Times Are A Changin'

Approximately three months ago, Claire turned two years old. Already she has changed dramatically so I feel the need to do a "Claire Bear Update" a little early than usual. The biggest change we have seen is in her vocabulary. She is very talkative and tries to put sentences together, which end up being a mish mash of random words and statements. You really have to concentrate to pick out everything she says. I've spent the last week or so gathering a list of some of our favorites:

are you? (where are you) --- I sink (I think) --- macanee (macaroni)

that's mine (a favorite of hers) --- caubly (probably) --- time it is? (what time is it)

ipstick (lipstick) --- hi pad (iPad)

stop doing this (another statement we hear a lot of)

pastick (chapstick) --- gonna do a day? (what are we going to do today)

sleep well, good dreams (she says this before bed) --- boo

so cute mom --- all by self (all by myself)

open up the sky (open the sunroof in the car) --- how do it? (how do you do this)

fray (hairspray) --- owe (ouch)

des (yes) --- hold onto your paws (upon making a turn in the car)

so proud a you mom (she did something good and knows I am proud of her, or she of me)

Claire is so much fun to be around (when she has had a good night sleep). However, the temper tantrums are in full force and have been quite the frustration of mine lately. One of the hardest things we are trying to overcome is her hitting. A lot of the time it is when we are trying to get in the car and I really can't do much about it. We try to be diligent about time outs and I guess in those circumstances I should take it a little further and deal with it right then and there (instead of yelling at her). My patience has definitely been tried a lot more these past couple of months as I've been trying to get a handle on this little girl. The majority of the time she is so funny and amusing, but the days filled with crying, fighting, and hitting, seem to take over it all. I hope we can get through the terrible twos with minimal damage (for all of us).

Our baby girl is growing up so fast, I can't believe it. There are many moments that I look at her long, beautiful hair and remember how fast little ones change and how I will never get today back. Claire's personality is so fun, her blue eyes so captivating, and her smile so contagious. I need to cherish ALL of the seconds I have with her and know that someday she won't need me like she does now (even though I wish she will). Love you little bear!