Claire turns 7

We just celebrated Claire's 7th birthday. I can never write about my children's birthdays without saying I can't believe how much they've grown. Fortunately for us, Claire is a sweet as ever, so even if she's growing up, we still get a lot of love, kind words and kisses from our littlest.

Claire is in first grade. Her class is made up of 19 boys and 9 girls. I'm not crazy about that ratio, but she's a really independent girl, so it doesn't seem to affect her. She's reading very well and sounding out everything she sees these days. She still likes for us to read to her, and we are enjoying that while it lasts. She does well in math and her other school work, and her teacher says she loves having her in her class. Claire still loves to craft and is always making the most interesting things like printer paper dioramas and hangtags for our doorknobs. She loves to work with clay, paint, glitter and whatever else is on hand.

It's fun to watch Claire eat. When she likes something she relishes every giant mouthful. I often have to tell her to eat smaller bites, and she tries, for awhile, but then goes back to stuffing herself and saying, "Um, this is GOOD." She loves fruits and vegetables and has just found out how much more delicious Ranch dip makes raw carrots, cauliflower and broccoli. Claire can't get enough sweets, either, and I've started keeping canned whipped cream in the fridge so she can make a dessert out of anything, but usually strawberries she'll wash and cut for herself. She's still not a big meat eater and gagged on the lovely corned beef I served on St. Patrick's Day. She knows what she likes and she enjoys a lot of deliscious things like artichokes and avocado, raspberries and roasted butternut squash, so it's fun to feed her.

Claire's room always looks like a tornado just hit. I help her clean it up and two hours later it's wall-to-wall clothes, shoes, books and toys again. When I give her a hard time about it she just smiles, shrugs, and says "It doesn't bother me." That's something you've got to love about Claire - not the mess, but the attitude. Lately she's doing a lot with her Legos and they're often strewn about the living room like confetti. American Girl is another favorite.

Claire just finished a dance class and had her recital two weeks ago. She was really nervous about it and wanted me to let her off the hook. It wasn't easy but I told her that I was pushing her to do it because I knew it was something special that she would remember always and of which she would be proud. She did really well, but when I went to pick her up backstage she looked ready to cry. I asked her what was going on she she said "I thought I was going to win one of those awards!" (They'd given out two awards for inspirational students and she really wanted one.) I comforted her, but was secretly pleased that she felt deserving enough to be disappointed. Maybe next time! We celebrated with a late night ice cream and put her to bed completely exhausted, but happy. I gave her hug and a kiss goodnight and she said "Mom, I'm really glad you made me do that." I nearly cried.

Our girls have a "job chart" with chores for each day and Claire does hers faithfully. I wouldn't call her room "tidy," but we've already established our standards are not the same. Claire helps me in the kitchen and is interested in the various tools and techniques required for cooking. She always enjoys TV and her latest face is Treehouse Masters. Every morning we turn on the heater and Claire grabs her clothes and dresses in front of the vent - she loves it. Claire still dresses like a little girl - polka dots with stripes, red with pink and blue, polka dots with more polka dots - and I hope that goes on as long as it can. She sleeps like a little wild thing and I always check on her before I go to bed because usually her blankets are on the floor and sometimes she's halfway off the bed herself.

 

Claire's a sensitive person, but resilient. She cares about everyone's feelings and will cry when her sister gets in trouble. She likes to share and give away her treasures. She's supportive and understanding, even to her parents. Sometimes, I think I'd better watch her more closely, because she's so good at taking care of herself she might need me more than it seems.

Claire's really funny and loves to make faces, joke about farts, and play with words. She cracks up when I rewrite the words to her favorite songs ("The skunks will come out, tomorrow..."). She's a delight to be around pretty much all the time. I'm sure that as she grows there will be tough times and maybe even some conflict, even though it's hard to imagine, but I know what a beautiful person she is inside, and I think we're going to have a  wonderful time with Claire.