Happy 7th Clare Bear: A Mom’s Love Letter

By now, y’all know the drill. When a kiddo celebrates a birthday around here, they get a love letter from me. Because we were on vacation on Clare’s big day, this year’s letter is just a tad late. Sweetheart, this one’s for you.

Dear Clare,

This year, I’ve seen tremendous growth in you, which is part exhilarating and part bittersweet. You are growing up and this momma’s heart just has to own, and cherish, it.

You have always been the happiest kid in the house. Quick to belt out a ‘yes ma’am’ when asked a question and even quicker to say, ‘Mom, I love you’ and then give me a bear hug. While you still pick flowers for us, you don’t do it as often. That makes me sad. But, I do lovingly admire those blooms when you pick them.

I’m not sure I’ve ever met a kid who loves to create art and make crafts as much as you. You’re always stealing my decorative paper punches and scrapbook paper to make cards for everyone you know. Your drawings are becoming more sophisticated and I can often find you and your sister, Anna-Laura, watching drawing tutorials on YouTube.

With your sister as the resident fashionista, you are my resident modesty checker. You refuse to wear a two-piece swimsuit unless it covers your belly button and you can often be heard saying, “That girl needs to put on more clothes!” when you spot someone in less than modest wear. Your designated color of choice is still purple, but you are starting to branch out into other colors. Thankfully, one is maroon. “Orange is the yuckiest color,” you say. Aggie parents? That’s called #raisinemright

While you’ve kicked around the soccer ball a bit, you’re happiest with ballet and tap shoes on your feet. I often find you in the gameroom upstairs, listening to music, making up your own choreography. You twirl and plié your way through the house. I adore it. This year you rocked the dance recital and I caught a glimpse of the young woman you’re becoming.

When your sister was born I’ve never seen a more excited kid. You had been dreaming and praying for a girl ever since we announced the pregnancy. You ask to hold Gianna every night. Every single night. Seeing the three of you grow up together will be a thousand times awesome.

I love that you are so much like me. You hate being hot, dirty or sweaty. Own the girly girl thang.

It’s true. You are the slowest eater on the planet. When everyone else is done, you’re still hanging out at the table asking how many more bites you have to eat before you can get down. When you get home from school, you often finish your lunch for your snack.

I’ve never seen a kid who likes to collect “stuff” more than you. And, by stuff I mean candy wrappers, broken ponytail holders, tags from clothes, broken toys. You know, the real keepers. You squirrel it away in the funniest places, too. I’m still finding your hiding spots!

You love playdates, cookies, American Girl, stuffed animals, pedicures, playing chef, dancing, singing and loving on Gianna. To you, life is a party. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Happy seventh birthday Clare. You are our sunshine!

Love,

Mom