Claire is getting so big. To see her change and grow is so joyful but it simultaneously breaks my heart. Right now at two and a-half she can be the most absolutely adorable little thing. And then she can be a monster. And then a pretend monster.
When Claire comes downstairs in the morning, or anytime really, she stops and says good morning to mommy or daddy.
She’s developing some debate skills, and has come up with the sweet and innocent phrase, delivered in the most casual of tone, “How bout we…watch a show?” Hard to deny.
She is very into safety and will happily comply with seat belts and life jackets. To be safe.
Jumping is a lot of fun right now too. She finally started getting both feet off the ground a couple months ago. She put in a lot of work at therapy to get there! Now she likes to jump over cracks in the sidewalk, off the septic tank lids, and down the stairs.
Our bedtime routine is very special, and very strict. Sometimes we start with a tubby time, others we just go straight to Jammies. Then it’s time for a show and some yogurt. The show is always Dora. The kitty one or the choo choo one are favorites. Once the show is over we both say, “time for rest” and head up stairs. Depending on her mood, brushing teeth can either be a fun little game with mommy or an out-and-out battle. After brushing teeth (always with the choo choo toothbrush) we head to Claires room to read a book. I let her pick. Lately it’s been curious George again, but recently it was the Disney princess book or Blankie book. I do love to cuddle and rock her as we read, though the stories are a little tedious! After our story it’s time for bed, and binkie. I feel like a bad mother but Claire still gets binkie when she’s in bed. It is good for both of us right now! Once she is all tucked in with binkie, mr bear, baby lamb and kitty, I snuggle up next to her and sing our goodnight song and talk about the day. At this point I usually don’t want to leave her, she is so sweet. But inevitably she will say, “I’ll check on you. Do laundry.” This means she is ready to zonk out. So I say, “ok I will check on you, I’ll go do my laundry.” A couple ugga muggas, a kiss, and I walk out and close the door. That’s the routine!
One last thing tonight. Claire has started playing her little ukulele quite a bit. Her specialties are the “sad song” and “I like you” song. I clap after she sings and plays, then she says “thank you, thank you so much. ”
