All About Claire 2007

Oh, my Claire. Such a sweet little girl. She's so funny, so emotional, so loving, and so fun to be around. She is now more than 4 1/2 years old and growing up so fast. She loves being girlie- outfitted with heels, matching outfit, jewelry, purse, and her Barbie cell phone. But Claire is not one dimensional. As soon as she takes off her purse, she is wrestling with Michael on the floor or wielding a light saber while playing Star Wars.

Claire is such a help around the house. She is in tune with my needs and is always there to help me if I need it. She loves to help me cook dinner, set and clear the table, unload the dishwasher, sweep the floor, water the flowers, Windex the tables, and bring in the groceries. If Matthew is fussing, I don't need to ask her for help- she already is at his side singing to him or putting in his pacifier. I call her my 'Little Mommy' because she is such a natural at nurturing. She knows how to calm Matthew, knows what we need to pack in the car before we go out, alerts me if there is a problem, and just instinctively thinks like a mother.

She is a great sister! She loves her brothers and has developed a real patience for them. Michael and Claire get along really well, but the two also butt heads. They play well together but it doesn't take long for me to hear an argument brewing. They love to play 'parents' and each assume their respective role. She gets wrangled into playing Star Wars a lot and because of this, has really developed a liking to it. While they do fight sometimes, Claire loves Michael and is very protective of him. She makes sure he is okay and protects him on the playground "Hey- that's my brother!" Of course, Michael would rather she didn't do this, but both Damien and I admire her courage to stand up to other kids, primarily boys, if they are being mean to her brother. Michael and Claire laugh together a lot. They enjoy each other's silly humor and can make each other weak with giggles.

Claire loves Matthew! She thinks he is so cutie (which is a word she has invented to describe everything about Matthew). She loves to make him smile and runs to the hills when it is time to change one of his poopy diapers. Claire has quite the gag reflex! She loves to sing to him and has picked up with ease the ability to 'baby talk'. She always says, "She loves him more than bunnies" which around here, is quite the compliment from Claire. She can calm Matthew and keep him happy while Mommy gets a few things done around the house. She loves his little toes and his fuzzy head. All in all, Claire loves her new baby brother. While she still pines for Emily (which was the name we had picked out if Matthew was a girl), Claire seems more than happy with her little baby Matthew.

Since Matthew is now in our lives, I don't have as much time for the big kids as I used to. While kind of sad for me, it has been great for Damien because he and Claire have grown closer. It's not uncommon for me to find them in her room with Daddy adorned with a tiara and jewels. They have a lot of fun together. They read books, draw in her coloring books, play princess, and just hang out and strengthen their father/daughter bond.

So, all in all, Claire is one very happy 4 1/2 year old. She loves her Disney Princesses and loves drawing. She is happy to spend quiet time in her room, organizing her jewels and her little toys (and she has a lot). She has a great imagination and doesn't mind challenging herself. While she is crazy and wild, she is not a dare devil and hates roller coasters and being on an airplane when it takes off. All of these little sweet and wacky isms combine together to make my Claire. She is a wonderful daughter and I look forward to watching her grow.

I can't believe that she is finishing her first year of preschool already. She is growing up so fast! Because time passes so quickly and I fear I may forget the little things that make Claire so special and unique . . .
I asked Claire a few questions about her favorite things. Below are her answers. Can't wait to ask her again next year to see how she has changed!

Favorite Food: Tunafish Casserole
Favorite Drink: Shirley Temple
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite TV Show: Strawberry Shortcake
Favorite Movie: Cinderella
Favorite Vacation: Disneyland
Favorite Ride @ Disneyland: Pirates of the Caribbean
Favorite Candy: Salt Water Taffy
Favorite Ice Cream: Vanilla
Favorite Disney Character: Jasmine
Favorite Book: Beauty and the Beast
Favorite Song: Life is a Highway (from Cars the movie)
Favorite thing about Dad: He always gives me hugs when he comes home from work!
Favorite thing about Mom: When she sings 'Baby Mine' to me.
Favorite thing about Michael: He asks me to go into his room and listen to his CD player.
Favorite thing about Matthew: That his face is cutie!
Favorite thing to say: Doh!
Favorite thing about school: To play games with my friends
Cheeseburger or Nuggets: Cheeseburger (with ketchup, pickles, and cheese)
French fries or salad: Salad with croutons and ranch.
If you could go one place in the world, where would you go: Lake Chelan