The Cluff Family

Chloe eventually warmed up to Elder Cluff right before he left for two years

The Cluffs have a tradition of going through an endowment session at the Salt Lake Temple the day before a missionary enters the MTC. This was my second time attending a live session and both times I have gotten more out of it than regular non-live sessions. The spirit is so strong in the Salt Lake Temple and it will always be one of my favorites. Chris looked ready to start serving. On Wednesday morning, I could tell he was anxious to get to the MTC and start working hard. It was an emotional roller coaster but we are all so proud of him and his decision to be a missionary. He is serving in Portugal and we will miss him!

Chloe visited the Hogle Zoo for the first time the Friday before Easter and it was packed! We went with grandma and grandpa Hales and Aunt Michelle and Bradley. I would say that Chloe's favorite animals were the monkeys. She also loved the elephants and giraffes. There were a lot of baby animals so that was fun to see. Bradley and Chloe were both so tired after about an hour but I'm sure there will be many visits to the zoo!

It is hard to believe that my baby is now fifteen months. I can't imagine what I'll be thinking when she is eighteen years old but for now she is still my fifteen month old and I am going to soak up the minutes and seconds.

Chloe is smart.
 I know every mother thinks their baby is the best, cutest, smartest baby... but Chloe, you really are so smart. Yesterday was Easter, and you held your basket and walked around the yard and picked up those colorful eggs and put them in your basket. Who knows, you might have inherited your mother's OCD cleanliness gene and that is why you  had to pick up those eggs but I think you knew how an Easter egg hunt worked.

Chloe is happy
If it wasn't for your gassy pains, I think you would have never cried as a newborn. Your biggest complaint is when you become too overtired and you will let momma have it but besides that, you are happy happy happy. You smile at strangers and brighten any one's day. When you smile, you can see it in your eyes, your soul, and it just makes me want to kiss you all over.

Chloe is learning
At 15 months, you know most of the animal sounds (tiger, cow, monkey, and dog being favorites), say night night, bye bye, hi, thank you, NO, Jesus, ba ba (bottle), baby, nana (banana), and of course momma and dadda. You love to sit in the middle of the floor and browse through books, stack cups, and pretend play.  You watch everyone around you closely and imitate what their doing. 

Chloe is beautiful
You have four strong beautiful teeth with four more coming in that become noticeable when you smile big. Strangers and people you know comment on your squeezable cheeks, your smile, your vibrant BLUE eyes, and how TALL you are. It is hard for people to believe how tall you are... 33.75 inches (99%).

Chloe is loving
You love to give kisses to daddy and mommy and could cuddle on our laps reading books and watching cartoons. You give hugs, and show affection to your baby doll. You kiss the babies and animals that you see in your books. Chloe, don't ever loose your loving nature.

Chloe is independent
I offer for you to hold my hand, which sometimes you accept, but most of the time you want to do it on your own. You are curious and active and want to climb EVERYTHING... all on your own. You hate being spoon fed and would much rather pick up your own food or even try using an utensil. You have a daredevil spirit about you, like you are afraid of nothing. At times I wish you had fear and were cautious but at the same time I just want you to go, be active and explore your world. 

Chloe,
Your daddy and I are so in love with you and everything you do.... yes even when you wake up in the middle of the night screaming... we love you and always will. Love you to the moon and back baby girl.

Chloe is finding golf balls in the backyard

Chloe loves to play "mommy" and feeds her baby a bottle