Happy Birthday, Clara

Two years ago today, our 20th, and possibly last, grandchild was born.  Clara is our 8th granddaughter and by the organizational skills she's already exhibiting, I can assure you she's all girl.

She was welcomed to her family by her mom and dad, two brothers, and one sister.

 

 And although her older brother and sister were anxious to cuddle her, 

she somehow always looked more at peace in Mom's arms.

Clara was a wonderful baby and her siblings were so excited when she came home from the hospital.

 She was even a good sport a scant month later for her first Halloween.

She smiled early and often

And, although her first, favorite toys were her feet,

she enjoyed a wide variety of other interests including stacking rings,
 swings,

and cell phones.  (Although sometimes she had to figure out whether it was a remote control or a cell phone.)

She also enjoys ice cream cones

And playing kick ball (or anything else that all the older kids are playing).

And although she's not a fan of baths, she does appreciate the cuddles afterwards.

As I mentioned earlier, she's a great organizer and very, very helpful.

If she sees an item on the table and knows it belongs on the desk, she takes care of it right away.  If she sees me pick up my Ipad and I don't have my stylus, she hurries to get it for me.

In addition, she has a great sense of humor especially if she's done a good job hiding from her grandma.

Her best friend and mentor is Eli so she always does exactly what he does and exactly the way he does it.

She also drums,

 flies,

 and relaxes in her very own chair.

But at the end of the day, there's nowhere she'd rather be than in her mother's arms - just like when she was really, really little.

So, Clara, we're wishing you the happiest of birthdays and an awesome year to come.  We're so glad you're one of our very precious grandchildren.