Letter to Claire

Dear Claire,

How time flies.
I can't believe you are already two years old. It really seems like yesterday that you were just born. I can still remember fresh in my memory how you smiled as you were placed on my chest, how I cried and covered you in kisses.
You had quite a struggle those first few months, being fussy and colicky. You were always so demanding at times; always wanting to be held and bounced and rocked. I never thought I would make it through, but I did. I truly believe that it has brought us closer together and at a better understanding with each other. I can still see the demand in your personality as you try to grow and become more independent and the frustration that comes over you when you realize it's harder than you thought. I admire your perseverance through the struggles you have faced thus far and I hope you never lose that quality because it will take you far in life.
I love you quirkiness, your silliness, your coy little smile. I love how you love to share with people, and learn, and try new things. I love that you love fruits and vegetables and I don't have to fight with you to brush your teeth. I love that you love your sister and are best friends. I love that you listen( most of the time) and that you follow directions to the best of your ability. I love that when I look into your eyes, I see Heaven; a window to your soul; Eternity.
What a blessing you are in my life.
My daughter, I am grateful for you and the joy you bring to my life every day. I am also grateful for the turmoil you bring because it teaches me patience, tolerance, and love. I can already see the fun you and your sister will have wreaking havoc on me when you are teenagers. I can't wait to see what kind of adventures we go on together.
Claire, I want you to know that I love you. Even on the worst of days, when I can't just live one more minute with your whining, crying, screaming, demanding self, I still love you. I love who you are and what you will someday become. Please stay true to yourself. Don't listen to other people or let them make decisions for you. You know who you are and what is best for you. Sometimes the right choice may be the hardest choice, but in the end you will grow with the experience if you choose right. Follow your dreams and goals in life because I know, just from being with you for the last two years, that you will go far and succeed if you stay focused on what is important in life and fight for your right to have it. Know that I will try my best to help you along the way and that I am here for you and that I will do anything in my power to help you reach the stars. I will do it.
For you a thousand times over,
Mom

Claire's 2nd Birthday

Claire's birthday was celebrated last Friday. Since she loves Mickey Mouse, we decided to do a Mickey Mouse picnic in the front yard. I like to make everything as easy as possible for myself, so I bought a lot of outdoor toys and got the kiddie pool from my moms for water play. I made mac and cheese, hot dogs, fruit, pretzels and juice for lunch. The kids were really happy with the choice of lunch and most all of the kids went straight to water play. The moms were able to visit.

Thanks to my mom who decorated the cake, it was a huge hit. The sand is made of graham cracker crumbs and the mickey and minnie figurines were given to me by my sister in law( Thanks Adriana!!) The bigger kids chose whether they wanted a brown or blue piece of cake. Claire enjoyed her gifts and everything ended right in time for nap! It was a great success for a friday morning!

Girls Afternoon Out

On Saturday I went with Fernando's mom and sister to his cousins house. All the girls were meeting together and having lunch. It was a fun afternoon and I enjoyed visiting with them. Azure and Claire were able to play with their cousin Natalie which they enjoyed. They can't wait to see her again.

Azure's Field Trip Day

Yesterday, Azure had her first field trip. She didn't leave the school, but did get to go outside. It was safety week and they were learning about fire safety. One of the parents happened to work for the La Verne Fire Dept and so they came and talked to the class.
The Captain saw their stop drop and roll hats and reviewed that.


One of the firefighters dressed up in his gear so the kids could see. Some of the kids cried and were scared.

Azure was a little wide eyed, but she remained calm. Claire hid in her sisters lap, but she didn't cry. The firefighters assured them that it was a regular person and after demonstrating what each piece of gear did, the kids were more relaxed.

Afterward, we took the kids out to see the truck. It was cold and windy outside and a lot of the kids were shivering.

The Captain showed them how the ladder moved up and down on the truck and the how the hose was packed on the truck, all the gears, and then they let the kids walk through the cab of the truck.

About half the kids refused and some started to cry again. But I was able to watch as Azure and even Claire volunteered to go through. I think Uncle Ben would be proud.

I was really happy that the girls were able to be a part of the day. They learned new things and showed Azure's class how brave they were. And they didn't forget to mention that Uncle Ben's fire truck isn't red, it's yellow!