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 

Claire & Daddy

Claire Bear, 

You are Daddy's girl and this is an answer to prayer! Daddy makes you giggle, is always there to protect you, and loves you SO much. You said Daddy yesterday, so cool!! 

Always, 

Mama 

10 things about Claire right now...

1. You love technology, you even have your own iPhone! Well, not really but we let you pretend! 

2. You love Oreos, thanks Papa! 

3. You have become very cuddly! 

4. You are talking up a storm. I hear new "words" every day.

5. You are walking with help and cruising like a boss. 

6. You still think crawling is the fastest way to get places.

7. Target and Grandma's are your favorite outings. 

8. You love your cousins! 

9. You love to hear the song "If You're Happy and You Know It."

10. You have a beautiful and sassy smile that lights up a room. 

I love you Bear,

Mama

Be still my heart! ❤️

Drinking from a straw like a boss!!

I love you Claire Bear!! 

Claire & Technology

Dearest Claire, 

This picture makes me giggle, Bear! You and Daddy on your phones. You learning your ABCs and Daddy checking the news or Facebook or his email. I love to watch you work as you try to figure things out. What is going on in that mind of yours? Claire, that is definitely something you got from your Daddy. To watch you grow, learn, and discover is such a gift. I love you! 

xoxo, Mama 

Our Growing Claire Bear

Dearest Claire Bear, 

Watching you grow and learn this summer has been such a gift! 

We have spent time at the beach and the lagoon with family. You love the ocean and squeal with delight when the waves come crashing in! 

You LOVE the swing at any park we visit.

You are pulling yourself to a stand at every chance you can and really want to walk. Little Bear, you are crawling like a boss and getting yourself into trouble! :)

Reading, reading, reading...you "read" in your crib before you fall asleep and you constantly are giving me books to read again and again. I love it!! 

You are a gift and I love you always, 

Mama

Claire & Daddy

Dearest Bear, 

My heart melts watching you with your Daddy. I cherish the bond you have!! 

Xoxo, 

Mama 

A day at the beach ❤️

July 2013

June 2014

Claire Bear at 13 months

Sweet Claire,

You are starting to pull yourself up and it is fun to watch!  You are very determined to stand up. Look out world, here comes the Bear!! 

xoxo, 

Mama

Happy Birthday Claire!!

Dearest Claire, 

I love you so much! Celebrating your 1st birthday was so much fun. Surrounded my family and close friends, we sang, played, watched Frozen, ate yummy Chipotle, and scarfed down delicious cake. A joyous event!! 

It is pure joy to be your mother! 

Love you always,

Mama

Kisses from the Bear

My sweet Claire Bear,
You have started to give me and other family kisses. When I ask for one, you usually give one but you also give them to me spontaneously without being asked. You and your Papa have a tradition of "Noses" where you rub your noses together. Be still my heart, little Bear!
xoxo,
Mama

Claire Bear and Bedtime

Dearest Claire,
I wanted to document one of your routines you love, going to bed! Last week I put you in bed and I think you actually giggled. When you are tired, you are ready to go to bed and you let us know!

After dinner and playing and sometimes taking an evening walk, Daddy and I take you upstairs to begin bedtime. We usually play "Mama's gonna get you!" which involves me chasing you and Daddy, you clinging tightly to Daddy, searching for me and giggling.



On a bath night, I change you and wrap you in towels. You are so excited to take your bath, you squeal with delight and almost climb out of my arms. We go to the bathroom, brush your teeth, and put you in your massive rubber ducky minitub. A must for bathroom are your little toys, the owl, rubber ducky, beaver, swan, snail, and squirrel which you love to chew on. A new addition to your bath is a large blue cup that is used to rinse your hair but also for you to hold and drink water, both clean and soapy.



Once you play for a little time, the washing begins. You tolerate it when I use a washcloth and a brush for your hair.



Sorry baby girl, but I usually gets water in your eyes, but you wipe your eyes and keep playing! Such a noob Mama!  You let us know when you are done and ready to get out by reaching to climb out of the tub! We pick you up, towel you off and put on your snuggly sleeper.



Daddy and I read you three stories, In My Tree, Going to Bed Book, and Pajama Time in that order. We turn on the owlie night light, turn on fishies, turn off the light, and start your lullabies.  We snuggle while you have your bedtime bottle. Once you reject the bottle and throw the cap on the floor, it is bedtime. I kiss you good night, pray over you, and put you in your crib with Wubby and Rally Bear.


You are a little girl of routine, definitely my daughter!


Love you ALWAYS,
Mama

Claire Bear at 11 months

10 teeth including 2 molars

Saying Mama, Dada, baba

Loves walks

Full of energy and giggles

Took first road trip to Monterey

Starting to pull herself up

Standing with help

Great eater and enjoying her sippy cups

Claire, 

I love you so much! We are so blessed! 

xoxo, 

Mama