Big Girls don't cry

Hi ClaireBear,

Daddy here. Mommy has been lovingly hogging most of the blog, which I love to read by the way, but I figured I would briefly write you to say hello and I love you.

You got your first black eye recently. Somehow, While you were sleeping (you can watch that with mommy someday), you fell on your white Lamb toy. This particular toy has a wind up music box in it, and even though the music box is probably only 1/10th of the toy size, you hit it dead on.

Technically you did cry a little, as you were semi conscious right after, but quickly went right back to sleep. It was only later the next day, when we saw the swelling, that we realized you actually got hurt. But that is so you, you are such a tough girl and rarely complain even when hurt.

That toughness will come in handy very soon. Your brother Luke, is scheduled to arrive sometime in August, and I'm sure will be delighted to meet his big sister. You can show him the ropes; you are a veteran baby now and can share with Luke your experience & knowledge.

Your mommy has a tough time while pregnant, as many ladies do, but isn't she absolutely beautiful? She gets an extra glow while pregnant and her joy increases as she watches your brother grow and starts to feel slight flutters of his kicks. It is a joy daddy will never experience but also a privilege to help take care of mommy and watch her amazement.

It is so exciting watching you continue to grow more and more, and even entertaining enduring tantrums as you approach the terrible (terrific? tantamount? tactical?) Two's. We think you are just starting to realize you are not actually the boss, the true test will be when brother arrives.

Luke will be here soon, but you will always be my first born. Always my baby girl. I love you.

-Daddy

Claire & Christmas train

To my little Claire Bear,

I absolutely love this selfie of our family. You are hamming it up for the camera! We are on the Christmas train and you did not like it. You squirmed and complained, but once we took out the camera, you were so happy! Maybe next year, you will enjoy the train ride more and I will be sure to bring the camera.

xoxo,

Mama

Claire & the Carousel

Dear Claire,

What a fun Christmas season!! We kicked it off with a visit to the Christmas carousel with Grandma and Grandpa. You had so much fun, Daddy even captured a giggle on video! We took lots of pictures and you experienced your first See's Candy. Yummy!

Love you always,

Mama

Oh no, Claire Bear!

Dearest Claire, 

You are now 18 months old! It has been so fun and truly amazing to watch you grow, talk, walk, and learn...every week you do something new. You play like a champion and have become more interactive with us as we play. You have little inside jokes! Papa "loves" the stuffed animal kitty you have and you tease him by taking it away from him. The picture shows a little inside joke you have with Nana. When you see her, you slap your head and she says, "Oh no!" and does the same. You two giggle and share sweet smiles! Go Bear! 

Love always, 

Mama

Claire = Princess Ariel ❤️

Dear Claire, 

Halloween 2014 was your first official adventure of trick-or-treating and it was so much fun! You weren't sure what to think at first but when we went to the first house and they smiled at you and gave you candy, you were excited!! We went to the street with all the lights and across the street to our neighbors. By that house, you actually walked in their front door you were so excited. They gave you candy and let you play with their puppy. It was a successful Halloween! 

Love you always, 

Mama

Claire & the pumpkin patch

Dear Claire Bear,

We went to the pumpkin patch and spent some time with your friends, Abby and William. So much fun!! We walked around, sat on some pumpkins, and rode the train. Shy at first but you warmed up to your friends. It is so fun to watch you see and explore new places! 

Xoxoxo, 

Mama

Claire & Grace, cousins!!

Dearest Claire Bear,

I love this picture with your cousin Grace! It has so much fun to watch you play with her at Grandma's house. Learning to share, dealing with not sharing, and being a little jealous when Grace was being held by Grandma. Grace and her brothers, Seth and Noah, and of course her parents are moving to Germany for three years and they are going to be so missed! We will be staying in touch via technology, Skype and FaceTime, isn't that cool? You already have some great ideas for care packages, don't you?? 

Xoxoxo, 

Mama