymore, can you?

Our NEW Best Friend

2009-07-27T21:32:00.009-05:00

As I get further along in my pregnancy (i.e., I can no longer see my feet) I have noticed that my sleep has decreased somewhat--at least 30%. I was told I needed to buy a body pillow which is supposed to give me more support and comfort at night, as demonstrated below. I call him Beefy, my body pillow:

He's lovable, soft, and squeezable and from time to time, I've even noticed James snuggling up next to him. Every woman should have her own Beefy!

We are 27 weeks!

2009-07-16T22:19:00.001-05:00

Lunch...the baby takes over!

2009-06-21T22:59:00.004-05:00

Sunday, June 21, 2009 is the day the baby couldn't make up her mind on what she wanted for lunch. We sat down at Cindi's Deli (delicious), and peered at the menu only to find that EVERYTHING sounded good. This is not a dramatization. What I'm about to describe are the real events that took place. I proceeded to order matzo ball soup for an appetizer, followed by an omelet. This was not just any omelet. This was a 3 egg white, jalapeno, bacon, and muenster cheese omelet. This omelet came with your choice of a side...for me, pancakes, in honor of my Dad on Father's Day. Pancakes were one of his favorite things to eat. The crowning piece of the meal was the side order of pickles that I just had to have. It was AWESOME! (didn't eat all of it, but sampled everything) James was in awe of my order and took this picture because he didn't think anyone would believe the story.

Rent a Baby...

2009-06-21T22:36:00.008-05:00

This week James and I got to practice what it will be like when we have our little bundle of joy. My sister-in-law, Misty & my brother, Jordan, gave birth to their second child, Henry. As you can see, Henry is being taught the finer things in life by James.

We have thoroughly enjoyed...well, maybe enjoyed isn't the right word, how about...we have been shocked to learn what exactly goes on just hours before and after the delivery! Over the next 4 months little Henry is going to give us great on-the-fly training.

Henry (born June 18, 2008)

We are 23 weeks!

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Somebody wants attention and it's not James!

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For the past two weeks I have felt like a popcorn machine, but this weekend we finally realized it wasn't just gas. James got to feel our little popcorn kernel kick on Saturday. It was the most amazing thing to see James with his 'shocked' expression. Here is a glimpse of James 'shocked' expression.

Harley is so excited about Baby Bishop's arrival!

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Harley (our large and in charge cat/lion) can't wait to be a Big Sister! As you can see, she can barely contain herself.

We 21 weeks!

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We are 19 weeks!

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May 22, 2009: The Third Appointment

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Our Beautiful Baby Girl

Today we found out that our Baby Girl weighs 11 ounces and 9 inches long...our little urban achiever!

The Doctor's Appointment: The List

Because I suffer from an acute case of 'baby brain' I have had to write down the majority of my thoughts...which aren't a lot lately. At today's appointment I came with my list of things to ask the doctor (here are a couple of the highlights):

1. Becca: Can I ride a bicycle?
Dr. Hagood: Sure, riding the bicycle won't hurt you as long as you are comfortable doing it.
James: I'm not concerned about the bicycle hurting her, but I don't think she can stay on!
Becca: Haha, he never has faith in me.

2. Becca: Can I drink wine? James won't even let me have a sip=(
Dr. Hagood: There is nothing wrong with a few sips, but I wouldn't go ordering your own glass!
James: I just think there is something wrong with standing in a bar drinking wine while pregnant--it just doesn't look good.
Becca: Fine, you order it and I will steal a sip.

We are 17 weeks!

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We are 15 1/2 weeks!

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April 14, 2009: The Second Appointment

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Getting ready for the sonogram!

(Becca's belly goo)James and I had our first doctor's appointment with the perinatologist and got to see our baby again!

Baby Bishop poses for the camera
After a few minutes of being difficult (just like Daddy), Baby Bishop finally decided to show it's face.
Baby Bishop stretching...look at those legs!
In the last few weeks the Baby Bishop has even learned some new tricks, like rolling over (it wouldn't stop doing flips during our sonogram).

At the end of the appointment the doctor was finishing the sonogram when we asked if he knew what the sex of our baby was. He asked us if we were sure if we wanted to know, to which we quickly replied YES! He then said, "Okay, I will tell you if you promise to not go run up your Visa bill...but I am 98% sure you are having a GIRL!!!!"

Finally some good parking!!!

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We are 12 weeks!

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Crazy Pregnancy Moments

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As you may or may not know, pregnancy can do crazy things to your body and mind. I thought I'd share some of the weird things I've recently been experiencing:

1. Dreaming of Hitler...yes, THAT Hitler. I dreamed that I was playing with Hitler's mustache, trying to convince him not to hurt people. Because apparently that works in Becca's Dream World!

2. My depth perception is a little off....I have run into many things :
-corners of displays at the store-many things came tumbling down!
-chairs
-tables
-walls

3. One of the best days of my life was the day I learned how to burp (it was the first night of Passover in 2006)! Since that day I have had some control of when and how I burp, but ever since this little alien invaded my body I now burp uncontrollably, even when I am giving a presentation (how professional). Last week I was speaking to 8th graders when suddenly I burped right in the middle of a sentence...so very embarrassing (they loved it!).

We are 9 1/2 weeks!

2009-03-17T22:36:00.004-06:00

March 16, 2009: 1st Sonogram Pictures

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Welcome to Becca' s Uterus!

Baby Bishop's first picture... so photogenic already!!!

March 16, 2009: The First Appointment

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James' First OB/GYN Appointment
(I wasn't quite as excited for my first appointment!)

We had our first appointment with Dr. Hagood today...we absolutely love her! James decided that he is the "official" historian of The Bishop Family. Mr. Historian (a.k.a. James) thought that taking a picture of me in a gown would be an appropriate way to start off this blog!

The Fun Begins...

2009-03-16T14:25:00.003-06:00

January 6, 2007, was one of the happiest days of our lives! Ever since that day we dreamed of starting a family of our own, and on February 10th we found out that dream would soon become a reality. We want this blog to serve as a way to keep all of our friends and family up-to-date on the newest member of our family!