Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Happy Birthday, Claire!

Claire is four today, and as cliche as it sounds, I don't know where the time has gone. Wasn't it just yesterday that Jason and I were bringing home that sweet baby, suddenly very aware of the fact that everyone else on the road was driving like a crazy person and didn't they know that we had precious cargo on board?!



Overall, she was a very easy baby--the kind that tricks young mothers into thinking they've figured it all out when, in reality, they just got really lucky. She was a good sleeper, but a horrible napper, never napping for more than 45 minutes at a time. And she always wanted to be rocked to sleep. Which I did, against the advice of many of the baby books that I read, because she was my first baby and I could. So there, Mr. Babywise.


Once Claire started toddling around, life got pretty interesting. She couldn't be bothered with such things as staying in a highchair, sitting in a stoller, or, heaven forbid, being carried. There was a world to explore, and it could only be done on foot.



Claire's toddler years were much like everyone else's, I suspect. She cracked us up every single day with some new phrase, or dance move, or silly face. And then in the next minute, she was so infuriating that I was contemplating selling her to the gypsies, only, I didn't know any gypsies, and even if I did, it wouldn't be fair to subject them to this behavior.



Her preschool years have been the most fun, so far. She's learned so much and is so full of life, still intent on exploring the world around her. One day she wants to be an astronaut, the next, a waitress. She thinks she can read and will not be convinced otherwise. She's in that magical place, somewhere between being a baby and being a big kid, where her dreams still outnumber her inhibitions.



Happy birthday to my big four year old! My birthday wish for you is that you will always approach life with the same sense of urgency and excitement that you do now. We love you so much and can't wait to see what this year has in store for you!

6 comments:

Cortney said...

Happy Birthday, Claire Bear! We love you, sweet girl!

Mr. Ryan, Ms. Cortney, Reiders and Cade

Lisa said...

That is CRAZY! It really doesn't seem like 4 years ago when we were visiting you in the hospital. Even though she doesn't know us, give the birthday girl wishes from us. P.S. One of Clay's buddies is getting married near you guys in April - how would you feel about having some guests?!?

Michael Ann said...

Happy Birthday Claire!

Can't wait til the party! Did I RSVP? I am now, hope it's not too late!

Carson is excited!

Dana said...

Well you just caused me to cry at work! Tracy and I were just saying last night that we could not believe that Claire is 4. What a joy the last four years have been, and we are so looking forward to see what the future brings for Miss Claire. I think it will be very, very BRIGHT!

Happy Birthday Claire, We Love You, Mimi and Grandad

Melody said...

Hi Meredith! This is Melody (Donaghe) Winberry from RFCs. I found your blog when you posted comments on Dallas Heasley's. David and I also had an opportunity to go to the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did. We went this past July in celebration of our 7 yr. anniversary and as a pre-baby trip before our first baby was born.

The Mom behind the Chaos said...

Hey Meredith!! It is great to see that you and Jason are doing so well and your kiddies are adorable!!! Take care of each other! Tell Jason "HI" from Dwight too please!