Greetings Little One

Double-feature Sunday, sans Clara

Mommy and I enjoyed another double-feature Sunday today while you spent the afternoon with Nani and Gramps.  It was a surprise for Mommy, who needed a little adult-time after taking care of you when you were sick as a dog.

We saw Crazy Heart and Alice in Wonderland, Mommy’s first 3-D film, and we loved them both!

As the first movie was about to begin, however, Mommy and I found ourselves lamenting your absence, wishing that you could somehow join us in the theatre.  The idea of spending the afternoon watching movies and eating lunch together, just Mommy and me, sounds great in theory, but when the actual day arrives and we are forced to leave you behind, it’s never quite as fun as we had originally hoped.  

You had a great time with your grandparents, who you simply adore.  Upon arrival, you immediately reached out your arms in Nani’s direction, demanding that she hold you.    You spent the afternoon lunching at The Elbow Room, reading books, going for a walk around the neighborhood and even napping peacefully for Nani and Gramps. 

You’re very lucky to have them play such an important role in your life, little one, and Mommy and I couldn’t be more pleased with how much you love spending time with them.  

 

Clara and Baby

Over the past couple months, little one, you’ve started to fall in love with some of your baby dolls.  There are three in particular, including this as-yet unnamed pink-haired baby who Mommy found you snuggling today during your nap today.

This was a first.  Clara snuggling a baby doll in the wild.

It’s just about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. 

Goodbye, Daddy!

You waved goodbye to me today, little one.  I’m the first non-fictional character, non-dental hygiene product that you waved at.   

I’m honored.

My girls

Mommy sent me this super blurry photo of the two of you today.

Yes, it’s blurry, but it’s sort of perfect, too.  Don’t you think?

Big girl seat!

Big change, little one.  Today you switched over from your infant car seat to a convertible car seat.  Mommy reported that you screamed for about ten seconds before realizing that you could see out the window like never before.

You’ve been happy ever since.

   

Affirmative

You’ve got a new word, little one. 

It’s Yeah.

“Want some Puffs, Clara?”

Yeah.

“Want to brush your teeth?”

Yeah!

“Want to go see Mommy?”

YEAH!

It’s really cute.

Adios

As I was reading PAT THE BUNNY to you tonight, little one, you waved goodbye to Paul and Judy, the two odd characters in the book.  You raised your arm, flapped your hand and waved goodbye.

Other than waving goodbye to your toothbrush, which is damn cute, this is the first time you waved goodbye to anyone ever.

And it was a fictional character. 

Not sure if it’s strange or incredibly cool.

Groundhog Clara

Like the groundhog, you found your shadow, little one. 

Last week, as the morning sun spilled into the bedroom window and onto our headboard,  you saw your shadow for the first time.  You were playing with some toys on our bed, and as you lifted your arm into the sunlight, your shadow passed across the headboard. 

For the first time, you noticed it and realized that it was yours.  You reached out and touched it, tracing it as it moved with your arm.  

As for the actual groundhog, little one, never listen to that nonsense.  They say that if the groundhog sees his shadow, we have six more weeks of winter.  But Groundhog Day is on February 2.  Of course we have six more weeks of winter!  Since when did spring ever begin in New England before mid-March?

Brush those five teeth!

You LOVE to brush your teeth, little one.  Just the mention of brushing your teeth thrills you.  You smile and giggle throughout the entire process, and you love to hold onto your toothbrush after we’re done before saying goodnight to it.

Thanks goodness!  We hear that most children do not enjoy the process at first. 

Last night Mommy sent me these photos of you brushing your teeth while I was working at a wedding.  So cute!!

    

Naughty Clara

It wasn’t quite a disaster, but last night’s trip to Panera for dinner wasn’t your best example of restaurant behavior ever, little one.  In fact, you’ve been so good in the past that it was clearly your worst.  You refused to eat your grilled cheese sandwich, chowing down on cantaloupe and yogurt only, and then you insisted that I read a book entitled FARM to you continuously. 

This is a twelve page book with pages like, “Cow Moo”  and “Bucket Splish Splosh”, each accompanied by a picture. 

Not exactly a thrill ride. 

Each time I finished reading, you began banging on the table and shouting until I read it again. This went on until we left the restaurant. 

I’ve seen much worse behavior from children inside restaurant, but considering your typical excellence in terms of table manners, this was a quite a departure for you.

I’d send you to your room, but I’d just have to go along, too.  And we’d probably have fun together.