Happy Birthday Claire

Dear Claire, My darling girl...how is it possible that you are already 3 years old? It seems like it's only been a few weeks since we met you for the first time.

The past 3 years have been filled with more laughter and joy than I knew was possible. You are turning into quite the little comedian, and you love to make your mommy, daddy and little brother laugh.

The past few months have brought some big changes in your life, and you've handled them with more maturity than I could have ever expected from a toddler. Obviously the biggest change has been the arrival of Will. You absolutely adore your little brother, and you get so excited each time you see him. He's pretty fond of you, too - I think you get the biggest smiles and laughs from him.

Although you're not a big talker, your vocabularly continues to grow each day, and there is no doubt that you understand (and remember!) just about everything we say. We love to watch your analytical mind at work. You spend hours each week playing with your Legos, puzzles, and matching game. You also love all of your play food and are always bringing us pieces of pizza, cookies or cupcakes that you've decorated with your favorite toppings. TV isn't something that holds your attention for very long, except when we are on long car rides. You do like to watch Blue's Clues and Elmo (Thomas has fallen out of favor) for about 10 minutes in the mornings or in the evening after dinner. I'm glad that you would rather play, and I hope that continues as you get older.

You are small in size, but big in appetite. You will eat a fairly large variety of foods for someone your age. Lately you've tried and liked: tacos, hummus, celery, "ants on a log", and guacamole. Your favorites are still peanut butter, applesauce and yogurt. I don't know where all of that food goes - your teachers say that you eat more and finish lunch more quickly than most of your classmates!

Lately you have really been testing your boundaries. While at times this is frustrating for all of us, we know that this phase will end (eventually, right?) and that it is part of your development. You are growing so fast!

Overall, you are an incredibly sweet, loving, helpful, beautiful girl, and I am eternally blessed that you are my child. God has given me more than I could ever imagine, and I pray that you will grow to know and love Him as your heavenly Father and Savior in the years to come.

Happy birthday sweet girl!

Love, Mommy

Note to all you readers out there - please leave a comment wishing Claire a "Happy Birthday", even you lurkers who never say anything. :) I'm going to include them all in our blog book for this year so she will be able to keep them. Thanks!