Uniquely Clare

Clare has become very expressive and independent in the past few months.  We have a lot in common, but there are other parts of her that remind me of Phil...100%.  I love watching her turn into her own person...
with glimpses of us woven through her unique spirit. 

 She is curious, inquisitive, adventurous, spirited, 

and she is happiest when she's exploring outside.

 I don't know how old I was when I started forming a special bond with my mom, but we are very close to this day.  I look at my sweet girl and wonder what our connection will be like over the years.  She's at the stage where she wants me to cuddle with her, read to hear, do crafts with her, bake with her, and simply be near her.  There are moments when that becomes exhausting, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. 

Clare adds indescribable joy to our lives.

Funny Clare-isms:

* When she counts to 20, she consistently omits 16 and 18.

* She likes swimming totally "naked buns."

* She asks to do an egg hunt almost EVERY DAY after her nap.

* She fears thunder and fireworks and wants us to reassure her that there won't be any during the night.

* She has a hard time with her "s" words.  Therefore we have sit instead of spit, sop instead of stop, sart instead of start, sool instead of stool, sin instead of skin, soon instead of spoon, etc.

* During her nighttime prayers, the first thing
she says she's thankful for is always God and Jesus.

* She goes up to complete strangers (in the store, at the park, at playgroup, etc.) and says, "What's your name.  I'm Clare Bear."

* She thinks that our last name is AnnHillary.  She knows that her full name is Clare Ann Hillary, but she thinks that my name is
Corrie Lynn AnnHillary, and that Isaac is Isaac John AnnHillary.

* She would have a diet of Peeps, Marshmallows,
and Popsicles if it were up to her.

* When I tuck her in and say, "You're my girl,"
she always responds with, "You're my girl too."