Build a Bear

Wednesday was Claire's actual birthday so while mommy took Harrison to therapy Mimi took the girls to Discover Mills where they ran around, rode the train, merry go round, rode the little rides in the mall, had lunch and ate Dip n Dots for the first time. Then that night after attempting to take a nap we went to Olive Garden before heading to Build a Bear. Mimi and Pawpaw treated Claire to her own bear. It was fun watching Claire shop and seeing once again the difference between my girls. Claire was quiet, serious, and to herself as she walked around the store and decided what she wanted. She decided quickly and stuck to her decision. We tried to encourage her to look around and get more, but she didn't want to, she had decided. When we took Payton for her birthday she wanted to look at all her options, lay them out, think about them, and then decide. Payton ran around the store with enthusiasm making sure she had made the best choice. I love how they are different. Claire picked a soft little pink bear and named her Ali. She had a great birthday!



Every year I have a tinge of sadness on my kid's birthdays. Sad that they are growing up, but not this year with Claire. Payton grew up so fast it seemed like, maybe that is being the first I don't know. Claire is taking her time growing up. She still wants to be held, cuddled, and cared for. She would rather me dress her, help her go potty, feed her, rock her, etc. Even though she does these things she is content on still being taken care of. Claire is our little mommy. She plays baby all day, and I mean all day. She treats her baby doll like a real baby, and even at times wants us to get her a high chair when we are out at a restaurant. Why not? It is not rare for her to ask me to hold her baby why she goes and does something, and then she gives me instruction on how her baby likes to be cared for. At times I find myself cooking dinner while holding a baby doll because her mommy is busy. Claire takes her time in everything. I love this about her. She is tender and gentle. She can be so goofy at times too, and when she is she keeps all of us in stitches. She is such a delight!